Krishna Janmashtami Revels.org/education Worksheets Table of Contents Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document. 1. Krishna Janmashtami Facts 2. The Lord Krishna 3. Lessons from Krishna 4. Dressing for the Feast 5. Kolam Greeting Card 6. The Peacock Crown 7. Krishna Jhula 8. Let’s Eat Panjiri! 9. The End of Story 10. Krishna Festivals 11. Wordfind
Revels.org/education Krishna Janmashtami Facts
Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of the god Krishna on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September). The number eight has another significance in the Krishna legend in that he is the eighth child of his mother, Devaki. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Janmashtami GENERAL INFORMATION & PRACTICES ● The Krishna Janmashtami festival is celebrated every year by Hindus all over the world over the course of 2–3 days. ● The first day of celebration is for Smarta Sampradaya and the second day is for Vaishnava Sampradaya. ● During the festival, artistic enactments of the life of Lord Krishna are played out in ‘Krishna Lilas’, followed by an all-night vigil with the singing of devotional songs, fasting, and a festival the following day. Revels.org/education Krishna Janmashtami Facts ● The celebration takes place in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna is believed to have been born and spent his years growing up. ● Devotees observe a fast and sing devotional songs for him as the clock strikes twelve since he was believed to be born at midnight. ● During fasting, devotees take Sankalpa after finishing morning rituals and perform Krishna Puja during Nishita Kaal which is midnight Baby Krishna with his mother as per Vedic time-keeping. Yashoda. ● Devotees also wash baby Krishna’s statue with panchamrit, then decorate it with new clothes and ornaments, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets. ● The human pyramid is one highlight of the celebration: a young boy, who stands right at the top, is elevated by the crowd to reach a clay pot filled with buttermilk (dahi). ● The boy then smashes the pot and the buttermilk spills when he reaches the top of the pyramid. ● Devotees then break their fast and share food and sweets such as panjiri, Makhan Mishri, kheer, and honey with milk, etc. Sankalpa – Mantra is used to refer to a life lived with heartfelt intentions through the meditation practice of repetition. Panchamrit – bathing the shivling with water, milk, and honey along with bel leaves. This is followed by applying vermillion to the shivling representing virtuousness. Fresh fruits are then offered to the deity in order to seek his blessings. Revels/org/education Krishna Janmashtami Facts ● On Janmashtami, children in the Meetei Vaishnava community play the Likol Sannaba game and their parents dress them up as characters in the legends of Krishna, such as gopis and as Krishna. ● Temples and community centers are decorated with flowers and leaves, and a lot of devotees recite or listen to the tenth chapter of the Bhagavata Purana, and the Bhagavad Gita. ISKCON temple in Delhi at Janamashtami ● According to India Today, Krishna Janmashtami wishes may consist of: ○ Let your life be filled with love and laughter with Lord Krishna's blessings. Happy Janmashtami! ○ May Lord Krishna always be with you and protect you and your loved ones.” Happy Krishna Janmashtami! ○ May Lord Krishna bless you with values and show you the right path on this auspicious occasion of Janmashtami! ○ Lord Krishna will give you the courage to fight the hardships in life. Happy Janmashtami! ○ May Lord Krishna give you lots of happiness on the holy occasion of Krishna Janmashtami!
Bhagavata Purana – is a revered text in Vaishnavism, a Hindu tradition that reveres Vishnu. Bhagavad Gita – It occupies chapters 23 to 40 of Book VI of the Mahabharata about the dialogues between Prince Arjuna and Krishna, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. Revels.org/education Krishna Janmashtami Facts HISTORY OF JANMASHTAMI
Mathura was ruled by the evil King Kansa. His sister Princess Devaki and her husband Vasudeva married and had children. However, a prophecy befell them that earned their ire of her brother that said the couple’s eighth son would cause Kansa’s downfall. This angered Kansa and he imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva instantly. The king had their first six children killed. Their seventh child, Balram’s fetus is said to have been mystically transferred from Devaki’s womb to Princess Rohini’s, while their eighth child, Krishna, was rescued by Vasudeva and given to Nand Baba and Yashoda in Vrindavan. Vasudeva returned to Mathura with a baby girl and handed her over to Kansa. When the king attempted to kill the baby, she transformed into Goddess Durga, warning him about the impending doom for which he was fated. Meanwhile, Lord Krishna grew up in Vrindavan in the care of Nand and Yashoda and was a naughty child. He loved makhan (white butter), curd, and milk and would often steal butter from their neighbor’s homes. His mother Yashoda would often have to tie him up to stop his antics. *The women residing in Vrindavan soon stored their freshly churned butter at a height to prevent Krishna from reaching the pot of the treat, but he and his friends would form human pyramids to extract the butter from the pot hung at an elevation.
