Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami or Janmashtami, is celebrated by the Hindu community in India with great enthusiasm, but it is interesting to note that the traditions and customs associated with the festivities can change from state to state.
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- This is how Janmashtami is celebrated across India
- Uttar Pradesh – Mathura and Vrindavan
- Maharastra
- Tamil Nadu and Kerala
- Bengal
- gujarat
- rajasthan
- Punjab and Haryana
This is how Janmashtami is celebrated across India
Uttar Pradesh – Mathura and Vrindavan
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Mathura and Vrindavan, where Lord Krishna was born and spent his early years, celebrate Janmashtami with much excitement. People participate in dahi handi events where youngsters make human pyramids to break earthen pots filled with butter or curd, just as Krishna did when he was a child. The temples, especially the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, are beautifully decorated and people visit them to see the deity and pray.
maharastra
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In Maharashtra, the dahi handi tradition is widespread. Here, teams known as ‘Govindas’ join together to create human pyramids in order to break the pot or handi that is hung on top. Mumbai, especially places like Dadar and Lalbaug, hosts intense and competitive dahi handi competitions. Special Janmashtami parades are also organized, in which idols of Lord Krishna are displayed.
Tamilnadu and Kerala
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In the southern states, Janmashtami is known as “Gokulashtami”. Devotees prepare a variety of delicious delicacies like seedai and murukku. They also make small footprints out of rice flour, which guide the way to the puja room, symbolizing the playful childhood escapades of Lord Krishna.
Bengal
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In West Bengal, Janmashtami is celebrated as ‘Krishnashtami’ and ‘Nanda Utsav’. Devotees fast until midnight, the time when Lord Krishna was born, and then break the fast. Elaborate swings called jhulan are beautifully decorated for the deity, and the idols are dressed in new clothes and adorned with jewellery. People also gather to perform devotional songs and dance during the celebrations.
gujarat
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In Gujarat, Janmashtami is a joyous occasion marked by performances of ‘Rasa Lila’. During these performances, scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, particularly his playful moments with the gopis (lecheras), come to life through dance and theater. People also show their creativity by creating intricate Rangoli designs outside their homes. Additionally, traditional sweets like churma, panjiri and mohanthal are lovingly prepared and presented as offerings to Lord Krishna.
rajasthan
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In Rajasthan, Janmashtami is celebrated with ‘Phoolon Ki Holi’, a unique celebration where flowers and colored powders replace the usual water and colours. Devotees visit the temples and there are processions with idols of Lord Krishna.
Punjab and Haryana
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In these regions, Janmashtami is marked by ‘Raas Leela’ performances, where individuals portray the joyful dance of Lord Krishna with the gopis. The houses and temples are adorned with vibrant flowers and intricate Rangoli designs.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn