Nation celebrates Janamashtami

10 August 2012: New Delhi: India :Lord Shri Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami, the eighth day of the dark half or Krishna Paksha of Bhadra in the Hindu calendar, in 2012 it falls on 10th August. Lord Krishna,the demolisher of demons, to accomplish righteous action and Dharma, HE who takes birth again and again to relieve the world from the unholy ones.
Sustainer of the world,Who guides the beings the various lifestyle in many forms, 
Thy Work, 
Thy Philosohpy, 
Thy lifestyle as Yogi, 
Thy  Devotions

Nicely decorated colourful Jhulas (swings) are hung in the courtyards of temples and houses in honour of Lord Krishna on this day.

The day is also marked by Ras Lila and Dahi Handi celebrations. Rasa lila is nothing but the dramatic enactments of the life of Krishna while Dahi Handi celebration marks Lord Krishna's mischievous side wherein teams of young people form huge pyramids to reach a high-hanging pot of butter and break it.

This tradition is a major event in Tamil Nadu on Gokulashtami.

The festivities go on for two days and reach its peak at midnight of the first day. This midnight time is when Lord Krishna is said to have been born.

As Shri Krishna was very fond of sweets and other milk products, so his devotees have sweets like Kheer, Pedha, Gulabjamun, Shrikhand etc to commemorate the occasion.President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Lok Sabha Speaker have greeted the nation on the occasion of Janmashtami.

In his message, the President Pranab Mukherjee has said that people should imbibe Lord Krishna’s message of love and compassion, of oneness and pluralism and work together to take our great country forward.

In his message, Vice President, M. Hamid Ansari said Janmashtami reminds the life and teachings of Lord Krishna and expressed the hope that this auspicious occasion brings amity, harmony, prosperity and happiness in our lives.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, in his message has said that it is a celebration of Lord Krishna’s timeless message of renunciation of the fruits of action.

He said the festival inspires us towards a disciplined work-ethic, and imbibe us with the spirit of selfless service to the nation.

Lok Sabha Speaker, Meira Kumar said it is an auspicious and joyous occasion that motivates us to follow the path of compassion, judicious conduct and selfless service.