Kansa Vadh

 

• Kansa Vadh is observed on the ‘Dashami tithi’  during the ‘Shukla Paksha’ of ‘Kartik’Month.
• According to the Hindu mythological stories, Kansa was an evil ruler of Mathura, and Lord Vishnu in His 8th avatar as ‘Krishna’ killed Kansa and released His grandfather and parents from prison.
• It is a celebration of ‘Dharma’ over ‘Adharma’.
• It is celebrated with utmost rejoicing and enthusiasm in Mathura and adjoining regions of Uttar Pradesh.
• The festival of Kansa Vadh celebrates the victory of good over evil.
• On this day Lord Krishna killed ‘Kansa’ and reinstated ‘King Ugrasena’ as the Ruler of India.
• Kansa, the evil ruler of Mathura performed several ‘Adharma’ or atrocities during his ruling period.
• He also imprisoned his father, sister Devaki, and her husband.
• When Kansa was prophesied by Narada that Devaki’s 8th son would be the reason for his death, he imprisoned his sister and mercilessly killed all her children.
• Despite his efforts, Balarama and Lord Krishna survived and grew up in Vrindavan as cattle herders. They were parented by Nanda and Yashoda.
• Sri Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) killed Kansa and released his parents from confinement.
• It is believed that the celebrations of Kansa Vadh keep the epidemic away from the region.

Things to do :

• Devotees worship Lord Krishna along with Goddess Radha.
• Offer delicious Sweets to Lord Krishna
• The Statue of Kansa is burnt on this day.
• Devotees chant the ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ mantra on this day.
• Cultural activities will take place at Mathura.

 2024 Date: November 11.