The festival of Kansa Vadha celebrates the victory of good over evil. On this day, Lord Krishna killed ‘Kansa’ and reinstated ‘King Ugrasena’ as the Ruler of India. This festival is celebrated on the “Dashmi Tithi” during the “Shukla Paksha” during the Hindu Lunar months of “Kartik”.
Let’s know about the backstory or history of Kansa Vadha.
History:
According to our Hindu mythology, Kansa was an evil ruler of Mathura. The festival of Kansa Vadh is a celebration of “Dharma” over “Adharma”. Let’s know more about it. Kansa was the ruler of Mathura who imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva. Once an astrologer predicted that Devaki’s 8th son will be the reason for his death.
Despite all his efforts, Lord Krishna survived and grew up in Vrindavan as a cattle herder. Lord Krishna grew or was parented by Mata Yashoda. When Kansa got to know that Krishna was Deviki’s 8th child, he made countless attempts to kill him. He sent out demons such as Aghasura, Bakasura, Kaliye and many more.
But all of those attempts failed. Consequently, Lord Krishna, (an avatar of Lord Vishnu) killed Kansa and released his parents from prison, and reinstated Ugrasena as King of Mathura.
From then onwards, the day is observed as Kansa Vadh.
Date and Timings: Kansa Vadh 2023
| Sunrise | November 22, 6:49 AM |
| Sunset | November 22, 6:49 AM |
| Dashami Tithi Timing | November 22, 01:10 AM – 11:04 PM |
Significance of Kansa Vadh:
This festival holds a special importance or religious significance for the followers of Lord Krishna. It commemorates the triumph of goodness over evil. The festival is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm and joy in Mathura and the adjoining region of Uttar Pradesh.
This is occasion mainly celebrated by the Chaturvedi community. The phrase “Chaturvedi” signifies a person who has the knowledge of 4 Vedas.
The festival is observed during the month of Kartik on the day of Shukla Dashami. Henceforth, people of the Chaturvedi community perform various rituals throughout the 10 days after Diwali.
Now let’s move to the next headline, i.e. rituals of Kansa Vadh.
Rituals: Kansa Vadh
- Devotees prepare several delicacies and sweets to be offered to the deities (Lord Krishna and Radha).
- On this day, devotees also apply colors and flowers on each other to express their bliss and happiness.
- Several cultural events like dramas, music, and dance are held at different places. Kansa Vadh Leela, a renowned skit portraying the complete event is performed and enjoyed by all.
- On this occasion, devotees chant the sacred mantra “Hare Rama Hare Krishna”.
Conclusion:
In this article, information regarding Kansa Vadh, how Lord Krishna killed Kansa and released his parents from prison is articulated. This tale signifies the celebration of “Dharma” over “Adharma”.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who was the real mother and father of Krishna?
Ans: Deviki and Vasudeva were the real mother and father of Krishna.
- Who was the maternal uncle of Krishna?
Ans: Kansa was the maternal uncle of Krishna.
- What is the significance of Kansa Vadh?
Ans: Kansa Vadh is celebrated to mark the victory of good over evil.
- When does Kansa Vadh fall in 2023?
Ans: Wednesday, 22nd of November
