India is a land of colourful festivals and vibrant celebrations. We celebrate every occasion with much gusto and fervour, and Krishna Janmashtami is no different! In fact, it is one of the most celebrated festivals in India as it marks the birth of Shri Krishna, the most beloved Hindu God.
Janmashtami is a culturally rich festival that is celebrated uniquely in every state of India. For example, in Vrindavan, Janmashtami is celebrated with a colourful procession of the Lord, while in Manipur, Rash Purnima celebrations take place throughout the day.
If you are a Krishna devotee or someone intrigued to learn more about the Janmashtami celebration, continue reading this article because it will show you how Janmashtami is celebrated in different parts of India.
Story Behind Janmashtami Celebration
Krishna Janmashtami is an important Hindu festival as it celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is a very loved deity. The festival usually falls on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It means that Hindus celebrate Krishna Janmashtami in August or September.
The legend of Shri Krishna is based on ancient Hindu mythology and scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavad Purana. Let’s travel back in time to Mathura during the birth of Krishna. Born to Vasudeva and Devaki, Krishna was named as the eighth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the world and one of the Hindu trinity of God (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh).
As per Bhagavata Purana, Krishna was a threat to Devaki’s brother, King Kamsa, who was informed via a prophecy that his sister’s eighth son would be the reason behind his downfall. To prevent his downfall, Kamsa imprisoned Devki and Vasudeva and killed their first six offspring. However, when Devaki bore the seventh child, Lord Vishnu intervened and transferred the foetus to the womb of Princess Rohini, also the wife of Vasudeva. The son was Balrama.
To protect the eighth child from the wrath of Kamsa, Vishnu himself incarnated as Krishna and instructed Vasudeva to cross the Yamuna River and go to the village of Gokul, holding Krishna in his arms.
As Vasudeva was crossing the river, he faced several attacks, but he made sure to protect little Krishna. Afterwards, Krishna was raised by Nanda and Yashoda as their own son. Despite being aware of his divine nature and powers, he grew to be a playful and mischievous child.
As he grew up, Krishna slowly revealed His miraculous being to the world as he continued with his ‘Leela’ throughout His human life, playing important roles in the Indian mythological text, Mahabharata.
How India Celebrates Krishna Janmashtami
Different parts of India celebrate Krishna Janmashtami in their own unique way. However, a few Indian cities deserve an elaborate mention, for the people there go out of their way to celebrate the auspicious day.
1. Janmashtami in Mathura/Vrindavan
The first on the list is Mathura Janmashtami for one simple reason – it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. People from all over the country are interested in witnessing Janmashtami in Mathura because of the grand processions, colourful decorations, grandeur puja in the temples, ancient rituals, and festivities.
The main celebrations, however, take place at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, believed to be the exact birthplace of Lord Krishna. The temple is beautifully decorated, and elaborate puja (worship) ceremonies are conducted throughout the day.
One of the most anticipated events during Janmashtami in Mathura is the Dahi Handi ceremony, where teams of young men form human pyramids to break a clay pot filled with buttermilk, symbolising the playful and mischievous nature of Lord Krishna as a child. The exact place to witness this event is Vrindavan, about 15 km from Mathura.
If you are in Vrindavan on the day of Janmashtami, do not miss the captivating performances of Raas Leela, depicting the divine love story of Krishna and Radha through dance and drama.
So, make sure to witness Janmashtami in Vrindavan on Krishna’s next birthday! If you are confused about travelling to Vrindavan, connect with us for budget-friendly Mathura tour packages designed exclusively for you.
2. Janmashtami in Dwarka, Gujarat
The auspicious celebration of Krishna Janmashtami unfolds spectacularly in Dwarka, the ancient kingdom of Shri Krishna. The heart of the celebration is the Dwarkadheesh Temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. Special pujas and rituals are conducted as thousands of devotees pay their homage to the Hindu deity throughout the day.
The elaborate decoration with intricate floral arrangements, vibrant drapes and lights, Krishna bhajans, and incense filling the air brings a sense of peace to the heart. So, even if you aren’t spiritual, visiting the temple is a great way to calm your soul.
Legend says that Krishna spent five thousand years ruling and loving Dwarka, and once he entered heaven, the city was submerged in the Arabian Sea. Even today, devotees hear the sound of conch shells and bells coming from the lost city, especially on Janmashtami.
Another highlight of Janmashtami in Dwarka is the distribution of prasad (holy offerings) among devotees, symbolising the blessings of Lord Krishna. The prasad, typically consisting of sweets and fruits, is shared with joy and reverence, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among the devotees.
3. Janmashtami in Varanasi
Situated on the sacred Ganga River, Varanasi is one of the oldest and most spiritual cities in the world. Varanasi tourism ensures that Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in the city are nothing less than grand! Throughout the day, the air resonates with the melodious strains of bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (religious chants) dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Devotees gather in Krishna temples, such as ISKCON, and makeshift pandals (tents) to participate in collective prayers and sing praises to the beloved deity. The atmosphere is infused with joy and devotion as devotees immerse themselves in the divine presence of Lord Krishna.
Just like Janmashtami in Mathura, the iconic rituals of the “Matki Phod” ceremony, inspired by the playful antics of Lord Krishna as a child, also take place here. In this tradition, an earthen pot a team of young men form human pyramids to reach and break the pot filled with butter or curd that is suspended high above the ground.
