Weather & Festivals: Why Does It Often Rain on Janmashtami?

Have you ever wondered why it often rains on the eve or during Janmashtami?

Krishna Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. He was born during a dark fortnight of the month. The month of Lord Krishna’s birth is Shravan as per Amanta calendar and Bhadrapada in Purnimant calendar.

This time of the year falls under the Southwest monsoon on the Indian subcontinent. In 2022, the celebration is on August 18-19.

Lord Krishna's father Vasudev had to cross the Yamuna river to bring baby Krishna to Gokul from Mathura. it is said, that the night was extremely stormy. When Vasudev reached the Yamuna bank the river was overflowing due to a sudden flood.

The wind and storm were making the crossing impossible. But then the river parted and Vasudev could walk with Krishna in a basket straight through the river. Throughout the way, they were protected from rain by the hood of the great eternal snake, Vasuki. His hood was spread like an umbrella over them till they reached Gokul.