Krishna Janmashtami or simply popularly called Janmashtami is one of the most celebrated festivals of India. The day is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Krishna – one of the human incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself on Earth. Krishna is known for his romantic rasleelas, savior of Dharma, author, and narrator of one of the greatest Indian scriptures Sri Mad BhagavatGita.
According to Hindu calendar, Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapad. While celebrations take place all over the country, few places deserve a special mention. The festival is primarily celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan which is supposedly the birthplace of Lord Krishna, people celebrate his birth by singing songs, Bhajans and play Krishna Leela. On the day of Janmashtami, children are dressed as little Krishna who steals butter with his friends. An extravagant puja is done in temples and households to welcome Lord Krishna late in the evening.
Let’s take a look at the different places where this festival finds a special place in the heart of people.
- Mathura-Gokul-Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh
These three places are associated with Krishna’s childhood – Mathura, Gokul, and Vrindavan these places are some of the best destinations if you plan to celebrate your Janmashtami away from home. Mathura, the birthplace of the lord has around 400 temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, all of which are decorated beautifully during Janamasthmi. Chanting of shlokas, performing Raas Leela, fireworks, and jhulotsava are some common ways to welcome Krishna at all these three places. Celebrations begin almost 10 days before the birthday and inflow of tourists increases considerably during this time of the year.
Book your holiday trip to India during Janmashtami
- Udupi, Karnataka
Just as north India does, the southern region of India also gets into the festive mood. Here raasLeelais called as Vittal Pindi. Earthen pots filled with curd (also known as DahiHandi) are hung on gopuras and later on broken by sticks. Hulivesha dancers are a huge attraction during the celebrations. Several contests are held where people dress up in ethnic costumes and perform traditional dance, making the festival vibrant and colorful.
Book your holiday trip to India during Janmashtami
- Mumbai-Pune, Maharashtra
Mumbai and Pune are the places where Janmashtami is celebrated in a very unique manner – a human pyramid is formed to reach and break the hung earthen pot filled with curd, milk, water, and fruits. The notion behind this is to rejoice the playful side of Lord Krishna who used to steal butter or curd from the hung pots. This event is held on a large scale in with huge cash prizes. Thousands of people gather to witness this grand and marvelous celebration of Janmashtami.
Book your holiday trip to India during Janmashtami
Apart from these places, Janamashtmi is also celebrated vibrantly in Dwarka, Gujarat, Assam, and some parts of Tamil Nadu.
Undoubtedly India hosts of the best celebrations in the world through its festivals and fairs. Janmashtami is one of those colorful and fun-filled festivals that reflects the celebrating spirits of India.
Wishing everyone a wonderful time with your friends and family- from all of us at Destinos’sIndia.