View source for Krishna Janmashtami

{{Short description|Hindu festival celebrating Krishna's birth anniversary}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2022}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name  = Krishna Janmashtami
| type          = Hindu
| image         = Yesoda-krishna.jpg
| caption       = [[Krishna]] with his foster mother [[Yashoda]]
| nickname      = {{Plainlist|
* Krishnashtami
* Krishna Jayanti
* Gokulashtami
* Yadukulashtami
* Srikrishna Jayanti
* Ashtami Rohini<!-- keep since only one is mentioned in main text -->
}}
| observedby    = [[Hindus]]
| longtype      = Religious (1–2 days), cultural
| date          = {{Hindu festival date}}
| date2020      = {{Nowrap|11, 12 August}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Portal of India|url=https://www.india.gov.in/calendar?date=2020-08|access-date=3 August 2020|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref>
| date2021      = {{Nowrap|Monday, 30 August}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Portal of India|url=https://www.india.gov.in/calendar?date=2021-08|access-date=3 August 2020|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref>
| date2023      = {{Nowrap|6–7
September}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Portal of India|url=https://www.india.gov.in/calendar?date=2022-08|access-date=3 August 2020|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref>
| celebrations  = [[Dahi Handi]]/[[Nandotsava]] (next day in the north), kite-flying, drawing footprints of infant Krishna,<br />fasting, traditional sweet dishes, etc.
| observances   = Dance-drama, puja, night vigil, fasting
| date2024      = {{Nowrap|26–27 August}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=National Portal of India|url=https://www.india.gov.in/calendar?date=2023-09|access-date=3 August 2020|website=www.india.gov.in}}</ref>
| date2025      = {{Nowrap|16–17 August}}
}}
{{Hindu festival date info}}
{{Hinduism}}
{{Vaishnavism}}

'''Krishna Janmashtami''' ({{Langx|sa|कृष्णजन्माष्टमी|translit=Kṛṣṇajanmāṣṭamī}}), also known simply as '''Krishnashtami''', '''Janmashtami''', or '''Gokulashtami''', is an annual [[Hindu]] festival that celebrates the birth of [[Krishna]], the eighth [[avatar]] of [[Lord Vishnu|Vishnu]]. In the prominent Hindu scriptures, such as the ''[[Mahabharata]]'', ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'', ''[[Gita Govinda]]'', etc. Krishna has been identified as the supreme God and the source of all avatars.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314">{{Cite book |author=James G. Lochtefeld |url=https://ia802901.us.archive.org/15/items/JamesLochtefeldTheIllustratedEncyclopediaOfHinduism/James%20Lochtefeld%20The%20Illustrated%20Encyclopedia%20of%20Hinduism.pdf |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A–M |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |year=2002 |isbn=978-0823931798 |pages= |url-access=registration}}</ref> Krishna's birth is celebrated and observed on the eighth day ([[Ashtami]]) of the dark fortnight ([[Paksha#Krishna Paksha|Krishna Paksha]]) in [[Shravana]] [[Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar#chandramasa|Masa]] (according to the [[Hindu calendar#amanta|amanta]] tradition) or [[Bhadrapada]] Masa (according to the [[Hindu calendar#purnimanta|purnimanta]] tradition).

This overlaps with August or September of the [[Gregorian calendar]].<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" />

It is an important festival, particularly in the [[Vaishnavism]] tradition of Hinduism.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book |author=J. Gordon Melton |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDU30Ae4S4cC&pg=PA396 |year=2011 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-59884-205-0 |page=396}}</ref> The celebratory customs associated with Janmashtami include a celebration festival, reading and recitation of religious texts, dance and enactments of the life of Krishna according to the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'', devotional singing till midnight (the time of Krishna's birth), and fasting (''upavasa''), amongst other things.<ref name=":4">{{Cite book |author=Edwin Francis Bryant |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0z02cZe8PU8C |title=Sri Krishna: A Sourcebook |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-803400-1 |pages=223–225}}</ref> Some break their daylong fast at midnight with a feast.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sen |first1=Colleen Taylor |title=Feasts and Fasts: A History of Food in India |date=2014 |publisher=Reaktion Books |location=London |page=105}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Patil |first1=Vimla |title=Celebrations : festive days of India |year=1994 |publisher=India Book House |location=Bombay |page=66}}</ref> Krishna Janmashtami is widely celebrated across India and abroad.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" /><ref name=":2" />