*The Dahi Handi festivals ritualized every year on Janmashtami are thus an imitation of Lord Krishna’s efforts. The preparation of white butter, curd, and milk as well as the human pyramid was attributed to him. Revels.org/education NAME: THE LORD KRISHNA Why is Lord Krishna very highly regarded by the Indian people? Get to know about his life.
BIRTH: ______
PARENTS: ______
INCARNATION: ______
OTHER NAMES: ______
ROLES OF KRISHNA: ______
DEATH: ______
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education THE LORD KRISHNA
ANSWER KEY
BIRTH: 3,228 BCE
PARENTS: Devaki and Vasudeva
INCARNATION: 8th avatar of Vishnu
OTHER NAMES: 108 names including Gopal, Govind, Devakinandan, Mohan, Shyam, Ghanshyam, Hari, Girdhari, Baanke Bihari, etc.
ROLES OF KRISHNA: Krishna's dual role is the punisher of human deeds but also a bringer of enlightenment. He is perceived by most Hindus to be an avatar (incarnation) of Vishnu, who is regarded as the highest avatar. It is believed that all other deities are manifestations of him. Krishna is considered by Hindus to be a warrior, hero, teacher, and philosopher.
DEATH: Krishna was cursed by Queen Gandhari, which led to his death and the destruction of his dynasty. This was a 36-year prophecy of a grieving mother. He died in Bhalka, Saurashtra.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education NAME: LESSONS FROM KRISHNA Blessed with divine knowledge and wisdom, Krishna has endowed the faithful with the lessons he imparted. Translate the following lessons in your native language.
कमर्म赍येवा धकारते मा फलेषु कदाचन | मा कमर्मफलहेतुभूर्ममार्म ते स敍गोऽ配वकमर्म ण karmaṇy-evādhikāras te mā phaleṣhu kadāchana mā karma-phala-hetur bhūr mā te saṅgo ’stvakarmaṇi
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क्रोधा饍भव त स륍मोह: स륍मोहा配मृ त वभ्रम: | मृ तभ्रंशा饍 बु饍 धनाशो बु饍 धनाशा配प्रण�य त krodhād bhavati sammohaḥ sammohāt smṛiti-vibhramaḥ smṛiti-bhranśhād buddhi-nāśho buddhi-nāśhāt praṇaśhyati ______Discuss these lessons with your partner.
Wisdom is the Excellence of There are three removal of false character arises gates to ideas of multiplicity from disregard of self-destruction and & realizing the unity worldly hell: Lust, Anger & of the self. considerations. Greed.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education LESSONS FROM KRISHNA
English Translation
कमर्म赍येवा धकारते मा फलेषु कदाचन | मा कमर्मफलहेतुभूर्ममार्म ते स敍गोऽ配वकमर्म ण Do your duty and be detached from its outcome, do not be driven by the end product, enjoy the process of getting there.
क्रोधा饍भव त स륍मोह: स륍मोहा配मृ त वभ्रम: | मृ तभ्रंशा饍 बु饍 धनाशो बु饍 धनाशा配प्रण�य त
Anger leads to the clouding of judgment, which results in bewilderment of the memory. When the memory is bewildered, the intellect gets destroyed; and when the intellect is destroyed, one is ruined.
Wisdom is the Excellence of There are three removal of false character arises gates to ideas of multiplicity from disregard of self-destruction and & realizing the unity worldly hell: Lust, Anger & of the self. considerations. Greed.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education NAME: DRESSING FOR THE FEST What would be the best clothes to wear during this festival? Find out what Indian people wear during these holidays. Paste your favorite designs below.
