One of the most loved Gods of the Hindu pantheon, Lord Krishna’s birthday falls on the eighth day (ashtami of Krishna Paksha) of a lunar fortnight, that is the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan, in the month of Shravana. Hence it is also known as Krishna ashtami and is celebrated over two days. The first day is Krishna ashtami or Gokul ashtami. The second day is called Kaal ashtami or more popularly Janamashtami. Janamashtami is also a festival of children. They make a sand hill, decorate and light it to symbolise Mount Govardhan - the mythical mountain, which Krishna lifted on His forefinger to provide shelter to His cattle. People hand print child Krishna’s feet outside their homes to mark His entry in their houses.
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