== Etymology ==
The meaning of the [[Sanskrit]] word Janmashtami can be understood by splitting it into the two words, "Janma" and "Ashtami." The word "Janma" means birth<ref>{{Cite web |title=Janma: English Translation of the Sanskrit word: Janma-- Sanskrit Dictionary |url=https://sanskritdictionary.org/janma |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=sanskritdictionary.org}}</ref> and the word "[[Ashtami]]" means eight; thus, Krishna Janmashtami is the celebration of Krishna's birth on the eighth day of the dark fortnight ([[Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar#paksha|Krishna Paksha]]) in the month of [[Bhadra (Hindu calendar)|Bhadrapada]], also called Shravan, which falls in August–September of the Gregorian calendar.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-08-16 |title=Happy Janmashtami 2022: History and significance behind Lord Krishna's birth anniversary explained |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/happy-janmashtami-2022-history-and-significance-behind-lord-krishnas-birth-anniversary-explained/articleshow/93585203.cms |access-date=2023-05-03 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Janmashtami {{!}} Celebration, Date, India, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Janmashtami |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|Birth of Krishna}}

Information about Krishna's life is noted in the [[Mahabharata]], the [[Puranas]], and [[Bhagavata Purana]]. [[Krishna]] is the eighth son of [[Devaki]] (mother) and [[Vasudeva Anakadundubhi|Vasudeva]] (father).<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" />  Surrounding the time of his birth, persecution was rampant, freedoms were being denied, and King [[Kamsa]]'s life was threatened.<ref name="Varma2009p7">{{Cite book |author=Pavan K. Varma |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_anlsbp56aoC |title=The Book of Krishna |publisher=Penguin Books |year=2009 |isbn=978-0-14-306763-4 |pages=7–11}}</ref> Krishna was born within a prison in [[Mathura]], India where his parents were constrained by his uncle, Kamsa.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" /> During Devaki's wedding, Kamsa was warned by a celestial voice that Devaki's eighth son would be the cause of his death.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" /> To thwart this prophecy, Kamsa imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband, killing the first six of their newborns shortly after birth.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" /> The guards responsible for keeping watch over Devaki's cell fell asleep and the cell doors were miraculously opened at the time of Krishna's birth.<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" /> These events allowed Vasudeva to send Krishna across the [[Yamuna]] River to his foster parents, Yashoda (mother) and Nanda (father).<ref name="Lochtefeld2002p314" /> This legend is celebrated on Janmashtami by people keeping fasts, singing devotional songs of love for Krishna, and keeping a vigil into the night.<ref name="Melton2011p459">{{Cite book |author=Constance A Jones |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lD_2J7W_2hQC&pg=PA459 |title=Religious Celebrations: An Encyclopedia of Holidays, Festivals, Solemn Observances, and Spiritual Commemorations |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2011 |isbn=978-1-59884-206-7 |editor=J. Gordon Melton |page=459}}</ref>

Throughout Krishna's childhood and young adult life, [[Balarama]], Krishna's half-brother, was a "constant companion" for him. Balarama joined Krishna in the major events that are celebrated in Vraja, Brindavan, Dravarka, and Mathura such as stealing butter, chasing calves, playing in the cow pens, and participating in wrestling matches.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Vemsani |first=Lavanya |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4fw2DAAAQBAJ&q=Krishna+in+History,+Thought,+and+Culture:+An+Encyclopedia+of+the+Hindu+Lord+of+Many+Names+and+within+it |title=Krishna in History, Thought, and Culture: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names: An Encyclopedia of the Hindu Lord of Many Names |date=2016-06-13 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-61069-211-3 |language=en}}</ref>

