Janmashtami
Janmashtami or Gokulashatami, this annual Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is usually observed on the eighth day (ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Sharavan or Bhadrapad.
On the auspicious occasion, people enact dance-dramas based on the life of Krishna according to Bhagavata Purana, sing devotional songs throughout midnight and fast through the day. The most noteworthy celebrations take place in Mathura and Vrindavan, besides other parts of the country.
As per the Hindu tradition, Krishna is believed to have been born in Mathura at midnight on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month. Immediately after his birth, his father Vasudeva Anakadundubhi took Krishna across the Yamuna river to save him from uncle King Kansa and gave him to his foster parents in Gokul, Nanda and Yashoda. Legend goes that Kansa’s sister Devaki’s eighth son was prophesied to kill the cruel king. So Kansa locked Devaki and Vasudeva in the prison and started killing their sons one by one until Krishna was born.
On Janmashtami, therefore, idols of infant Krishna are washed, clothed and placed in a cradle. The devotees then break their fast and share foods and sweets.
Janmashtami is Celebrated in temple of Ashapura Mataji in Borivali Mandpeshwar Dham.