Celebrated on the 8th day of the Krishna Paksha, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated across India, with fervour and intense devotion. Lord Krishna was the 8th son of princess Devaki and Vasudeva, in Mathura. Devaki's brother King Kansa, had locked up the couple in a prison, afraid of a prophecy that claimed his death at the hands of Devaki's eighth son.
Krishna was born after Kansa killed the first six children, and Devaki had a miscarriage of the seventh. Lord Vishnu, after baby Krishna's birth, asked Vasudeva to take the child to Gokulto Nanda and Yashoda, where he could live a safe life. He did as was told and returned with Yashoda's daughter, who was killed by Kansa assuming she was the eight child. However, on throwing the child on a stone, she rose into the air and turned into Yogmaya, only to warn Kansa about his death. A mischievous child, Krishna grew up in Gokul with his brother Balram.
Krishnashtami is celebrated in different ways in different regions of India. Mathura and Vrindavan specially organise the Raas Leela, a dramatic enactment of Krishna's life. The Dahi Handi is also conducted, where men form human towers to reach a high-hanging pot of curd to break. At midnight, a statue of baby Krishna is bathed and placed in a cradle, which is rocked amongst blowing of conch shells and ringing bells.
Gujarat
People of the state have a close affection for the occasion, especially in Dwarka, the place that was founded by Lord Krishna. One of the popular events, an age old tradition is to play cards and place bets. Fasts are kept all day and cold food is consumed.
Maharashtra
Based on the legend of a young Krishna stealing butter, Dahi Handi is a popular event celebrated in the state. A human pyramid is made, which tries to break an earthern pot filled with curd. The main participant of the festival is called a Govinda or Govinda pathak. Many such people compete with each other for the prize money which amounts to lakhs of rupees. Some of the popular handis are conducted at Dadar, Lower Parel, Worli, Mazgaon, Lalbaug, Thane and Babu Genu.
Northern and Eastern India
As Uttar Pradesh is associated with Krishna's childhood, Mathura, Gokul and Vrindavan attract tourists by the dozen, who visit the places to participate in the celebrations. People visit the Dwarkadhish temple and worship the Lord. Kite flying is an important part of the celebration in Jammu. People fast and worship until midnight in the eastern state of Odisha, around Puri. Purana Pravachana from the Bhagavata Purana are recited from the 10th Skandha. People break their fast and celebrate Krishna's foster parents Nanda and Yashoda, the next day which is called the Nanda Utsav.
Tamil Nadu
Enthusiasts decorate the floor with kolams- designs drawn with rice batter. Devotional songs including Geetha Govindam are sung in praise of the Lord. They draw the footprints of Lord Krishna from the threshold of the house till the pooja room, a depiction of the arrival of the Lord into the house. Bhagwadgits is recited, offerings are made to Krishna which include fruits, betel and butter. Special food items prepared include Seedai, Sweet Seedai, and Verkadalai Urundai. Most people observe a strict fast and eat only after midnight.
Andhra Pradesh
Shlokas and devotional songs are recited, while young boys are dressed up as Lord Krishna. Different kinds of fruits and sweets are first offered to him, and once the puja is over, they are distributed among the visitors.
People also flock popular south Indian temples dedicated to the Lord including Rajagopalaswami Temple in Mannargudi, Tiruvarur, Bala Krishna temple, Udupi, Pandavadhoothar temple, Kanchivaram, and Krishna temple, Guruvayoor.Guruvayoor holds major importance and legend says the idol installed in the temple is from Dwarka believed to be submerged in the sea.
Nepal
With more than 80 per cent of the Nepalese population identifying themselves as Hindus, the natives celebrate Krishna Janmashtami by fasting until midnight, similar to other regions. They chant slokas and sing religious songs. Other observances include people sitting closely together with their bodies rocking as women chant the many hymns of the Lord.
With Janmashtami to be celebrated on the 25th of this month, cities are already under reeling under massive preparations. Week-long Janmashtami celebrations have already begun in Rajkot with the district's Maro Rangilo Lokmelo- 2016 commencing at Race Course ground. The fair was inaugurated by Gujarat's Food and Civil Supplies Minister Jayesh Radadia.
Temples in Vrindavan buzz with the excitement of hosting yet another anniversary of Lord Krishna's birth. Located 15 kilometres away from Mathura, the city has hundreds of temples dedicated to the Lord. One of its oldest, the Dwarkadhish is one of the most-thronged temples. Member of the managing committee at the Dwarkadhish Temple, Hirendra Kumar Pushkar said, "We started preparations 10 days in advance, since everything needs to be perfect. We estimate a footfall of over 2.5 lakh on Janmashtami. Hotels are fully booked and we have gathered a large number of volunteers to help out in the preparations as well."