==Observance and celebrations==
[[File:Indian School, late 18th century - Krishna as makhan chor (the butter thief). - RCIN 1005113.p - Royal Collection.jpg|thumb|Some communities celebrate Krishna's legends such as him as a ''Makkan chor'' (butter thief).]]
Krishna Janmashtami holds significant importance to Krishnaites as well as Hindus around the world, and it is celebrated in diverse forms depending on their regional and cultural customs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fenton |first=Stephanie |date=2022-08-15 |title=Krishna Janmashtami: Celebrating Lord Krishna around the world |url=https://readthespirit.com/religious-holidays-festivals/krishna-janmashtami-celebrating-lord-krishna-around-the-world/ |access-date=2023-05-08 |website=Religious Holidays |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting, singing, praying together, preparing and sharing special food, night vigils, and visiting Krishna or Vishnu temples. The places of Mathura and [[Vrindavan]] are visited by pilgrims.<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Bryant |first=Edwin |title=Krishna A Sourcebook |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2007 |pages=538–539}}</ref> Some mandirs organize recitation of ''[[Bhagavad Gita]]'' in the days leading up to Janmashtami.<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Gibson|first1=Lynne |last2=Wootten|first2=Pat|title=Hinduism|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jnwffnGT0tEC&pg=PA40 |year=2002|publisher=Heinemann|isbn=978-0-435-33618-9|page=40}}</ref> Many northern Indian communities organize dance-drama events called ''Rasa Lila'' or ''Krishna Lila''.<ref name="Melton2011p459" /> The tradition of Rasa Lila is particularly popular in the [[Mathura district|Mathura]] region, in northeastern states of India such as Manipur and Assam, and in parts of [[Rajasthan]] and [[Gujarat]]. It is acted out by numerous teams of amateur artists, cheered on by their local communities, and these drama-dance plays begin a few days before each Janmashtami.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Pavan K. Varma|title=The Book of Krishna|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_anlsbp56aoC |year=2009|publisher=Penguin Books|isbn=978-0-14-306763-4|pages=160–162}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|author=Edwin Francis Bryant|title=Krishna: A Sourcebook |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0z02cZe8PU8C |year=2007|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-803400-1|pages=449–457}}</ref> People decorate their houses with flowers and light.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 August 2021|title=Janmashtami 2021: Date, history, significance and importance of Krishna Janmashtami|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/janmashtami-2021-date-history-significance-importance-of-krishna-janmashtami-101629180904514.html|access-date=31 August 2021|work=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> On this day, people chant "Hare Krishna hare Krishna, Krishna- Krishna Hare Hare". The Janmashtami celebration is followed by ''Dahi Handi'', which is celebrated the next day.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 August 2021|title=Krishna Janmashtami 2021 Date, Puja Muhurat and Significance|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/religion/festivals/krishna-janmashtami-2021-date-puja-muhurat-and-significance/articleshow/85424989.cms|access-date=31 August 2021|work=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Janmashtami 2021: Know The Date, Timing, Significance And Celebrations Of Krishna Janmashtami|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/janmashtami-2021-date-timing-significance-celebrations-and-all-you-need-to-know-about-krishna-janmashtami-2518394|access-date=31 August 2021|work=NDTV}}</ref>

After Krishna's midnight hour birth, forms of baby Krishna are bathed and clothed, then placed in a cradle. The devotees then break their fast by sharing food and sweets. Women draw tiny footprints outside their house doors and kitchen, walking towards their house, a symbolism for Krishna's journey into their homes.<ref name="Melton2011p459" />
[[File:Dahi Handi.JPG|thumb|right|Dahi Handi, a Janmashtami tradition, in progress in [[Mumbai]] India.]]

===Northern India===
[[File:ISKCON temple, Delhi at Janamashtami.jpg|thumb|Janmashtami at ISKCON temple, Delhi ]]
Janmashtami is the largest festival in the [[Braj]] region of north India, in cities such as [[Mathura]] where Krishna was born according to Krishnaism, and in Vrindavan where he grew up.<ref name="Melton2011p459" /> [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnava communities]] in these cities in [[Uttar Pradesh]], as well as others in the state, as well as locations in Rajasthan, Delhi, Haryana, [[Uttarakhand]] and Himalayan north celebrate Janmashtami. Krishna temples are decorated and lighted up, they attract numerous visitors on the day, while Krishna devotees hold [[bhakti]] events and keep night vigil.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kishore |first=B. R. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t3WzDipk9xwC&pg=PA118 |title=Hinduism |publisher=Diamond |year=2001 |isbn=978-81-7182-073-3 |page=118}}</ref>

The festival typically falls as the monsoons in north India have begun retreating, fields laden with crops and rural communities have time to play. In the northern states, Janmashtami is celebrated with the ''Raslila'' tradition, which literally means "play (Lila) of delight, essence (Rasa)". This is expressed as solo or group dance and drama events at Janmashtami, wherein Krishna related compositions are sung, music accompanies the performance, while actors and audience share and celebrate the performance by clapping hands to mark the beat.<ref name="Roy2005p213" /> The childhood pranks of Krishna and the love affairs of [[Radha Krishna|Radha-Krishna]] are particularly popular. According to Christian Roy and other scholars, these Radha-Krishna love stories are Hindu symbolism for the longing and love of the human soul for the divine or [[Brahman]].<ref name="bryant9">{{Cite book |author=Edwin Francis Bryant |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0z02cZe8PU8C |title=Krishna: A Sourcebook |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-803400-1 |pages=9–10, 115–116, 265–267}}</ref><ref name="Roy2005p213" />

