Krishna Janmasthami 2018: How to dress your child like Bala Krishna this year

Janmashtami, an annual Hindu festival, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon. According to the Gregorian Calendar, the festival usually falls in the month of August or September according to the. The festival is celebrated with great joy and fervor by Hindus.    

The Krishna Janmashtami celebrations are held across the country and also in various parts of the world. The festival is known by several names like Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti, Sree Jayanti, or simply as Janmashtami. 

The devotees gear up to welcome baby Krishna to their homes. People decorate Lord Krishna’s idol with new garments and fresh flowers. Lord Krishna, also known as Nandlala, is made to rest in a cradle. The cradle is then rocked by the devotees while performing the religious ceremonies. Bala Krishna, the child Krishna, is a divine child and one of the popular deities of Hindus across India. Every year devotees dress their babies like Lord Krishna and celebrate the festivities. 

If you wish to dress your baby at home like Krishna, then here is a list of things you would need: 

Yellow Dhoti

Lord Krishna is always shown wearing a yellow dhoti. It is widely said that Lord Krishna loved draping a pitambar dhoti. Hence, yellow dhoti, becomes  one of the essential elements of the attire for the baby. Yellow dhoti is easily available in garment stores near or can be bought online.  Readymade dhotis are available in all sizes. 
 
Mor Mukut: Mor Mukut or a crown with peacock feather is another element associated to Lord Krishna.  It is a symbol of auspiciousness, wealth, health and transcendent knowledge. You would also need a Moor Pankh and a crown to complete the Bala Krishna attire of your child.  Mukuts are also readily available in the market or online stores.  You can also refer to the DIY videos to make one yourself. 

Bansuri (Flute): Krishna is incomplete without a flute. He was believed to attract his female friends with his flute notes. So make sure you have a flute to give it to your child as he roams around in the house in Krishna's attire.
 
Jewellery: Pick your own jewellery or buy an imitation jewellery set. You would need a long pearl necklace, baju band, kangans, earrings, payal. For your male child, you can use sticker stones as earrings. 

Garland: Put a garland made of jasmine around your child’s neck to give that authentic look.

Makeup: You would need fresh chandan paste and kumkum to draw a kasturi tilak on the forehead of your child.