Best places to visit in India for Janmashtami celebration

Janmashtami, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, is a vibrant and lively festival celebrated in India during either August or September. The enthusiasm for this festival is palpable throughout the country, but there are certain places where it transcends mere festivity. If you desire to witness the fervour of the people and the diverse ways in which they celebrate Janmashtami, consider planning a trip to these destinations in India during this auspicious occasion.

See also: How to celebrate Janmashtami at home in 2023?

Top places to visit in India during Janmashtami

Discover the top places to visit in India during Janmashtami.

Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

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Mathura is one of the most captivating destinations to visit in India during Janmashtami. According to legend, it is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, holding immense significance for India’s Hindu community. Janmashtami, dedicated to Lord Krishna, is celebrated here with unparalleled fervour. The festivities are divided into two main parts: Jhulanotsav and Ghatas.

During Jhulanotsav, devotees place swings for Lord Krishna in their homes. The idol of Lord Krishna undergoes a ceremonial bathing known as ‘Abhishek,’ where honey, milk, curd and ghee are used. This ritual takes place early in the morning. Subsequently, the idol is adorned with new garments and ornaments, and then placed on the swing. These swings can be found in temple courtyards and homes throughout Mathura, where devotees lovingly sway the idols of Lord Krishna.

Another enchanting aspect of Janmashtami in Mathura is the Ras Leela. Young children, typically aged 10-12, perform dramatic enactments portraying various stages of Lord Krishna’s life. This cultural spectacle draws visitors not only from nearby towns but also from distant cities, all eager to witness the grandeur of Mathura’s Janmashtami celebrations.

Know about: best places to visit in india in april

Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

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Located in close proximity to Mathura, Vrindavan is another destination where Janmashtami is celebrated with great fervour. It is renowned as the place where Lord Krishna spent his formative years and is traditionally believed to be where the divine Ras Leela (dance) with Radha and the gopis took place. The festivities in Vrindavan commence a remarkable ten days prior to Janmashtami.

During this period, the temples are adorned with vibrant decorations, and the city sparkles with a multitude of lights. Similar to Mathura, Ras Leelas are performed throughout Vrindavan, reenacting the divine dance of Lord Krishna. Among the notable attractions is the Govind Dev Temple, one of India’s oldest shrines, which should not be missed. Additionally, Nidhi Van, a sacred Krishna temple nestled within a dense forest of trees, is another place of profound interest for devotees.

Dwarka, Gujarat

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Dwarka, a city of immense religious significance, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Not only is it counted among the ‘Char Dhams’, but it also ranks as one of the ‘Sapta Puri,’ the seven most ancient religious cities in India. Dwarka’s prominence is primarily attributed to its association as the kingdom of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have resided here for approximately 5,000 years after leaving Mathura. Following his departure from Mathura, Lord Krishna established his kingdom in Dwarka.

Janmashtami celebrations in Dwarka are renowned and attract devotees from across India. Throughout the month of Shravana, the city witnesses month-long rituals and festivities. The Aboti Brahmins of Dwarka perform the daily Janmashtami pooja, known as the ‘nitya kram’ of the deity. The celebrations feature ‘mangla aarti’ conducted across the city. Offerings of ‘Banta Bhog’ and ‘Utsav Bhog’ are made at temples, with rituals commencing around 11 PM and the aarti taking place at midnight. The night-long celebrations are marked by devotional songs (‘bhajans’), Raas dances and Garba events. For ardent Krishna devotees, a place of great significance is Bet Dwarka, believed to be the site of Lord Krishna’s departure from this earthly realm.

Gokul, Uttar Pradesh

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Gokul holds a special place in the life of Lord Krishna, as it was the place he was taken to immediately after his birth in Mathura. Raised under the loving care of his adoptive parents, Yashodha and Nanda, Krishna’s childhood unfolded in Gokul, rendering it the most significant location associated with his early years. The entire stretch encompassing Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul forms an ideal pilgrimage route to explore during Janmashtami in India.

Celebrated as Gokulashtami in this region, Janmashtami is observed in Gokul one day after the rest of the country, signifying Krishna’s arrival from Mathura after midnight. Gokul residents partake in a unique celebration called ‘Dadhikana’ or ‘Nandotsava,’ during which people playfully drench each other with curd and turmeric as an expression of joy. Throughout the festivities, devotees engage in chanting mantras, ringing chimes, singing bhajans, blowing shells and various other devotional activities.

Mumbai, Maharashtra

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If you aspire to witness the grandeur with which Janmashtami is celebrated in India, then Mumbai is the destination of choice. The city hosts an exuberant tradition of ‘dahi handi,’ a ritual that involves a large group of individuals forming a human pyramid to reach and break an earthen pot suspended high in the air. Mumbai is renowned for being the prime location to witness this captivating spectacle.

The active dahi handi culture in Mumbai sees the enthusiastic participation of numerous groups known as ‘Govinda mandals.’ These groups, dressed in distinctive costumes, travel across the city in trucks, visiting various dahi handi venues in pursuit of breaking the pot and claiming the cash prizes and rewards offered. The dahi handi celebrations in Mumbai have evolved into a substantial business affair, involving politicians, sponsors and tourists. For a remarkable Janmashtami experience, the ISKCON temple in Juhu stands out as an excellent destination, as it commemorates Krishna’s birthday on a grand scale.