MEN
Children Adults Elderly
WOMEN
Children Adults Elderly
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education NAME: KOLAM GREETING CARD Let’s create a greeting card, Janmashtami style! This time, however, use your art materials to color this Kolam art. It is recommended to print this page on thicker paper (or cardboard) for longevity. Write your greetings at the back of the artwork. Kolam is a form of traditional decorative art that is drawn by using rice flour as per age-old conventions.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education You may copy some greeting messages in the facts section or better still, you can personalize your messages.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education THE PEACOCK CROWN
Have you noticed Krishna’s special crown? There is a story behind it. Read the origin of the peacock crown and design your own.
Krishna played his flute, and the peacocks were so mesmerized that with large tears of ecstasy, the king of the peacocks dropped many divine feathers at Krishna’s feet. Krishna lovingly accepted the offering of the peacocks and picked up the feathers and, to everybody’s joy, placed a few of them on his turban. Thus he came to wear the peacock feathers.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education KRISHNA JHULA Another traditional art created during this festival is the Krishna Jhula. Your task is to make your own version following the basic materials listed below. Go!
A statue of baby Krishna is placed in a swing decorated with flowers and soft pillows with richly decorated cushions. Womenfolk sing to him, offer him sweets, and pray to him on this day. Krishna Jhulas or swings are especially important and the silver-plated jhula or swing depicts this custom beautifully. It is believed the base of the jhula is the body, and the base where Lord resides is the soul. The four strings attached to the base depict faith, truth, purity, and prayers. The handle on which the strings hang is Devotional feelings or Krishna Bhakti for Divine and the string by which the jhula moves is the selfless love for Lord Krishna that devotees possess which connects Lord and the devotee.
BASIC MATERIALS: ★ A banana holder or any sturdy and robust holder ★ One round or square basket ★ Colorful laces to cover the holder ★ Colorful beads – big and small ★ Bright satin fabric flowers ★ Colorful cloth to cover the base or a pouch ★ Fancy (bead) lace to secure the basket ★ Bright lace to tie in the front ★ Colorful felt cloth to make the base
Make your own version! This is just a suggestion because we know you can make a better design.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education LET’S EAT PANJIRI! A Janmashtami puja menu is incomplete without the pious drink made with milk and honey. This time though, let’s prepare the most important Prasad of this festival – the PANJIRI
INGREDIENTS: ➢ 2 cup wholemeal STEP 1. Ghee roast the flour: or whole wheat Put a small pan on low flame and dry roast the flour cashews and almonds for 2–3 minutes and ➢ xt, put a kadhai 1 cup almonds transfer to a bowl when done. Ne ➢ 1 cup powdered or a thick-bottomed pan on low flame and dry sugar roast the wholemeal flour or whole wheat flour ➢ 1 cup cashews until the color of the flour changes to light brown. ➢ 1 cup raisins * Ghee is a form of clarified butter created by ➢ . It has a 150 ml ghee* skimming the milk solids out of melted butter lower lactose content than butter.
STEP 2. Add in the cashews and almonds: Then, add the ghee and roast the flour till the ghee is absorbed. Now, add the roasted cashews and almonds. Stir until the mixture is completely roasted.
STEP 3. Garnish and serve as a prasad! Turn off the flame and mix in the powdered sugar along with raisins. Transfer the freshly prepared panjiri to a bowl and let it cool down. You can store this enticing dessert in an air-tight container or serve it immediately.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS NAME: THE END OF STORY Do you know what happened to King Kansa when Krishna grew up? Let’s finish the story by writing a summary of the ending of the prophecy about Krishna. You can read a devotee’s excerpt on the events that unfolded. Have an adult help you understand should you find it difficult. (Vashista Bhat) https://www.quora.com/What-happened-when-Krishna-tried-to-kill-Kansa
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KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education NAME: KRISHNA FESTIVALS Not just Janmashtami, there are other festivals associated with Lord Krishna too! Find out what festival is celebrated based on the story related to Krishna.
