Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna on earth and is celebrated with various rituals. From fasting and dahi handi celebration to special bhog and decked-up jhankis, devotees celebrate the day with great joy. However, did you know there is a unique tradition around this festival? At midnight, many people cut a cucumber, and this ritual is associated with prosperity, new life, and purity. Scroll down to know more.
Significance Of Cutting A Cucumber On Janmashtami
This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 16, 2025. On this day, many Hindus celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna. According to Asianet News, on this day, along with traditionally rooted rituals, devotees also cut a cucumber at midnight. Do you know the actual reason behind this ritual? Here are some of them –
1. Mythological Significance
Some Hindu scriptures have mentioned that a cucumber is connected with life and fertility. Rich in seeds, they are considered a symbol of life and reproduction, and to mark the birth of new life, devotees cut a cucumber. It also represents growth, happiness, and prosperity. Apart from this, it is also believed that multiple seeds in a cucumber are Lord Krishna’s blessings. They will increase the person’s lifeline and joy.
2. Scientific Reasons
As per Asianet News, Janmashtami is celebrated in the Bhadrapada month, when the season changes from monsoon to early winter. During this time, the body is more prone to poor temperature regulation and digestive issues. In this situation, a cucumber comes to the aid. It has 95% water and cooling properties. Eating it helps balance heat after you fast, it also helps in digestion, and prevents dehydration. Moreover, it also helps cleanse your body naturally.
Also Read: 5 Beautiful Lord Krishna Temples From Across India
3. Symbolises Lord Krishna’s Birth
Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell and taken to Gokul at midnight—a time of coolness, much like the refreshing nature of a cucumber. Symbolically, just as a cucumber has a calming effect on the body, the birth of Krishna is believed to bring a soothing and peaceful effect to devotees’ lives.
How To Perform This Ritual On Janmashtami?
For Janmashtami, here’s the step-by-step guide on how to cut a cucumber:
- Take a fresh and stem-intact cucumber.
- Wash it properly and apply a bit of turmeric or kumkum.
- Place it in a vessel or a puja plate, and exactly at midnight, believed to be Lord Krishna’s birth, perform puja.
- Take a coin and cut the cucumber vertically.
- Then offer it to Lord Krishna with other prasad. Later, distribute the cucumber to others.
People in states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh highly follow this ritual. Newly married and childless couples offer a cucumber during prayer.
How excited are you to celebrate Janmashtami this year? Tell us in the comments below!
Also Read: 6 Different Ways In Which Janmashtami Is Celebrated Across India
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/breakermaximus & Canva Pro/Nikhil Patil