Krishna Janmastami is observed on the Ashtami tithi, the eight day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadra in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatra is ascendant.
This year it was on the 28th of August 2013, thursday. It is the day when the Lord Krishna, an avatar of god Vishnu was born. The night of of this day is also called manmohak. As it was believed that the Hindus favourate god was born at today mid-night. And the very next day there is Krishna Puja, where the devotees of Krishna gather and the statue of Krishna is taken out in the town for the Jatra or carnival.
The devotees observe a fast and sing devotional songs dedicated to Krishna until midnight, believed to be the time of Lord Krishna’s birth.
On this day, special religious ceremony takes place at Krishna Mandir of Patan, Lalitpur.
President Ram Baran Yadav today extended greetings to Nepalis living at home and abroad on the occasion of Krishna Janmasthami and Gaura Parva, which is mainly celebrated in the Far-Western Region. Today is marked as national holiday.
On the same day, in the far-western region of the country, Gaura Parva is observed too.
The festival is celebrated on the occassion of the wedding of Goddess Gaura and Lord Maheswore. Gauri is one of the many manifestations of Goddess Parvati, and Lord Maheswore is one of many incarnations of Lord Shiva. Thus, Gaura Parva is the celebration of the divine wedding. Gaura Parva is also known by other names such as Gauri, Gaura and Gamara.
In the mid and far western regions of Nepal and adjoining areas of India, people celebrate this festival for six days beginning on the fifth day and ending on the tenth day of the bright fortnight or dark fortnight in Bhadra (August-September) in the Vikram calendar depending on the position of planets at that time.
Mostly women perform offerings to Goddess Gauri and God Maheswore on the occasion of the Gaura Parva. Men assist women in putting together all items of offerings, and in performing worship to these deities. Men participate in dancing, singing and merrymaking on equal footing with women. Women take the fast believing that the deities will bless them with children and happy lives.
source: Awaken-Nepal, 28 Aug 2013
