Janmashtami: How the birth of Krishna is celebrated across India

The birth of Krishna is celebrated with much fun and frolic across India in the month of Bhadon, which roughly corresponds to August and September. Typical celebrations associated with Janmashtami are the ‘raas-leela’ or enactment of the flirtatious episodes from Krishna’s life, the Dahi Handi, which involves the building of a human pyramid to break a pot filled with curd, milk and butter. The festivities in Mathura, Maharashtra and Dwarka attract devotees from across the nation.

Here are some interesting ways in which Janmashtami is celebrated in different parts of India.

Vrindavan

The worshipping of Lord Krishna through aartis and bhajans brings the town of Vrindavan alive.

Vrindavan is reputed to host one of the biggest celebrations of Janmashtami. People from all over the world flock to Vrindavan to witness the festivity. Janmashtami celebrations begin 10 days prior to the main event and raas leelas form an essential part of the event. The worshipping of Lord Krishna through aartis and bhajans brings the town alive.

Also read: What is the story behind Krishna’s birth, and other festivities

Udupi

The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is the centre of most of the Janmashtami celebrations in Udupi. A unique aspect of the tradition here is that people worship the Lord through a window with nine holes, which is referred to as the Navgraha Kritiki. Other cultural events that take place during the festival include plays depicting the life of Krishna and a tiger dance.

Also see: Krishna Janmashtami 2016 – SMSes, WhatsApp, Facebook messages, greetings and wishes for your loved ones

ISKCON

Janmashtami is the most important festival for the International Society for Krishna Conscience (ISKCON).

Janmashtami is the most important festival for the International Society for Krishna Conscience (ISKCON). As a mark of devotion to Lord Krishna, 108 different kinds of food items are prepared. A significant aspect of the celebration at ISKCON is the ceremonial bathing of Lord Krishna with water, saffron, cloves and rose petals.

Also see: 10 must-have delicacies on Lord Krishna’s birthday

Maharashtra

Dahi Handi is the most famous aspect of the festival in Maharashtra.

The festival of Janmashtami is known as Gokulashtami in Maharashtra. Dahi Handi is the most famous aspect of the festival in Maharashtra. It involves the building of a human pyramid and breaking of a mud pot filled with curd, water, butter and milk. The idea is to imitate the mischievous activities of Lord Krishna. The preparation of the Dahi Handi takes place several weeks beforehand. Thousands of people are involved in the formation of the pyramid and prize money that amounts to few lakhs are handed out to the teams.
Goa

Ever since the Portuguese conquest of Goa in the early 16th century, the state is most strongly associated with Christianity. However, Goa does have a thriving Vaishnava presence that dates back to the time when the Saraswat Brahmin community resided here. One of the oldest religious symbols associated with the Saraswat Brahmins is a Krishna temple that is currently located in the town of Marcel, 17km away from Panaji. The idols of the temple were first located in Chorao island from where it had to be removed during the Portuguese conquest. Today, the temple is considered the centre of Vaishnava activities is Goa is the only temple in the world that carries an idol of Krishna along with his mother Devaki. The Janmashtami celebrations in Goa take place in a grand scale in the Devaki Krishna temple, attracting a large number of visitors.