Krishna Jayanthi is donated as the birthday of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna came to earth to remove the negative elements from earth. There are many reasons presented by legends to celebrate this day:
To celebrate Krishna’s essence: Lord Krishna taught the mankind how to live the life. Lord Krishna had joy throughout his life. To invite Krishna’s energy and remove all the negativity and suffering from life Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated.
Progeny and welfare of children: Krishna Jayanthi celebrates the playfulness and innocence of the children at home. Propitiation of Krishna on this day blesses one with progeny and ensures well-being of children.
Gain qualities of Krishna: Krishna was born under the Rohini Nakshatra and was highly creative, eloquent and good looking. Worshipping Krishna on Krishna Jayanthi, one can absorb the qualities supported by the Nakshatra.
Solves Hurdles: Lord Krishna is the symbol of love and joy. His blessings would solve the problems in one’s relationship. Krishna Jayanthi is a good day to ask lord’s grace for bringing in harmony.
Removal of Sins: Lord Krishna absorbs the sins of his devotees and fulfills their desire even without them asking.
Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated on the eighth day of the Bhadrapad month in the Hindu calendar. It generally comes in the month of August/September in English calendar. It is celebrated in all parts of India and some parts of Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Hindus celebrate Krishna Jayanthi by fasting, worshipping Krishna and staying up until midnight. Krishna's images are placed in swings and cradles in temples and homes. Devotees gather for devotional songs, dance and exchange gifts in mid night. Some temples also conduct readings of the Bhagavad Gita. In Maharashtra Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated by making a human pyramid and breaking an earthen pot filled with buttermilk which is tied at a convenient height. In Odisha and West Bengal people celebrated the festival by fasting till mid night. In Tamil Nadu, the people decorate the floor with kolams and then they draw the footprints of Lord Krishna from the entrance of the house till the pooja room.