Poetry describing the feats of Krishna became popular in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries within the Braj region, and is written according to a vernacular called "[[Braj Bhasha|Braj basha]]" (present-day "[[Hindi]]"/dialect of "Hindi").<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hawley |first=John Stratton |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UP9cCAAAQBAJ&q=surdas |title=The Memory of Love: Surdas Sings to Krishna |date=2009-04-07 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-045195-0 |pages=6 |language=en}}</ref> The Braj basha poems of [[Surdas]] (collectively known as the ''Sursagar'') are popularly recalled, some of which describe the birth and childhood of Krishna.<ref name=":4" />

=== Jammu Region ===
In [[Jammu region]], Janmashtami is popularly known by the name "''Thogre/Thakure da Vrat''"<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Medhavi |date=2020-08-14 |title=Janmashtami in Jammu, A Visual Treat |url=https://www.indica.today/quick-reads/janmashtami-in-jammu-a-visual-treat/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |website=Indic Today |language=en-US}}</ref> (meaning Vrat dedicated to Thakur i.e. Shri Krishna). Observing a ''Phalaahari Vrat'' for complete one day is the major ritual in the festival. The day is marked by numerous ''Phalaahari Dhaams'' or ''Bhandaras'' in the streets of Jammu region's prominent towns.

Janmashtami marks the beginning of the kite-flying season in the Jammu region whereby locals gather and fly decorated kites from their rooftops.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=The Festival of Kite Flying in Jammu |url=http://www.jammu.com/jammu/fairs/kite-flying.htm |access-date=10 August 2012}}</ref> While on the other hand, girls and women decorate their palms by applying ''Teera'', dye of an indigenous plant.<ref name=":0" />

Another ceremony associated with Janmashtami in Jammu region is "''Deyaa Parna"'' in which [[Dogras]] donate cereal grains in the name of their ancestors & ''Kuldevtas''. A holy tree called ''jand'' is worshipped by women on this day. Special rotis called ''draupads'' are prepared and offered to cows and deities.<ref name=":0" />

=== Kashmir ===
Janmashtami is celebrated as ''Zaram Satam'' (Janam Saptami) by the native [[Kashmiri Pandits]] of Kashmir. The festival is associated with observing a ''vrat'' the whole day and visiting the ''Thokur Kuth'' (Krishna Mandir) at midnight. At night, ''puja'' is performed in the temples which includes performing ''[[Abhisheka|abhishek]]'' (ritual bath) to the ''murti'' of Krishna, and singing ''bhajans'' (devotional songs). Food items appropriate for fasting, such as ''gaer'' or ''singhada lapsi'' (made from waterchestnut flour), fruits, and dried fruits are consumed on this day.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Zaram Satam – Bhad'ru'peth Gatt Pachh Satam {{!}} Kashmir As It Is |url=https://kashmirasitis.com/zaram-satam/ |access-date=2022-08-24 |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Maharashtra===
{{Main|Dahi Handi}}

Janmashtami (popularly known as "Dahi Handii" in [[Maharashtra]]) is celebrated in cities such as [[Mumbai]], [[Latur]], [[Nagpur]] and [[Pune]].<ref name=":5" /> It is a celebration of joy and facilitator of social oneness.<ref name=":5" /> ''Dahi Handi'' is an enactment of how Krishna, during his childhood, would steal butter.<ref name=":3" /> This story is the theme of numerous reliefs on temples across India, as well as literature and dance-drama repertoire, symbolizing the joyful innocence of children, that love and life's play is the manifestation of god.<ref name="Hawley2014ix">{{Cite book |author=John Stratton Hawley |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ncb_AwAAQBAJ |title=Krishna, The Butter Thief |publisher=Princeton University Press |year=2014 |isbn=978-1-4008-5540-7 |pages=ix–xi, 3–11, 89, 256, 313–319}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |author=Edwin Francis Bryant |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0z02cZe8PU8C |title=Krishna: A Sourcebook |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2007 |isbn=978-0-19-803400-1 |pages=114–118}}</ref>

