The Hindu festival of Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu. Vishnu is described as the all-pervading essence of all beings. Krishna is thought to have been born around 3228BCE, lived a pastoral childhood and youth before becoming a heroic warrior and teacher who is worshipped across many traditions of Hinduism. Krishna Janmashtami is observed with varying important rituals but is always celebrated with great joy and communal togetherness.