Shri Krishna Janmashtami

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Mathura and Vrindavan, located in Uttar Pradesh, India, hold immense importance in the celebration of this festival due to their association with the life and childhood of Lord Krishna. Mathura is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood and engaged in various divine activities. Therefore, these two towns become major centres of festivities during Shri Krishna Janmashtami.The festival usually falls in August or September, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. Devotees observe fasts and engage in various religious activities throughout the day. Temples are beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and a special puja (worship) is performed at midnight, as it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at that time. In Mathura, the celebrations begin several days before Janmashtami. The town is decorated with lights, and various processions and performances depicting scenes from Lord Krishna's life are organized. The main attraction is the reenactment of Lord Krishna's birth at the famous Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. Devotees gather in large numbers and sing devotional songs and hymns in praise of Lord Krishna.