This is How Janmashtami Is Celebrated in 6 Different States in India

An annual celebration of Hindus’ beloved god Sri Krishna’s birthday is called by different names such as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Janmashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Ashtami Rohini, or Saatam Aatham.

People across the country celebrate his Janmashtami on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) in the Hindu calendar.

Krishna  Jayanthi is celebrated in various ways in different parts and states of India. But, the festival never lacks devotion and joy. Young kids dress up as Radha and Krishna at home. People worldwide celebrate the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, Krishna’s birthday.

Let us see how Janmashtami, the most captivating Indian festival, is celebrated in different states.

Dwaraka

Dwaraka, a famous city, lies on the coast of Kutch, Gujarat. Dwaraka means ‘Door to Moksha.’ It is one of the seven holy cities in India. Krishna and his elder brother Balram established this Golden City.

Hindu mythology says that Viswakarma, the divine architect, built Dwaraka in two days as per the instructions of Sri Krishna. It was the abode of Krishna for over 100 years. After him, the city was believed to have been submerged in the sea. Dwaraka is one of the top tourist attractions in Gujarat.

The Dwarkadhish Temple is famous for Janmashtami celebrations. Devotees across the country throng at the temple during Janmashtami. The man deity Dwarkadhish is adorned with gold jewellery and precious stones.

Priests perform utsav bhog at 11.30 pm. People celebrate Janmashtami by fasting from morning till midnight. They used to stay at the temple until the dawn when Krishna was believed to have been born. Devotees welcome Bal Krishna with immense joy, devotion, and cracker sounds. After offering Maha Bhog to Krishna, the temple closes at 2.00 am.

Mathura

Mathura, an old city, is on the banks of River Yamuna, Uttar Pradesh. Hindus consider Mathura one of the seven holy cities (Sapta Puri); Ayodhya, Haridwar, Varanasi, Ujjain Dwaraka, and Kanchipuram are the other six cities. It is popularly known as the Brajbhoomi, the sacred land of Krishna.

People believe that the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple’s Garbha Griha (sanctum) is the birthplace of Krishna. Mathura celebrates this day with great devotion. All the Krishna temples in Mathura bear a festive look. But the main celebration takes place at the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple.

The Janmashtami celebration continues for two days. People celebrate their first day by keeping a day-long fast. They have celebrations and feast at dawn. They celebrate the second day also with a grand feast.
In every corner of Mathura, devotees sing, dance and chant Krishna names devotedly. All the temples arrange for Rasa Lila, a dance drama of the story of Krishna, and midnight celebrations are also organized. Every year over 8 lakh devotees visit the temple on this occasion.

ISKCON Temples

International Society for Krishna Conscience (ISKCON) celebrates Krishna Janmashtami as the most significant festival. ISKCON temples across India celebrate Janmashtami with great pomp and zeal. ISKCON Vrindavan, ISKCON Delhi, ISKCON Mumbai, ISKCON Pune, ISKCON Jaipur, ISKCON Ahmadabad, ISKCON Pandarpur, ISKCON Imphal, and ISKCON Bangalore are the main temples where devotees across the world and country come to participate in the ceremonies and events that take place throughout the day.

All these temples are beautifully decorated with lamps and flowers on this occasion. Devotees keep fasting throughout the day until midnight. They withdraw their fasting after participating in a special Janmashtami Pooja. Priests offer a variety of 108 food items to Sri Krishna. Devotees prepare these offerings with complete devotion. Another important event is the ceremonial bathing of the Krishna idol. Devotees and priests chant mantras, offer prayers, and do bhajans throughout the night.

Manipur

The northeast state of India, Manipur, celebrates Janmashtami in the name of ‘Krishna Janma’ grandly. This state has a deep history of Vaishnavism. Manipur people worship Krishna always with his consort Radha. In the early 1700s, Vaishnavism had become the state religion.

As in other states, devotees in Manipur also observe fasts, visit Krishna temples and seek his blessings. On Janmashtami, all Krishna temples in Manipur organize Rasa Lila performances. Though it narrates the story of Krishna as usual, there is a unique performance in the Manipuri dance tradition.

Goa

Goa is not only famous for Churches but also temples. The state has a significant association with Yadavas, the clan of Krishna. Devaki Krishna temple is the famous temple in Goa which lies 17 km from Panaji. It is the only Indian temple where Krishna and Devaki (his biological mother) are worshipped together. Devotees can see the idol of Devakikrishna, the presiding deity, in the temple’s inner sanctum. The temple celebrates Janmashtami in a grand manner. People around Goa visit the Devaki Krishna temple to celebrate his birthday.

Andhra Pradesh

Krishna temples in Andhra Pradesh celebrate Janmashtami fervently. All devotees visit temples, perform special Poojas, recite mantras, observe fast, and offer their prayers. Children dress up like Krishna and visit neighbor houses, spreading the positivity and love of Krishna. Radha Parthasarathi temple, Anantapur, is an ISKCON shrine inaugurated in 2008. It celebrates Krishna Janmashtami like other ISKCON temples. It is a must-visit temple on Janmashtami.