Janmashtami 2018: Places you must visit to see stunning celebrations

While Janmashtami is celebrated across the India in many parts of the country, it is considered one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Braj region of north India. According to Hindu mythology, Mathura is believed to be the birth place of the Lord Krishna. People from across the world come to celebrate and witness Janmashtami festival here. 

Vrindavan is the place where he is belived to have grown up. Hence, Janmashtami celebrations in these cities is done with great pomp and show. Temples are decorated and special programmes are organised in Mathura and Vrindavan to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth. The temples also organise recitation of holy books Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita. The Krishna temples are specially decorated and cultural programmes, bhajan, kirtan, satsang meetings are organised in these temples on Janmashtami.

Dwarka located in the state of Gujarat, is well known for its grand Janmashtami celebrations. People reach people from all over the world during Janmashtami. Festival of Janmashtami is located here in the Dwarkadhish temple. Here the small form of Krishna is worshiped. All religious functions are performed by Aboti Brahmins who have been doing this work for centuries. People are seen singing bhajans and kirtans everywhere in the time of Janmashtami.  

One of the best time to visit Mumbai is on the day of Janmashtami when the festival of Dahi Handi is celebrated. Lord Krishna was fond of butter, so devotees in Mumbai every year on the day of Janmashtami organise the curd handi program. A team of Govindas from different corners of the city come to participate in the Dahi Handi contest.  

Following the birth of Lord Krishna, his father Vasudeva took Krishna across Yamuna, to foster parents in Gokul, named Nanda and Yashoda. This legend is celebrated on Janmashtami by people keeping fast, singing devotional songs of love for Krishna, and keeping a vigil into the night. The temples also organise recitation of holy books Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita. The Krishna temples are specially decorated and cultural programmes, bhajan, kirtan, satsang meetings are organised in these temples on Janmashtami.

The first place in India where Muslims celebrate Janmashtami festival. The Narhar Dargah is a divine place during Janmashtami festival. The two-day festival is celebrated with great fanfare Jhunjhunu. Drama and Qawwali are held during this time of the year. It is believed that Janmashtami Manani started around 400 years ago. This festival is also celebrated to promote religious brotherhood. 

(All Photo Credits: PTI)