Let the festivities begin!

The festival falls on the eighth day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in either the Shravan or Bhadrapada month according to the Hindu calendar. While the festival is celebrated across India, to experience Janmashtami at its best, you may embark on a pilgrimage to Mathura and Vrindavan, the heartland of Krishna's story, and witness these holy cities come alive with throngs of devotees. In some temples, the days leading up to Janmashtami are filled with the rhythmic recitations of the sacred Bhagavad Gita.

You’ll be dazzled by captivating dance-dramas like Raas Leela (Rasa Lila) or Krishna Lila. These vibrant performances, often enacted by passionate local communities, bring to life stories from Krishna's life, usually based on the sacred text Bhagavat Purana. The tradition of Rasa Lila is particularly popular in the Mathura region, northeastern states like Manipur and Assam, and parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat. These theatrical displays begin days before Janmashtami, adding to the growing anticipation as the festival approaches.

After the symbolic midnight birth of Krishna, devotees bathe and dress murtis (idols) depicting the infant Lord. These murtis are then placed in cradles, and the faithful break their fasts, sharing sweets and delectable food in a joyous celebration. Women add a special touch by drawing tiny footprints outside their homes, symbolising Krishna's journey into their dwellings and their hearts. The sight of children dressed up as little Radha and Krishna, and their infectious enthusiasm will steal your heart away!

Behold the human pyramids of Dahi Handi

Krishna Janmashtami's festivities culminate in the electrifying Dahi Handi, celebrated the following day. Prepare to stand in awe as this unique ritual unfolds before your eyes!

A large earthenware pot, overflowing with a delicious concoction of milk, curd, butter, honey, and fruits, is hoisted high – anywhere from 20 to 40 feet! Here's where the real spectacle begins. Energetic young men and boys form a daring human pyramid, each participant standing on the shoulders of the one below. Watch in amazement as they climb higher and higher, their teamwork and agility on display for all to see. The topmost player reaches the coveted pot, smashes it open, and showers himself and his team with the sweet reward. But the fun doesn't stop there! Often, currency notes are tied to the rope suspending the pot, adding a financial incentive to this exhilarating feat. The prize money is then shared amongst the courageous participants who formed the human pyramid. Head to Mumbai, Goa or Gujarat to experience this spectacle as these are the places where Dahi Handi is mainly celebrated.

Dahi Handi draws inspiration from Lord Krishna's playful childhood. Legend has it that Krishna, known for his love of butter, would steal pots of milk and curd from neighbouring houses. To safeguard their treats, the women would hang them high above his reach. But Krishna, ever resourceful, would form human pyramids with his friends to reach the delicious pots! So, don't miss the chance to witness Dahi Handi, a truly unforgettable experience during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations.

A feast fit for a playful God!

Many sumptuous dishes are offered to Lord Krishna, with a special emphasis on 'makhan' (butter) - a nod to his childhood fondness for it. The deity is also celebrated with a culinary extravaganza called Chhapan Bhog, a grand offering of 56 delectable dishes. Travel to Puri, Odisha, and witness this tradition in all its glory. Here, the iconic Jagannath Temple becomes the centre stage for a mouthwatering display. Fifty-six varieties of sweets and savoury treats are lovingly prepared and offered to Lord Krishna, Balarama, and Subhadra.

'Bhog' itself signifies a wholehearted offering of food to the deity, making the feast not just delicious but deeply meaningful. Keeping in mind Krishna's playful childhood spent around cows and relishing dairy products, the bhog features a delightful array of treats such as the melt-in-your-mouth pedas (milk-based sweets), the rich and sweet panjiri (made with dry fruits), or the creamy kheer (rice pudding). For a taste of the savoury, picture crispy sabudana vadas (sago fritters) bursting with flavour, or the delightful contrast of sweet and salty in seedai and thattai (snacks made with Bengal gram flour and rice).

Krishna's birth: A night of destiny

The story of Lord Krishna’s birth, mentioned in ancient scriptures such as the Mahabharata, and the Puranas, is a fascinating tale of miracles and hope.

Krishna's arrival was shrouded in danger. His birthplace was a prison in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, where his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, were held captive by Kansa, the tyrannical king and Krishna’s maternal uncle. A prophecy warned Kansa that Devaki's eighth son would kill him. Driven by fear, Kansa imprisoned the couple and ruthlessly killed their first six children. However, divine intervention ensured the seventh child, Balarama, was safely transferred to another of Vasudeva's wives, Rohini.

Finally, the eighth night arrived, and as a dramatic thunderstorm raged, Krishna was born. Miraculous events unfolded, symbolising the arrival of a divine being. The prison shackles on Vasudeva shattered, guards fell into a deep sleep, the prison gates swung open, and even the overflowing Yamuna River parted, creating a safe path for Vasudeva to carry his newborn son to safety. This night marked the beginning of Krishna's extraordinary life, a life destined to challenge evil and establish righteousness.

Come and experience the enchanting festivities of Krishna Janmashtami in India, where vibrant celebrations and cultural traditions await!