Krishna Janmashtami

Born at midnight in a Mathura prison to Devaki and Vasudeva, Krishna's arrival ended the tyranny of Kamsa, his maternal uncle. As the eighth child of Devaki — destined by prophecy — his birth in chains, the parting Yamuna, and the swap with Yashoda's daughter in Gokul are among the most beloved stories in the Bhagavata.

The avatar of dharma in human form. Janmashtami invites devotees to recognise the divine in the simple, joyful, mischievous — and to surrender to its play (leela).