Krishna Janmashtami: Why are peacock feathers Lord Krishna’s favourite?

Kathmandu, August 14

You may have noticed people carrying peacock feathers while walking through the streets of Kathmandu on the morning of Krishna Janmashtami, which will be celebrated on August 16 this year. But have you ever wondered why people, especially young boys and girls, carry or wear these beautiful feathers on their heads?

According to popular belief, peacock feathers are a symbol of Lord Krishna. As a child, Lord Krishna wore a peacock feather in his hair, and the tradition has continued ever since. On Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, devotees offer peacock feathers to honour him.

The festival falls on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra, according to the lunar calendar. It is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight on this day in Dwarka during the Dwapara Yuga.

Devotees at Patan Krishna Mandir on Krishna Janmashtami, Monday, August 14, 2017.

Peacock feathers are considered a symbol of Lord Krishna because, in his childhood, he wore them on his crown.

There are different versions of the story explaining why Krishna chose the multicoloured feather as his ornament. One version says the feather contains seven colours, each representing an element of the world.

Devotees at Patan Krishna Mandir on Krishna Janmashtami, Monday, August 14, 2017.

Another version says the feather represents exuberance and romantic, colourful love, for which Lord Krishna is highly revered.

It is widely known that peacocks love to dance, and so does Krishna. This is why he is often depicted wearing peacock feathers on his crown.

Schools in Kathmandu have also begun celebrating the festival by dressing children as the lord, complete with a feathered crown.

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Originally published on August 14, 2017.

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