As night falls, the city is illuminated with dazzling lights and colourful decorations, casting a spellbinding aura over Varanasi. Devotees gather for midnight aarti (ritual worship) ceremonies at the ghats, offering prayers and floating diyas (earthen lamps) on the sacred waters of the Ganges.
The sight of thousands of flickering lamps adorning the riverbank is a sight to behold, showing the triumph of light over darkness and the eternal presence of divine grace in the hearts of devotees.
Check out our special Varanasi tour packages to experience the real ‘ras’ of Janmashtami in the ancient city.
4. Krishna Janmashtami in Puri, Odisha
A grand celebration steeped in tradition and devotion is what Krishna Janmashtami in Puri, Odisha is all about!
The city, home to the revered Jagannath Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his siblings Balarama and Subhadra, becomes a hub of spiritual fervour on this day. It is said that Krishna’s heart was tied to a log and immersed in the ocean, and it is Jagannath Temple where the heart can be found.
Thousands of devotees gather in the temple to seek blessings of their Lord as special pujas take place all day. A special prasad called Jeuda Bhog is distributed to every visitor to the temple and is believed to ease labour pain. Lord Krishna as ‘ladoo gopal’ is dressed in beautiful clothes and jewellery and put in a cradle at the time of his birth, that is, midnight when the air reverberates with chants of Hare Krishna and Govinda invoking the divine presence of the Lord.
Devotees also participate in cultural performances and processions throughout the city. These events comprise traditional folk dance and musical shows as a way to pay homage to the deity.
5. Krishna Janmashtami in Maharashtra
Janmashtami in Maharashtra is more about merry-making than following auspicious rituals in a temple. You will come across huge pandals in cities like Mumbai and Goa, where the Dahi Handi contest occurs, just like in Vrindavan and Varanasi.
Earthen pots filled with butter and curd are found hanging above the crowd, and young men try to break them playfully, just like Krishna was believed to do so. They get on top of each other to get to the handi, making human pyramids while onlookers, especially ladies, splash water on the group.
This ritual is so popular in Maharashtra that many brands and companies sponsor the event and even organise a cash prize for the winning team. Apart from this, special parades are also organised where devotees of Krishna dance to the music as they celebrate the birth of their beloved Krishna.
6. Janmashtami in Manipur
One of the major festivals in Manipur is Rash Purnima, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Rash Purnima is a festival where people play ‘raas,’ a traditional folk dance that Shri Krishna originally performed with his female admirers known as ‘Gopis.’ It displays emotions like love, admiration, respect, and devotion shared between both sides.
Janmashtami celebration in Manipur is more like a cultural activity where Manipuri dancers, dressed in traditional outfits, perform ‘raas’ or ‘rash’ to engage the audience in sublime storytelling.
The dance comprises slow and graceful movements and portrays the childhood, youth, and other important aspects of Krishna’s life. So, if you want to experience something different from traditional Janmashtami celebrations, book your tour package to Manipur and watch the Rash Leela under a moonlit night.
7. Janmashtami in Udupi, Karnataka
If you plan to engage in the Janmashtami celebration down south, Udupi is the best place to do so. The minute you land in Udupi, head straight to the Sri Krishna Matha Temple, where festivity starts a few days before the occasion.
As per the local legend, Saint Madhwacharya discovered Krishna’s idol in the temple in the 13th century. Devotees established the idol in the temple, which is worshipped the same until today.
You can expect to witness Leelotsav and other cultural performances in the temple’s vicinity. The plays tell the story of major events in Krishna’s life. Navagraha Kritiki, a beautifully carved window, offers a unique view of the idol of the deity.
The devotees can admire their God from the ‘jharokha’ of the window. Besides, you can watch the spectacular Vittal Pindi (Raas Leela) and Huli Vesha (Tiger Dance), as well as the Handi ceremony and processions on the auspicious occasion. So, don’t miss to book your special Janmashtami packages with us today!
8. Janmashtami in Jaipur
The city of Jaipur celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with joyous processions, folk dances, prayers, bhajans, and music. The two temples, Krishna Balram Temple and Govind Devji Temple, are the most famous for celebrating Krishna’s birthday. Krishna Balram Temple in Jaipur is identical to Krishna Balram Temple in Vrindavan and is, thus, quite famous amongst the devotees.
Govind Deviji Temple is nestled inside the City Palace, and the idol was established by Raja Sawai Jai Singh II, who brought it from Vrindavan. Interestingly, the idol is believed to have been made by Krishna’s great-grandson, Bajranabh. So, devotees have several reasons to pay their homage to this temple, apart from celebrating their Lord’s birthday.
So, you can expect a long queue of devotees waiting in the temple to get the ‘darshan’ of their beloved Krishna. The best way to avoid the queue is to reach the temple early in the morning and be done by the crowd. However, standing in the queue to meet the Lord is another way to show Him your devotion.
Uttar Pradesh tourism promises the traditional celebration of Krishna Janmashtami in His birthplace. SOTC offers interesting Uttar Pradesh tour packages to make your UP tour memorable. We also recommend you see how differently yet devotedly cities across India celebrate this joyous occasion. Book your packages with SOTC and explore the ras of Janmashtami.
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