The month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar is considered among the holiest of the year. It brings many different festivals, one of the most significant is known as Janmashtami, or the birth of Bhagwan Shri Krishna. Shri Krishna, one of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu, was born over 5,000 years ago on Shravan Vad 8. Shri Krishna incarnated on this Earth to kill the evil Kansa and give the discourses of the Gita to Arjun. On this day, devotees observe nirjala, a waterless fast, and remember the life and message of Shri Krishna. At midnight, the hour at which Shri Krishna was born, devotees perform aarti. Then, a child murti of Shri Krishna is placed in a swing and devotees sing bhajans. In the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Toronto, devotees come together and recall Shri Krishna’s lila and the invaluable life lessons he taught.