It is common practice for youth groups to celebrate the festival by participating in ''[[Dahi Handi]],'' which involves hanging a clay pot, filled with buttermilk, at a significant height.<ref name=":5" /> Once hung, several youth groups compete to reach the pot by creating a human pyramid and breaking it open.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2022-08-18 |title=Krishna Janmashtami 2022: When is Dahi Handi? Know all about its date, history, celebrations and significance |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/festivals/krishna-janmashtami-2022-when-is-dahi-handi-know-all-about-its-date-history-celebrations-and-significance-101660824785555.html |access-date=2023-04-04 |work=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref name="TOIMishra">{{Cite news |author1=Ambarish Mishra |author2=Nitin Yeshwantrao |author3=Bella Jaisinghani |date=11 August 2012 |title=Nine-tier handi breaks into Guinness Records |work=The Times of India |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Nine-tier-handi-breaks-into-Guinness-Records/articleshow/15441796.cms?referral=PM |access-date=23 July 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 August 2008 |title=Janmashtami celebrated with zeal, enthusiasm |work=Mid Day |url=http://www.mid-day.com/news/2008/aug/240808-janmashtami-celebrated.htm |access-date=12 August 2009}}</ref> The spilled contents are considered as ''prasada'' (celebratory offering). It is a public spectacle, cheered and welcomed as a community event.<ref name="Roy2005p213">{{Cite book |author=Christian Roy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IKqOUfqt4cIC&pg=PA213 |title=Traditional Festivals: A Multicultural Encyclopedia |publisher=ABC-CLIO |year=2005 |isbn=978-1-57607-089-5 |pages=213–215}}</ref><ref name="CNNDMello">{{Cite news |last1=DMello |first1=Daniel |date=4 October 2011 |title=8 incredible facts about Mumbai |work=CNN |url=http://travel.cnn.com/mumbai/life/8-incredible-facts-about-Mumbai-082838 |access-date=23 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729030959/http://travel.cnn.com/mumbai/life/8-incredible-facts-about-Mumbai-082838 |archive-date=29 July 2014}}</ref>

===Gujarat and Rajasthan===
In [[Dwarka]], Gujarat – where Krishna is believed to have established his kingdom – people celebrate the festival with a tradition similar to ''Dahi Handi'', called ''Makhan Handi'' (pot with freshly churned butter). Others perform folk dances such and ''[[Garba (dance)|garba]]'' and ''raas'', sing [[bhajan|''bhajans'']], and visit Krishna temples such as at the [[Dwarkadhish Temple]] or [[Nathdwara]]. In the [[Kutch district]] region, farmers decorate their bullock carts and take out Krishna processions, with group singing and dancing.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Anjali H. Desai|title=India Guide Gujarat|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gZRLGZNZEoEC&pg=PA71|year=2007|publisher=India Guide|isbn=978-0-9789517-0-2|pages=71, 76}}</ref> The day is of special importance to followers of the [[Pushtimarg]] and the [[Swaminarayan Sampradaya|Swaminarayan movement]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Basu |first=Helene |title=Brill's Encyclopedia of Hinduism Online |publisher=Brill |year=2018 |editor-last=Knut A. |editor-first=Jacobsen |chapter=Gujarat |editor-last2=Basu |editor-first2=Helene |editor-last3=Malinar |editor-first3=Angelika |editor-last4=Narayanan |editor-first4=Vasudha}}</ref>

The works of Gujarati poets, [[Narsinh Mehta]] (1414–1480 c.e.), [[Dayaram]] (1777–1852) and Rajasthani poet [[Mirabai]] (c.1500), are popularly revisited and sung during Janmashtami. Their works are categorized as part of the ''bhakti'' tradition, or devotional poetry dedicated to Krishna.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Dwyer |first=Rachel |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u7XyeTFxY3wC |title=The Poetics of Devotion: The Gujarati Lyrics of Dayaram |date=2001 |publisher=Psychology Press |isbn=978-0-7007-1233-5 |pages=31–32 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":4" />

===South India===
In [[Kerala]], people celebrate in September, according to the [[Malayalam calendar]].
[[File:Uppu Seedai-Ashwin restaurant,Attur-Tamilnadu-IMG 20210317 193820.jpg|thumb|Seedai prepared specially on Krishna Janmashtami]]
In [[Tamil Nadu]], people decorate the floor with kolams (decorative pattern drawn with rice batter). Geetha Govindam and other such devotional songs are sung in praise of Krishna. Little footprints, representing Krishna as an infant, are drawn from the threshold of the house till the pooja (prayer) room, which depicts the arrival of Krishna into the house.<ref>{{Citation |last=Vaswani |first=Jashan P. |title=Hinduism: What You Would Like to Know About |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NVJORFklvLEC&pg=PA92 |page=92 |year=2004 |publisher=Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd |isbn=978-1-904910-02-2}}</ref> Reciting from the ''Bhagavad Gita'' is also a popular practice. The offerings made to Krishna include fruits, betel and butter. Milk-based items, such as sweet ''seedai'' and ''verkadalai urundai'', are prepared.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Sengar |first=Resham|title=This is how the South India celebrates Krishna Janmashtami |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/this-is-how-the-south-india-celebrated-krishna-janmashtami/articleshow/70818421.cms |access-date=2023-05-20 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> The festival is celebrated in the evening as Krishna was born at midnight. Most people observe a strict fast on this day.<ref name=":6" />

