The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and by Hindus around the world. Devotees observe a day-long fast, which they break at midnight, the time traditionally believed to be Krishna’s birth. Temples and homes are decorated, and idols of baby Krishna are bathed and adorned with new clothes. Children dress up as little Krishnas and Radhas, filling the atmosphere with innocence and cheer. Devotional songs, dances, and plays depicting scenes from Krishna’s life are performed. Another popular tradition associated with Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi celebration. In this event, young men form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd, butter, or other dairy products, symbolising the playful and mischievous nature of Krishna, who was fond of stealing butter.
Krishna Janmashtami
