Different ways Janmashtami is celebrated across India
What's the story
Janmashtami isn't just a festival - it's India's midnight birthday celebration for Lord Krishna. From breaking curd pots to twirling in garba circles, every state in India adds its own unique sparkle. It's part devotion, part drama, and all joy! Let's take a whirlwind tour of how different corners of India celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with love, colour, and devotion.
#1
Mathura and Vrindavan - The birthplace bash
In Mathura and Vrindavan, Janmashtami is pure magic! Streets glow with lights, temples overflow with flowers, and Krishna's life plays out in dazzling ras leelas. Devotees fast all day, then burst into midnight aarti with drums, bells, and chants. Kids dress as little Krishnas, stealing hearts like butter. Here, the celebration feels less like a ritual, more like a love story.
#2
Maharashtra: Dahi Handi mania
Maharashtra turns Janmashtami into a high-energy sport! Inspired by baby Krishna's butter thefts, teams form human pyramids to smash a pot of curd hanging way above the street. Crowds cheer, music pumps, and water sprays fly. Winners get prize money, bruises, and bragging rights. It's part devotion, part daredevil act, and all about the thrill of reaching for the unreachable.
#3
Gujarat: Garba meets devotion
In Gujarat, Janmashtami brings the vibrant swirl of garba nights. Women in colourful chaniya cholis dance in circles, clapping to Krishna bhajans instead of disco beats. Temples like Dwarkadhish glow, and devotees swing baby Krishna idols in decorated cradles. It's the perfect fusion of prayer and party - where faith twirls to the rhythm of tradition, and no one leaves without dancing.
#4
Odisha: The unique Jagannath twist
In Odisha, Janmashtami has a special Puri flavour. The Jagannath Temple hosts grand rituals, but locals also read the Bhagavata Purana aloud till midnight. Devotees decorate swings with flowers for baby Krishna and sing folk songs. Sweet offerings like chhena poda fill the air with aroma. It's a quieter, devotional vibe - where the celebrations feel intimate, heartwarming, and deeply rooted in storytelling.
#5
Manipur: Theatre meets worship
In Manipur, Janmashtami is theatre meets worship. Classical Manipuri ras leela dancers tell Krishna and Radha's tales through graceful moves and colourful costumes. The Govindajee Temple becomes the heart of the festivities, echoing with cymbals and conch shells. It's soulful, artistic, and breathtakingly beautiful - a reminder that devotion isn't just about rituals, it's about celebrating divinity through art and pure expression.