[[File:Krishnastami Toddler Dress Up 2.jpg.jpg|thumb|A toddler dressed like Krishna]]
In [[Andhra Pradesh]] and [[Telangana]], recitation of shlokas and devotional songs are the characteristics of this festival. Another unique feature of this festival is that young boys are dressed up as Krishna and they visit neighbours and friends. The people of Andhra Pradesh observe a fast too. Various kinds of sweets such as [[chakodi]], [[murukku]], and '''seedai''' are offered to Krishna on this day.<ref name=":6"/> Joyful chanting of Krishna's name takes place in quite a few temples of the state. The number of temples dedicated to Krishna are few. The reason being that people have taken to worship him through paintings and not idols.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}

Popular south Indian temples dedicated to Krishna are [[Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi|Rajagopalaswamy Temple]] in [[Mannargudi]] in the [[Tiruvarur district]], Pandavadhoothar temple in [[Kanchipuram]], Sri Krishna temple at [[Udupi]], and the Krishna temple at [[Guruvayur]] are dedicated to the memory of Vishnu's incarnation as Krishna. It is believed that the ''[[murti]]'' (idol) of Krishna installed in Guruvayur is originally from his kingdom in Dwarka – which is believed to be submerged in the sea.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Manohar Laxman Varadpande |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TaF603WEv4IC&pg=PA94 |title=Krishna Theatre in India |publisher=Abhinav Publications |year=1982 |isbn=978-81-7017-151-5 |page=94 |language=en}}</ref>

===Eastern and Northeastern India===
Janmashtami is widely celebrated by Krishnaite and Hindu Vaishnava communities of eastern and northeastern India. The widespread tradition of celebrating Krishna in these regions is credited to the efforts and teachings of 15th and 16th century [[Sankardev]]a and [[Chaitanya Mahaprabhu]]. Sankardeva introduced the musical composition, ''[[Borgeet]]'', and dance-drama styles – ''[[Ankia Naat]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Banham |first=Martin |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Ubr35UeE-UQC&dq=ankiya+nat&pg=PA13 |title=The Cambridge Paperback Guide to Theatre |date=1996-03-07 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-44654-9 |pages=13 |language=en}}</ref>'' and ''[[Sattriya]]'' - that is now popular in West Bengal and Assam. In Manipur state, a traditional dance - ''[[Manipuri Raas Leela|Raas Leela]]'' - inspired by the theme of love and devotion between Krishna, Radha and the gopis, is enacted using the Manipuri dance style.<ref name=lochtefeld420>{{Cite book |author=James G. Lochtefeld |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: A-M |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC&pg=PA376 |year=2002 |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-8239-3179-8 |pages=420–421}}</ref>{{Sfn|Reginald Massey|2004|p=177}}{{Sfn|Ragini Devi|1990|pp=175–180}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Devi |first=Dr Yumlembam Gopi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gxqeDwAAQBAJ |title=Glimpses of Manipuri Culture |date=16 June 2019 |publisher=Lulu.com |isbn=978-0-359-72919-7 |pages=193 |language=en}}</ref> The contextual roots of these dance drama arts are found in the ancient text ''[[Natya Shastra]]'', but with influences from the culture fusion between India and southeast Asia.{{Sfn|Saryu Doshi|1989|pp=xv–xviii}}{{Sfn|Natalia Lidova|2014}}{{Sfn|Tarla Mehta|1995}}

[[File:Rasa Lila in Manipuri dance style.jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|left|250px|''[[Rasa lila]]'' in [[Manipuri dance]] style]]
On Janmashtami, parents dress up their children as Krishna or the gopis. Temples and community centers are decorated with regional flowers and leaves, while groups recite or listen to the tenth chapter of the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'', and the ''[[Bhagavata Gita]]''.<ref name="Roy2005p213"/>

Janmashtami is a major festival celebrated with fasts, vigil, recitation of scriptures and Krishna prayers in Manipur.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Prakasan|first=Chethana|date=19 August 2016|title=Latest travel Articles & blogs|url=https://www.india.com/travel/articles/janmashtami-celebration-in-india-how-janmashtami-is-celebrated-in-maharashtra-vrindavan-mathura-and-manipur-3232675/|access-date=10 August 2020|website=India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News {{!}} India.com|language=en}}</ref> Dancers performing [[Raslila]] are a notable annual tradition during Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan.<ref>{{Cite book |editor1=Vijaya Ghose |editor2=Jaya Ramanathan |editor3=Renuka N. Khandekar |year=1992 |title=Tirtha, A Treasury of Indian Expressions |location=New Delhi |publisher=CMC |page=184 |isbn=978-81-900267-0-3 |quote=Raslila plays are specially enacted during Janmashtami and Holi festivals at Mathura, Bridavan in the Braj region.}}</ref> Children play the ''Likol Sannaba'' game in the Meetei Krishnaite community.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Naorem Sanajaoba|title=Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC&pg=PA284 |year=1988|publisher=Mittal |isbn=978-81-7099-853-2|pages=284–285}}</ref>

