Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, brings life to the ‘gullies’ and ‘nukkads’ throughout India. This annual Hindu festival, observed on the eighth day, Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha in Shraavana or Bhadrapad, is well worth seeing.

Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna. People fast, break dahi-handi, chant hymns, visit temples, prepare feasts, and pray together to celebrate. It is a big occasion, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan. Raas Lila and Krishna Lila are also part of the festivities. 

With the celebration approaches, we present to you various methods by which the occasion is celebrated across India.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra celebrates Gokulashtami with excitement, with the streets echoing with "Govinda aala re." The ceremony "Dahi Handi," which depicts Krishna's pursuit of his beloved buttermilk, is religiously done by the people. Young guys, each representing Lord Krishna, build a human pyramid. 

The aim is to fracture the clay pot filled with buttermilk that is suspended 20 to 30 feet above the ground. Among the cheers of the onlookers, one individual reaches the top of the human pyramid and smashes the pitcher, splashing the buttermilk all over the crowd. During Janmashtami, several locations around the state witnesses Dahi Handi, a one-of-a-kind rite.

Uttar Pradesh

During Janmashtami, Mathura and Vrindavan are a sight to behold. Both of these locations come to life several weeks before the event. Krishna aartis and night gatherings fill temples across the state. Numerous devotees visit the sacred sites that have elaborately painted pandals. Jhulautsav - swings decorated with flowers and jewels that represent Lord Krishna's cradle are placed in the temple's Prangad. 

Jhanki Pradarshan and Rasleela- traditional dance and drama based on Bhagavata Purana quotes- hit the stage. The Lord Krishna statue is bathed with honey, milk, and curd. During the reciting of prayers, the locals give chappan bhog (56 plates) to the Lord.

Manipur

Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janma in Manipur, is widely observed in ISKCON and Shri Shri Govindajee temples in Imphal. The Janmashtami celebration in iskon includes a music and dance performance, as well as a Rasleela performed in Manipuri style. 

Various cultural programs are held with great passion at this time of year. The celebration begins at midnight when devotees congregate to sing bhajans and kirtans to the Lord. On this day, they also observe a day-long fast.

Gujarat

Gujaratis hold tremendous regard for Lord Krishna, often known as the Dwarkadish (King of Dwarka). During the Janmashtami celebration, the state's Dwarkadhish Temple is filled with people singing mantras, bhajans, and kirtans. The idol of Dwarkadhish, encrusted with costly jewelry, is made available for worship to devotees who go to the temple grounds from all over the world. 

At this time of year, the entire city sparkles up, engulfing everyone in spiritual enthusiasm. Children costumed as legendary characters perform ethnic dances and plays. The Mangal Aarti, which takes place in the morning, is characterized by the ringing of bells and the sound of Sankhs.

West Bengal & Odisha

States in the east, such as Odisha and West Bengal, commemorate Krishna's birth by fasting and presenting regional delicacies to the newborn Krishna. On this day, the 10th chapter of the Bhagwad Puran, which is dedicated to Krishna's life, is read. Prasad is a lavish meal served to Lord Krishna. Taler boda, or sugar palm fritter, is a very sweet meal prepared in Bengali families.

South India

This Hindu holiday, known as Sri Krishna Jayanti in South India, is filled with revelry. As a sacrifice to Lord Krishna, an elaborate feast (bhog) consisting of 400 things is always prepared. Locals adorn their homes with rice batters, producing spectacular patterns of 'Kolams' and Lord Krishna's footprints at the door to indicate the Lord's approach. 

The event includes religious songs and lines from the Bhagavad Gita. Shri Krishna as a kid is placed on a swing and lovingly rocked. Following the lighting of the Diya and recitation of prayers, prasadam is first presented to the Lord and then among others.

With all these festivities people also give each other gifts to celebrate the day. And when it comes to festivity shopping no one is as good as Indigifts. With the most unique and artistic gifts available in the Indigifts’, the collections here will surely amaze you