Gokulashtami is merely another name for
Krishna Janmashtami, the date of Krishna's birth.
Krishna is considered an avatar of the god
Vishnu and his birth anniversary is considered a day to be celebrated by most Hindu's and his worshippers.
Also See: Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Quotes, Wishes, Messages, Images, SMS, Facebook and Whatsapp status His birth anniversary is calculated by the traditional Hindu lunar calendar. According to the calendar, Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Shrawana. It usually falls in August or September in accordance with the Western calendar popular worldwide.
This year, 2023, Gokulashtami falls on 2nd September.
Also Read: Krishna Janmashtami Quotes: 10 best Lord Krishna's quotes from Srimad Bhagavad GitaSignificance of Golkulashtami According to Hindu belief, when the world getting engulfed with evil, god himself will take on human form to come purge the world and lead people back to the right path. The God Vishnu has incarnated time and again to ensure the preservation of mankind and Krishna is his 8th incarnation. He represents the destruction of evil and in the importance of Dharma (Duty).
Also See: Krishna Janmashtami Images: Beautiful Krishna Janmashtami photos and greetings cardsIn his life he defeated many evil monsters and men and when the brave Arjun's conviction faltered before battle, he gave him the words necessary to help him understand why he needed to fight. Krishna explained how that battle was destined by the gods and that he was but an instrument of gods design. Fighting that battle was his dharma/duty and duties had to be fulfilled. This text is in the epic Mahabharata but that chapter is also studied separately, it's called the Gita.
Krishna inspired many followers both in his lifetime and all the times following. His teachings have traveled across the world and he's popular god for people of all ages.
Also See: Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Images, Cards, GIFs, Pictures and QuotesImportance of Golkulashtami Golkulashtami is the day of the year to celebrate one's love for Krishna. He was born at midnight and so many people celebrate at midnight. They do so with prayers or by putting decorated idols of him as a baby in a cot to symbolise his birth. Hinduism is an free religion and people worship him in many ways, from spending the day in penance to merely taking a few moments to remember him, from fasting the whole day to reciting prayers at midnight.
Krishna defends dharma(duty) and fights evil so this day is a good to to meditate if the path you are on is truly the path of Dharma and if there are any evil vices or influences in your life you need to remove. Pray to Krishna for help with such issues.
Janmashtami 2018: Children dressed up as gopikas for celebrations