Depicting majestic religious fervour, Krishna Janmashtami is one of the major Hindu festivals celebrated all over the world. Krishna devotees celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Krishna is a widely worshipped God in Hindu Religion. Considered the supreme God, he is revered as a being full of compassion and love. Innumerable stories, folklore, and anecdotes showcase Krishna as a supreme being since his childhood. One moment he is a prankster and a lover, and in another, he is a mighty king, a guru, and a mentor. These various shades of his character are what make his devotees fall in love with him.
History of Krishna Janmashtami
Lord Krishna was born in a time when the world was a chaotic place, and freedom was denied to the people. Mother Earth was unable to handle the burden of sins that innumerable rulers and kings committed. So, according to the legends, Earth went to Lord Brahma to appeal for her safety and peaceful continuation of life. Lord Brahma, known as the creator of the world, turned to the Supreme God, Lord Vishnu, for his help, who, in return, he assured him that soon he would be born on the planet to get rid of all the evils.
Later, on the day of Devaki and Vasudeva’s marriage, a holy voice echoed through the sky, prophesying that the eighth son from their marriage would cause Kansa’s annihilation and eventually end all the tyranny on Earth. Thus, Devaki's brother Kansa became vigilant and ensured that none of the couple's children lived. But he failed to do so and eventually was killed by their eighth son, Lord Krishna.
Kanha is also worshipped as Svayam Bhagavan. Did you know that he is the source of inspiration for various performance arts as well, such as Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, and Manipuri dance forms?
The psychedelic charm of Lord Krishna can be witnessed in places like Vrindavan, Jagannath, Odisha, Dwarka, and Junagadh. The much-loved Lord has been given 108 names by his devotees, such as Madhusudan, Navnitachora, Parthasarathi, Madhava, Yadhunandana, Nandalal, Radhaavallabha, Yogeshwara, Govinda, and more, all being used in different places to worship him.
While he has been revered in India ever since the evolution of man, it was in the 1960s that his popularity gained momentum in first-world countries as well. This has become possible mainly owing to the efforts of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).
Date, Time, & Venue of Krishna Janmashtami Festival
This festival falls on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar in the month of Shravana. It mostly falls in the month of August as per the Gregorian calendar. The festival of Krishna Janmashtami, dedicated to him, is celebrated with great fervor in Mathura and Vrindavan. However, Janmashtami is a pan-India festival and is celebrated all across the country in states like Delhi, Assam, Manipur, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and many other parts of India.
Major Attractions of Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna, Kanha, Gopal, and many other names are lovingly used by Krishna bhakts. Lord Krishna's birth is celebrated worldwide with great fanfare, devotion, and excitement. Preparation to celebrate this day begins early, and cities get decked up to welcome makhanchor. Special prayers are organized in temples, people sing hymns and bhajans, spend time meditating, distribute prasad and sweets, and celebrate the birth of the savior of the world. Have a look at the highlights of the festival.
1. Fasting and Jagrans
On this day, people indulge in fasting, praying, singing, and sharing sweets with each other. The whole environment oozes bliss, celebrations, and enthusiasm. People also participate in night vigils (Jagrans), relishing their lord's bhakti.
2. Krishna Lila
In many temples, Krishna Lilas are organised, depicting the life of Lord Krishna. People come to see and experience the way Lord Krishna used to be, especially on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. There are processions, bhajans, kirtans, and Satsang that are organised at many places to celebrate the birthday of the eighth avatar of Vishnu.
3. Janamashtami Food
Krishna Janamashtami is celebrated with great fervour, and many delightful delicacies are also prepared on this occasion, such as Malai Peda, Makhan Misri & Panjeeri, Shrikhand, Seedai, Murukku, Thatai, Vella Aval, etc.
5 Best Places to Visit During Janmashtami
Gokulashtami or Krishna Janmashtami is usually celebrated in August or September. Although this festival is celebrated all over the country, there are some cities where these celebrations are on a massive scale. From forming a human pyramid to colorful decorations, breaking Dahi Handi to ras leelas, there are several ways of celebrating this festival.