Lord Krishna cut his finger while Krishna was always upset flying a kite. Soon, Draupadi about his skin color when tore a piece of her saree and comparing it to his consort tied it around. The Lord was Radha. He used to ask her touched by her gesture and mother Yashoda about it all the promised to protect her always. time. To rest his case, she This thread of protection asked him to color Radha's face connects the brother-sister Jodi with whichever color he wanted. in a special bond that is And the playing of Gulal and celebrated. celebrating their love marked the festival.
A festival where a human The significance of the festival pyramid is formed by Govindas is that Lord Krishna lifted the to break an earthen pot of Dahi Govardhan Hill to save the which is tied on a height. The people of Vrindavan from festival is celebrated where torrential rains and provided people play with colors, curd, them shelter. The festival is and buttermilk. It is celebrated a celebrated in remembrance of day after the Gokulashtami and the Lord’s existence and is based on Krishna's love for people's faith in him. curd, and buttermilk.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education KRISHNA FESTIVALS
ANSWER KEY
Raksha Bandhan Holi
Lord Krishna cut his finger while Krishna was always upset flying a kite. Soon, Draupadi about his skin color when tore a piece of her saree and comparing it to his consort tied it around. The Lord was Radha. He used to ask her touched by her gesture and mother Yashoda about it all the promised to protect her always. time. To rest his case she asked This thread of protection him to color Radha's face with connects the brother-sister Jodi whichever color he wants. And in a special bond that is the playing of Gulal and celebrated. celebrating their love marked the festival.
Govardhan Puja Dahi Handi
A festival where a human The significance of the festival pyramid is formed by Govindas is that Lord Krishna lifted the to break an earthen pot of Dahi Govardhan Hill to save the which is tied on a height. The people of Vrindavan from festival is celebrated where torrential rains and provided people play with colors, curd, them shelter. The festival is and buttermilk. It is celebrated a celebrated in remembrance of day after the Gokulashtami and the Lord’s existence and is based on Krishna's love for people's faith in him. curd, and buttermilk
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education NAME: WORDFIND REVIEW. Find the words listed below. While looking for them, recite what these Hindu words mean.
BHADRAPADA | KRISHNA | JANMASHTAMI MATHURA | VRINDAVAN | SANKALPA | KRISHNA PUJA | NISHITA KAAL | PANCHAMRIT BHAGAVATA PURANA | BHAGAVAD | GITA | DEVAKI VASUDEVA | KANSA | YASHODA | NAND BABA
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education WORDFIND
ANSWER KEY
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education WORDFIND
ANSWER KEY
● BHADRAPADA – the month of the Hindu calendar that corresponds to August/September in the Gregorian calendar. ● KRISHNA – the most popular of all Indian divinities, is worshipped as the eighth incarnation (avatar, or avatara) of the Hindu god Vishnu and also as a supreme god in his own right. ● JANMASHTAMI – Hindu festival celebrating the birth (janma) of the god Krishna on the eighth (ashtami) day of the dark fortnight of the month. ● MATHURA – Mathura is a sacred city in Uttar Pradesh, northern India where Krishna was born. ● VRINDAVAN – a holy town in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, and where Krishna spent his childhood. ● SANKALPA – means the resolve to do, that is, to perform, to achieve an objective, as a vow or a solemn promise to oneself. ● KRISHNA PUJA – ceremonial worship, ranging from brief daily rites in the home to elaborate temple rituals dedicated to Krishna. ● NISHITA KAAL – it is a period/ time usually of the duration of less than an hour and falls during midnight. ● PANCHAMRIT – holy food prepared by mixing cow milk, curd, honey, jaggery, and ghee. ● BHAGAVATA – 'follower or worshipper of Vishnu'. ● PURANA – religious texts composed in Sanskrit, orally narrated for centuries before being written down from the 2nd century CE onwards. ● BHAGAVAD GITA – meaning ‘Song of God’ is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the epic Mahabharat. ● DEVAKI – Krishna’s birth mother. ● VASUDEVA – Krishna’s birth father ● KANSA – Krishna’s uncle and the one who wanted him dead after a prophecy. ● YASHODA – Krishna’s adoptive mother. ● NAND BABA – Krishna’s adoptive father.
KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI WORKSHEETS Revels.org/education