Gokulashtami or Krishnajayanthi

Krishna Janmashtami is also known as
Krishnashtami , Gokulashtami , Ashtami Rohini ,
Srikrishna Jayanti and Sree Jayanthi .

Devotees, who observe fast on Janmashtami, should have only single meal a day before Janmashtami. On fasting day, devotees take Sankalpa to observe a day long fast and to break it on the next day when both Rohini Nakshatra and
Ashtami Tithi are over. Some devotees break the fast when either Rohini Nakshatra or Ashtami Tithi is over. Sankalpa is taken after finishing morning rituals and the day long fasting begins with Sankalpa.
The time to perform Krishna Puja is during Nishita Kala which is the midnight as per Vedic time-keeping. Devotees perform detailed ritualistic Puja during midnight and it involves all sixteen steps which are part of Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi.

Fasting Rules on Krishna Janmashtami

No grains should be consumed during Janmashtami fasting until the fast is broken on next day after Sunrise. All rules followed during
Ekadashi fasting should be followed during Janmashtami fasting also.
Parana which means breaking the fast should be done at an appropriate time. For Krishna Janmashtami fasting, Parana is done on next day after Sunrise when Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra are over. If Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra don't get over before Sunset then fast can be broken during day time when either Ashtami Tithi or Rohini Nakshatra is over. When neither Ashtami Tithi nor Rohini Nakshatra is over before Sunset or even Hindu Midnight (also known as Nishita Time) one should wait to get them over before breaking the fast.

Depending on end timing of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra fasting on Krishna Janmashtami might continue for two complete days. Devotees who are not able to follow two days fasting might break the fast on next day after Sunrise. It has been suggested by Hindu religious text
Dharmasindhu .

Athirapally Waterfalls - Chalakudy - Kerala

The soothing sounds take you to the nature's most relaxing, rejuvenating place, East of Chalakkudy, The Athirapally Waterfalls, in Trichur District, Kerala, India. Athirappally is an 80ft high waterfall which literally takes your breath away. Starting calmly from the high ranges, and crashing through gorges overhung with trees,  this waterfall  is one of  the best places in India to re-capture a real sense of the classical idea of the "Picturesque " ...not just calm and sweet, but something wild and natural.

Perched high above in the Sholayar forest ranges on the fringes of Kerala's framed rain forests, the waterfalls provides a restful escape for those warning to leave the hurried pace of city life behind. The water plunges and joins to the Chalakudi River. The scenic attraction of Vazhachal, the other picnic spot is just a drive from Athirapally. These scintillating waterfalls in the thick green forest are part of the Chalakudy river stream.

Athirappally Waterfalls is located 78 kms from Kochi (Cochin), located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot. Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80 feet high and located in the forest area. Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul. The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet.

A tranquil and much needed escape from the troubles and stress of life. Let the soothing sounds take you to some of natures most relaxing places - the beautiful waterfalls of Athirampally. The charm of the Athirapally nature cannot be described by words. The thick lush green forest around the beautiful waterfall, will lure you definitely. If you are a person, who love to have an adventurous trip or trekking, the Athirapally waterfalls will be a perfect place for you to indulge with. You will have to collect an entry pass in order to be at Athirapally and Vazhachal waterfalls.

Now there is a narrow path leading to the bottom of the waterfall, which will give you a chance to enjoy the spectacular waterfall in close proximity. The view of the waterfalls from here is something you can never run away from your memories. Close your eyes and enjoy the roaring sound of the water falling upon the rocks and feel the water drops sprinkling upon you. You should be more careful, while climbing upon the rocks as they may turn slippery and there is a chance for you to fall down.

Thiruvalluvar Statue

Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari

The Thiruvalluvar Statue is a 133 feet (40.5 m) tall stone sculpture of the Tamil poet and saint Tiruvalluvar, author of the Thirukkural. It was opened in January 1, 2000 (Millenium) and is located atop a small island near the town of Kanyakumari, where two seas and an ocean meet; the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean . The statue has a height of 95 feet (29 m) and stands upon a 38 foot (11.5 m) pedestal that represents the 38 chapters of "virtue" in the Thirukkural. The statue standing on the pedestal represents "wealth" and "pleasure", signifying that wealth and love be earned and enjoyed on the foundation of solid virtue.

The combined height of the statue and pedestal is 133 feet (40.5 m), denoting the 133 chapters in the Thirukkural. It has a total weight of 7000 tons.
The statue, with its slight bend around the waist is reminiscent of a dancing pose of the ancient Indian deities like Nataraja. It was sculpted by the Indian sculptor Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, who also created the Iraivan Temple.