Popular Janmastami Destinations in India: Krishna Janmastami, also known as Janmastami, is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation (or incarnation) of Vishnu. Lord Krishna, the Hindu god of mercy, protection and love, is one of the most widely worshipped and beloved deities in Hinduism.
The festival is celebrated on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August/September in the Gregorian calendar). This year Krishna Janmastami or the 5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna will be celebrated on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Janmashtami is celebrated by various names such as Gokulashtami and Shrikrishna Jayanti. In Gujarat it is called Satam Atam and in South India, especially Kerala it is called Ashtami Rohini. Irrespective of location, Janmashtami is celebrated with fervor and devotion by Hindus across India and the world.
As the festival is fast approaching, here are the top 10 must-visit destinations across India to experience the Janmastami 2024 festivities.
1. Mathura, Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh:
Janmastami celebrations begin 10 days before the festival and include various cultural and religious events such as rasleela, bhajans, kirtan and pravachan. (PTI)
In Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami holds special significance as devotees observe a day-long fast until midnight, which is believed to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. The midnight puja is the highlight, when an idol of Lord Krishna is ritually bathed and clothed in new clothes. The people of Mathura put on a spectacle called Janki, depicting the story of Lord Krishna's birth.
Another important place in Krishna's life, Vrindavan is associated with Krishna's childhood and youth and the famous Ras Leela. In Vrindavan, Janmastami celebrations begin almost ten days in advance, a day when Krishna's life is re-enacted through Ras Leela, Janki by Abhishek and a grand ritual bath for Krishna.
2. Gokul, Uttar Pradesh:
Gokul, near Mathura, is closely associated with Krishna's childhood. The forests here are where he used to graze his herds of cows. Interestingly, Janmastami is celebrated the day after the actual festival. Legend has it that Krishna was brought to Gokul just after midnight the day after his birth.
The celebrations here are unique. At midnight, the people of Gokul pour holy water from the Ganges, yogurt, milk and nectar onto the idol of Krishna. Locals also take part in casual activities and play by drenching each other with milk and turmeric paste. Radha Raman Temple and Radha Damodar Temple are among the major religious centres that see the most tourists during this time.
3. Pune and Mumbai in Maharashtra:
A devotee climbs on top of a pyramid made by fellow devotees to break 'dahi handi' during Krishna Janmastami celebrations in Mumbai. (PTI Photo/Kunal Patil)
Krishna, fondly called Makanchol, loved ghee and buttermilk as a child. To commemorate this and recreate Krishna's childhood, Janmastami is celebrated as Dahi Handi in Pune, Mumbai and many parts of Maharashtra. On the second day of the festival, devotees form human pyramids and compete to hang high and break earthen pots (handis) filled with buttermilk and dry fruits.
4. Nathdwara, Rajasthan:
Nathdwara is primarily known for the Shrinathji Temple, dedicated to Shrinathji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna. (Credit: Shrinathji Satsang Blog at Nathdwara Temple)
Nathdwara, home to the famous Shrinathji Temple, celebrates Janmastami with elaborate rituals and deep devotion. Dedicated to the infant form of Lord Krishna as Shrinathji, the temple is beautifully decorated and special ceremonies are held to mark the day. Devotees gather to offer prayers, sing devotional hymns and participate in the distribution of prasad, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere that reflects the town's strong connection to Lord Krishna.
5. Dwarka, Gujarat:
Dwarka, the legendary city founded by Lord Krishna himself, celebrates Janmastami with great pomp. Temples are lavishly decorated and a series of elaborate rituals are performed in honour of Lord Krishna. Devotees gather in large numbers, sing hymns and offer special bhog to the deity, and an aura of faith and joy pervades the city.
6. Udupi, Karnataka:
Lord Kirishna Math Udupi, Karnataka. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Udupi is a major pilgrimage centre in South India, known for its Shri Krishna Math and the celebration of the Gokulashtami festival. Lavishly adorned with jewels and seated on a magnificent golden rath (chair) and Kanakanna kindi, the temple has a small window through which Krishna is believed to have given darshan to his devotees, Kanakadasas. Janmastami rituals include argya pradhana, in which milk or water is poured over Krishna's idol at midnight and laddus and chakkuris are offered to him. Street plays depicting the god's childhood and performances by clay idol artists, dancers and musicians are also part of the celebrations.
8. Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu:
Kumbakonam celebrates Janmastami with traditional ceremonies and lively community celebrations. Local temples are beautifully decorated and devotees gather to sing devotional songs and perform dances in praise of Lord Krishna.
9. Guruvayoor, Kerala:
Guruvayur Temple, a famous Lord Krishna temple in South India, is believed to have been a gift from Lord Brahma to Lord Vishnu during the Krishnavatharam period.
Guruvayur, in the municipal town of Thrissur, Kerala, is home to the Sri Krishna Temple, one of the most popular pilgrimage sites. Celebrated as Ashtami Rohini, the festival sees the temple's idol of Krishna decorated for darshan. Devotees fast on the day before the festival and sing hymns and chant shlokas at the temple, as well as hold special concerts, cultural programs and satsangas throughout the night.
10. Puri, Odisha:
Puri, home to the Jagannath Temple, is said to be the abode of Krishna, who resides there with his brothers Balarama and Subhadra. Janmastami celebrations begin 17 days before the actual day, with festivities decorated with flowers and lights, actors and artists enacting episodes from Krishna's life, and devotees preparing a special prasad called Juda Bhog.
