Janmashtami
Israel turns Krishna-conscious: Jewish devotees chant ‘Hare Rama, Hare Krishna’ in viral Janmashtami celebration
Jerusalem/IBNS: Chants of 'Hare Rama, Hare Krishna' echoed at a gathering of Lord Krishna devotees in Moshav Aviel in northern Israel as they celebrated Janmashtami on Friday (local time).
Several videos from the celebration went viral on social media, showing devotees, mostly Jewish, dancing to the tunes of 'Hare Rama, Hare Krishna' as they marked the major Hindu festival, which is widely celebrated across India.
Bhajans, kirtans and Krishna-themed performances
The devotees also participated in a cultural event featuring bhajans and kirtans, along with dramas centred on the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The gathering showcased the devotees' participation in Hindu cultural and spiritual traditions while marking Krishna's birth.
STORY | Janmashtami celebrated in Israel with fervour
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 5, 2026
Chants of “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” reverberated through northern Israel's Moshav Aviel, as hundreds of Krishna devotees, most of them Jews, gathered from across the country to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. Janmashtami marks… pic.twitter.com/mxzWVzovbv
What is Janmashtami?
Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) in the month of Shravana or Bhadrapada, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar.
According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva.
His birth is associated with the divine mission to defeat the tyrannical king Kansa and restore righteousness.
The festival is celebrated with prayers, devotional songs, cultural programmes and other festivities in India and by Krishna devotees around the world.
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