Why Cucumber is Cut on Janmashtami – The Story Behind This Unique Tradition

Janmashtami, the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, is observed with great devotion all over India. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated, bhajans are sung, and devotees keep fasts. The celebrations reach their peak exactly at midnight, the moment when Krishna was born.

But there is one very special and unique custom followed on this day that surprises many – the ritual of cutting a cucumber. This tradition has been practiced for centuries and carries a deep spiritual and emotional meaning.

Link Between Cucumber and Krishna’s Birth

According to Hindu belief, the stalk of a cucumber is considered similar to the umbilical cord of Lord Krishna. Just as a newborn is separated from the mother by cutting the umbilical cord, on Janmashtami, devotees cut the cucumber stalk in the same way.

This ritual is called Nal Chhedan (meaning “cutting the umbilical cord”). It symbolizes the divine birth of Krishna from his mother’s womb and the painful separation of Mata Devaki and baby Krishna, as he was immediately taken to Gokul to protect him from King Kansa.

How to Perform the Cucumber Cutting Ritual

The ritual is done with devotion and care:

• Choose a cucumber with stalk.
• The cucumber is cut exactly at midnight when Krishna is believed to have been born.
• Place the cucumber in a clean vessel. Using a clean coin or knife, gently cut the stalk without slicing the cucumber completely.
• An idol of Laddu Gopal (baby Krishna) is taken out from the cucumber, symbolizing his birth.
• Only after this symbolic “birth” does the midnight aarti and celebrations begin.

Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.