Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna who is considered the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, he is the preserver among the Trinity. Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival which celebrates Lord Krishna's birth and is also called Gokul Ashtami. All across the country today, devotees are celebrating Krishna Janmashtami with fervour and enthusiasm. Several leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi greeted people on the occassion of Janmashtami.
Born in a dungeon in present-day Mathura in Uttar Pradesh at midnight to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva, Krishna is described in Hindu epics as the god of love, tenderness and compassion. He is also praised as a prankster who often used his supreme powers to help others, stunning his friends and family.
Every year, this festival falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in Shraavana or Bhadrapad, as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar. This year, Janmashtami falls on August 30, 2021. Some people will also be celebrating it on August 31, 2021.