
Janmashtami, the festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna was celebrated with great fervour across India today. The festival is observed on the eighth day of the month of Bhadra, as per the Hindu Calendar. In photo, the celebration at Iskon temple in Juhu, Mumbai. (Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)
Lord Krishna was believed to be born on the eighth day (ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapad (August – September), according to the Hindu calendar. He is considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. In Sanskrit, the ‘eighth day’ translates to ‘Ashtami’. (Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)
It is believed that Lord Krishna, who was born roughly 5000 years back, is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. (Express photo by Partha Paul)
Children dressed as Lord Krishna as part of celebrations of Janmashtami in Kolkata. (Express photo by Partha Paul)
On the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Iskon Temple on Katraj-Kondhwa road was decorated with flowers and accessories. Devotees rushed for darshan and to receive the prasad being offered in the temple. (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre)
Workers at the Iskon Temple on Katraj-Kondhwa road prepare prasad. (Express Photo By Pavan Khengre)
The famous Jagat Mandir, the temple of Lord Krishna in Dwraka decorated with colourful lights on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. (Express Photo by Javed Raja)
Lakhs of devotees thronged to Dwarka to participate in the Krishna Janmashtami. Devotees from all over India arrived a day in advance to be part of the biggest gathering in the temple town of Dwarka. (Express Photo by Javed Raja)
Dwarka, meaning ‘door to moksha’, is one of the char dhams of India. Situated on the coast of Kutch in Gujarat, it is believed to be where Krishna lived his adult life and the kingdom that got submerged in the ocean after Krishna’s death.(Express photo by Javed Raja)
The Dwarkadhish temple is known for its Janmashtami celebrations, which begin with the mangla aarti, followed by the utsav bhog offered an hour before midnight. (Express photo by Javed Raja)
Dahi handi celebrations to mark the festival of Janmashtami in Mumbai. As the legend goes, Krishna, as a child, was greatly fond of ghee and buttermilk, and, hence, is fondly called makhanchor by his devotees. In remembrance of that and as a way to recreate Krishna’s childhood, Janmashtami, in Maharashtra, is celebrated as Dahi Handi. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)
Devotees, on the second day of Janmashtami, form a human pyramid and compete with others to break the earthen pot (handi) that is filled with buttermilk and dry fruits, and is hung at a great height. (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)
Children dressed up as Lord Krishna take a selfie as they participate in celebrations in Ajmer. (Source: PTI Photo)
A girl poses for a picture, dressed as Lord Krishna during Janmashtami festival, which marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna in Dhaka, Bangladesh.. (Source: REUTERS)
Differently abled children participate in a 'Dahi Handi' event during Janmashtami celebrations at a school in Mumbai. (Source: PTI Photo)