1. Mathura - The birthplace of Lord Krishna, Mathura, is famous for the Janmashtami festivities. Thus, this place holds a lot of significance among Hindu devotees. Locals and visitors celebrate this festival with great zest. Festivities like Jhulanotsav and Krishna’s idol are bathed in curd, honey, ghee, and milk.
How To Reach Mathura
- Nearest Airport. Agra Airport
- Distance From Agra Airport. 59.2 km
- Nearest Railway Station. Mathura Junction
- Distance from Mathura Junction. 1.2 km
2. Vrindavan - Located close to the birthplace of Shri Krishna, Vrindavan also celebrates the festival of Janmashtami with great enthusiasm. Lord Krishna spent his childhood in this spiritual city. It is also here where Krishna played ras leela with Radha and gopis. Celebrations in the city begin ten days prior to the festival. Temples are decorated with lights and fresh flowers.
How To Reach Vrindavan.
- Nearest Airport. IGI Airport
- Distance From IGI Airport. 144 km
- Nearest Railway Station. Mathura Junction
- Distance from Mathura Junction. 9 km
3. Gokul - This was the place where Vasudeva took Lord Krishna right after his birth in prison. Due to this reason, this festival is also referred to as Gokulashtami and is celebrated one day after the main festival. Devotees celebrate this day by singing hymns, chanting mantras, blowing shells, and ringing chimes.
How To Reach Gokul.
- Nearest Airport. Agra Airport
- Distance From Agra Airport. 39.2 km
- Nearest Railway Station. Mathura Junction
- Distance from Mathura Junction. 7 km
4. Dwarka - A beautiful city, Dwarka was the kingdom of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Lord Krishna lived here for 5,000 years after leaving Mathura. The city celebrates a month-long Janmashtami Utsav. All across the city, Mangal aarti is performed in the temples.
How To Reach Dwarka.
- Nearest Airport. Jamnagar Airport
- Distance From Jamnagar Airport. 126.9 km
- Nearest Railway Station. Dwarka Railway Station
- Distance from Dwarka Railway Station. 2.1 km
5. Mumbai - The Financial capital of India, Mumbai, is not only famous for its film industry but also for its over-the-top Janmashtami celebrations. The city witnesses Dahi Handi celebrations at various places. People form a human pyramid, and one of them climbs over to perform the ritual of breaking the earthen pot full of curd. It is undoubtedly a lifetime experience.
How To Reach Mumbai.
- Nearest Airport. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport
- Distance From CSM Airport. 7.2 km
- Nearest Railway Station. VT Station
- Distance from VT Railway Station. 16.7 km
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Janmashtami
Q 1. Why is Janmashtami celebrated?
A 1. Janmashtami festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna is a widely worshipped God in Hindu Religion. Considered the supreme God, he is revered as a being full of compassion and love. Innumerable stories, folklore, and anecdotes showcase Krishna as a supreme being since his childhood.
Q 2. When is Janmashtami celebrated?
A 2. Janmashtami is celebrated on Ashtami, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha, as per the Hindu lunar calendar in the month of Shravana. It mostly falls in the month of August as per the Gregorian calendar.
Q 3. Which are the best places to celebrate Janmashtami?
A 3. The best places to celebrate Janmashtami are Mathura, Vrindavan, Gokul, Dwarka, and Mumbai.
Q 4. How should we celebrate Janmashtami?
A 4. We should celebrate Janmashtami with great devotion and reverence for the Lord. Visit a temple, seek blessings from the deity, sing bhajans, offer prasad, and engage in meditation.
Are you planning to celebrate this Janmashtami in a special way? Book your flights or bus tickets to any of the places where the Janmashtami festival is celebrated with great gusto and fervour. Adotrip is your one-stop platform for comprehensive travel solutions. Book your tickets today!