The [[Shree Govindajee Temple]] and the ISKCON temples particularly mark the Janmashtami festival.<ref name=toiassammani>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Janmashtami-joy-in-Assam-Manipur/articleshow/53866640.cms Janmashtami joy in Assam and Manipur], The Times of India (26 August 2016)</ref> Janmashtami is celebrated in Assam at homes, in community centers called [[Namghar]]s (Assamese: নামঘৰ). According to the tradition, the devotees sing the ''Nam'', perform pujas and sharing food and ''Prasada''.<ref name=toiassammani />

====Odisha and West Bengal====
[[File:Janmashtami Puja.jpg|thumb|Janmashtami Puja in Odia family]]
In the eastern state of [[Odisha]], specifically the region around [[Puri]] and in [[Nabadwip]], [[West Bengal]], the festival is also referred to as ''Sri Krishna Jayanti'' or simply ''Sri Jayanti''.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Prabhat Mukherjee |title=The History of Medieval Vaishnavism in Orissa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7LFzfbhmJcMC&pg=PA185 |year=1981 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0229-8 |page=185}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |author=Bhakti Prajnan Yati Maharaj |year=1978 |title=Renaissance of Gaudiya Vaishnava Movement |publisher=Sree Gaudiya Math |page=260 |oclc=6199191 |quote="His Madras visit took place during the Sri Janmashtami (Sri Krishna's Advent day) ... they made an appeal to Srila Acharyadeva to visit Madras Math every year particularly during the Sri Jayanti (Janmastami)."}}</ref> People celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and worship until midnight. The ''Bhagavata Purana'' is recited from the 10th chapter, a section dedicated to the life of [[Krishna]]. The next day is called "Nanda Ucchhaba" or the joyous celebration of Krishna's foster parents [[Nanda (mythology)|Nanda]] and [[Yashoda]]. Devotees keep [[fasting]] during the entire day of Janmashtami. They bring water from [[Ganges|Ganga]] to bathe Radha Madhaba during their abhisheka ceremony. A grand abhisheka is performed at midnight for the small Radha Madha. In Odisha, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, best known for its grand [[Ratha Yatra (Puri)|''Ratha Yatra'']] celebrations, perform a ''Ratha Yatra'' during Janmashtami.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Badlani |first=Dr Hiro G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-SFKDwAAQBAJ&dq=krishna+janmashtami+in+jagannath+temple&pg=PA323 |title=Hinduism: Path of the Ancient Wisdom |date=2008-09-30 |publisher=iUniverse |isbn=978-0-595-87961-8 |pages=323 |language=en}}</ref>

==Outside India==
===Nepal===
[[File:Patan-Krishna Mandir-02-Garudasaeule-Vishveshvara-Bhimsen-gje.jpg|thumb|[[Krishna Mandir, Patan|Krishna Mandir]] in Patan, Nepal.]]
About eighty percent of the population of [[Nepal]] identify themselves as Hindus and celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. They observe Janmashtami by fasting until midnight. It is a national holiday in Nepal.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Krishna Janmashtami 2020: Puja Vrat Vidhi, Fasting and Significance|url=https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2020/08/10/krishna-janmashtami-2020-puja-vrat-vidhi-fasting-and-significance/|access-date=24 December 2020|website=SpotlightNepal|language=en}}</ref> The devotees recite the [[Bhagavad Gita]] and sing religious songs called bhajans and kirtans. The temples of Krishna are decorated. Shops, posters and houses carry Krishna motifs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Janmashtami in Nepal: Devotees throng magnificent Krishna Temple|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/world/asia/janmashtami-in-nepal-devotees-throng-magnificent-krishna-temple20190823182855/|access-date=10 August 2020|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref>

===Bangladesh===
[[File:Street_Folk_Parade.jpg|thumb|Janmashtami celebrations in [[Dhaka]]]]
Janmashtami is a [[Public holidays in Bangladesh|national holiday in Bangladesh]].<ref name="grover">{{Citation |last=Grover |first=Verinder |title=Bangladesh: Government and Politics |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R1uTvbI84HIC&pg=PA8 |year=2000 |publisher=Deep and Deep Publications |isbn=978-81-7100-928-2 |page=8}}</ref> On Janmashtami, a procession starts from [[Dhakeshwari Temple]] in [[Dhaka]], the National Temple of Bangladesh, and then proceeds through the streets of [[Old Dhaka]]. The procession dates back to 1902, but was stopped in 1948. The procession was resumed in 1989.<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Bangladesh blessings |journal=Hinduism Today |date=February 1997 |url=http://www.hinduismtoday.com/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=4810}}</ref>

