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The splendid festival of Janmashtami is celebrated every year to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. The occassion sees grand festivities worldover by the Hindu community which spares no efforts to make the birth anniversary of their favourite God a majestic and memorable event. Whether in temples or in individual homes, the Lord is worshipped everywhere and his is the name that is chanted all over. Many people observe this festival at home in a grand manner. An idol of Baby Krishna is put in a cradle which is decorated with flowers and jewels. Conches are blown at the midnight hour to symbolize the hour of the Lord's birth about 5,000 years ago. The deity is invoked and offered varied milk products to eat. Petals of flowers are also showered on the idol. The festival stands as an evidence of human love for the divine and is the time when relatives meet with each other. It is a time when homes are cleaned and decorated with flowers and other decorative items to welcome the Lord. A festive makeover is given to the whole house, especially the ‘puja ghar’(worship chamber) and also other places like the kitchen, drawing room and other rooms of the house. The center of attention of the day is obviously the 'puja ghar'. It is brightly decorated to welcome Lord Krishna and fill the house with His blessings. A number of popular traditional decorative items are used by devotees to adorn their homes and the idol during the festival. Listed below are a few of them: Idols and Sculptures of Lord Krishna Lord Krishna's idols and sculptures form the prime decorative pieces for Janmashtami celebrations. These are needed for the 'puja' (worship). The most appealing decorative pieces are 'Muralidhar' (Lord Krishna playing flute) or Radha-Krishna statues (Lord Krishna with beloved Radha). The Janmashtami puja can be performed with these idols and hence, can be placed in the puja room. Wall Hangings Of Lord Krishna Wall hangings with the image of Lord Krishna on top are also great as Janmashtami decorative items. Janmashtami being a sacred occassion, celebrated in a traditional way, wall hangings with ethnic touch are always preferred over others. Embroidered cloth panels are also quite popular as a festival decorative. Krishna Door Hangings The entrances of homes are often decorated with these appealing door hangings that come in bright festive colors adorned by multicolored glass beads, golden globules, shining mirrors & fancy motifs. Popular Janmashtmi symbols like flute, peacock feather, pots containing butter(Shrikrishna's favourite food) and cows are often stiched on them. These attractive motifs symbolize Lord's activities while during his stay on earth. Cradle for Lord Krishna Janmashtami is the festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. Hence, one must not forget the cradle of the Lord which can be a beautiful decorative piece for the occassion. Om: The Symbol of the Lord The symbol of 'Om' is considered very sacred in every Hindu rituals. The wooden wall hangings of the shape of 'Om' beautified with artistic carvings and fine etchings is a quality handcraft and a popular decorative article for the festival. |
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