From Mumbai to Mathura: How India Celebrates Krishna Janmashtami

The auspicious occasion of Janmashtami is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across the country. From Mumbai to Mathura, devotees honor the festival by breaking Dahi Handi, singing prayers, visiting temples, fasting, and organizing Ras Lila performances.

According to Hindu traditions, this year marks the 5,251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

Mathura:

The festival is celebrated in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, with unique fervor. The city is energized by the devotion of its residents and vibrant decorations. Celebrations begin 10 days prior to Janmashtami, with devotees decorating chariots, singing traditional songs, and dancing to music.

Worshippers also visit Govardhan Hill in Mathura. According to legend, young Lord Krishna held the Govardhan mountain on his little finger for seven days to protect Braj from torrential rain caused by Devraj Indra (the lord of rain), who had cursed the people for failing to please him.

Vrindavan:

Vrindavan, another city deeply connected to Lord Krishna's early life, celebrates his birth with events such as rasleelas, bhajans, kirtans, and reenactments of the love stories of Krishna and Radha.

The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is a popular destination during the celebrations; the icon of Banke Bihari is believed to represent the divine couple Radha and Krishna.

Maharashtra:

Cities like Mumbai and Pune come alive with festivities such as Dahi Handi. This involves hanging a clay pot filled with yogurt (dahi) and butter at a tall height. Young men and boys form human pyramids to reach and break the pot, inspired by Lord Krishna's childhood mischief.

Several temples, such as the ISKCON Temple in Mumbai and Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur, host special prayers. Families often prepare sweets like pedas and shrikhand to offer to Lord Krishna.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami Utsav Mandal in Ghatkopar and Bal Gopal Mitra Mandal in Lalbaug are popular places where people visit to witness the traditional Dahi Handi experience.

Delhi:

Delhi also celebrates the festival as devotees flock to beautifully decorated temples adorned with flowers and diyas. Small children are often seen dressing up as Lord Krishna.

Udupi:

In Udupi, Janmashtami is celebrated with immense grandeur, especially at the famous Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. The Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi is a significant pilgrimage site in South India, with thousands of devotees flocking to the temple town to offer prayers to Lord Krishna. The Krishna idol here is renowned for its beauty, depicted as a small boy (Balakrishna) who is adorned with exquisite garments and jewels on his Birthday.

The celebrations include a special religious ceremony called Paryaya, with elaborate rituals, devotional singing, and cultural performances. 

A unique feature of Janmashtami in Udupi is the Muddu Krishna competition, where children dress up as young Krishna. 

(Inputs from agencies)