===Fiji===
At least a quarter of the population in [[Fiji]] practices Hinduism, and this holiday has been celebrated in Fiji since the first Indian indentured laborers landed there. Janmashtami in Fiji is known as "Krishna Ashtami". Most Hindus in Fiji have ancestors that originated from [[Uttar Pradesh]], Bihar, and [[Tamil Nadu]], making this an especially important festival for them. Fiji's Janmashtami celebrations are unique in that they last for eight days, leading up to the eighth day, the day Krishna was born. During these eight days, Hindus gather at homes and at temples with their 'mandalis,' or devotional groups at evenings and night, and recite the [[Bhagavat Purana]], sing devotional songs for Krishna, and distribute Prasadam.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mala |first=Shahani |date=6 September 2015 |title=Hindus Mark Birth of Lord Krishna |url=http://fijisun.com.fj/2015/09/06/hindus-mark-birth-of-lord-krishna |work=Fiji Sun}}</ref>

===Pakistan===
Janmashtami is celebrated by [[Hindus in Pakistan|Pakistani Hindus]] in the [[Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Karachi|Shri Swaminarayan Mandir]] in [[Karachi]] with the singing of [[bhajans]] and delivering of sermons on Krishna.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://archives.dawn.com/archives/162125 |title=KARACHI: Janamashtami festival celebrated Jai Sri Krishna |work=Dawn |access-date=2 December 2012}}</ref> It is an optional holiday in Pakistan. Prior to the [[Partition of India]], [[Dera Ghazi Khan]] was the center of a Janmashtami fair at the thallā of Kevalarāma. This fair is now recreated in [[Inder Puri]], New Delhi.<ref>{{cite thesis |last=Entwistle |first=Alan William |date= |title=The Rāsa Mana Ke Pada of Kevalarāma: A Medieval Hindi Text of the Eight Gaddī of the Vallabha Sect |url= |degree=PhD |chapter= |publisher=University of London |docket= |oclc= |access-date=|pages=81–82, 106}}</ref>

===Others===
In [[Arizona]], United States, Governor [[Janet Napolitano]] was the first American leader to greet a message on Janmashtami, while acknowledging [[International Society for Krishna Consciousness|ISKCON]].<ref>[http://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/register/2008/33/governor.pdf Executive Orders, Proclamations of General Applicability, and Statements Issues by the Governor Pursuant to A.R.S. § 41-1013(B)(3)], Arizona State Government, USA (2008)</ref> The festival is also celebrated widely by Krishnaites in the [[Caribbean]] countries of [[Guyana]], [[Trinidad and Tobago]], [[Jamaica]] and [[Suriname]]. Many Hindus in these countries originate from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar; descendants of indentured immigrants from Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa.

==See also==
{{Portal|India|Hinduism}}
* [[Krishna Janmasthan Temple Complex]]
* [[Radhashtami]]
* [[Jai Shri Krishna]]
* [[Bhadra (Hindu calendar)|Bhadrapad]]
* [[Radha Krishna]]
* [[Seventh of Adar]]
* [[Musi River (India)]]

== References ==
=== Citations ===
{{Reflist|30em}}

=== Bibliography ===
* {{Cite book |author=Saryu Doshi |title=Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xRbkAAAAMAAJ |year=1989 |publisher=Marg Publications |isbn=978-81-85026-09-1}}
* {{Cite book |author=Ragini Devi |title=Dance Dialects of India |url=https://archive.org/details/dancedialectsofi0000ragi |url-access=registration |year=1990 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0674-0}}
* {{Cite web |author=Natalia Lidova |year=2014 |title=Natyashastra |url=https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780195399318/obo-9780195399318-0071.xml |publisher=Oxford University Press |doi=10.1093/obo/9780195399318-0071 }}
* {{Citation |author=Tarla Mehta |title=Sanskrit Play Production in Ancient India |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l7naMj1UxIkC |year=1995 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1057-0}}
* {{Cite book |author=Reginald Massey |title=India's Dances: Their History, Technique, and Repertoire |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=t6MJ8jbHqIwC |year=2004 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-434-9}}

== Further reading ==
* {{Cite web |url=https://traveltoggle.com/krishna-janmashtami-nepal/ |title=Krishna Janmashtami-celebrating the Birth of Lord Krishna – Traveltoggle |date=11 July 2021}}
*

== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Krishna Janmashtami}}

{{Krishna}}
{{HinduFestivals}}
{{Sindhi festivals}}

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