Krishna Janmashtami, commemorating the birth of Lord Krishna, will be observed on August 26 this year. As a key festival in Hinduism, Janmashtami sees schools, universities, and banks across India close in reverence to this significant occasion. The festival is especially prominent in Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where the cities of Mathura and Vrindavan hold deep spiritual significance.
Beyond Uttar Pradesh, the Janmashtami holiday extends to other states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Goa, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Telangana, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Students and employees are advised to confirm the specific holiday schedules with their respective institutions.
In Maharashtra, Janmashtami is closely associated with the vibrant ‘dahi-handi’ tradition. This event, set for August 27 this year, features human pyramids formed by devotees attempting to break a pot of curd suspended in mid-air. The spectacle draws massive crowds, with Mumbai alone hosting over 4,000 such events annually.
Janmashtami celebrations often span two days, with different customs observed on each. The Smarta Sampradaya typically celebrates on the first day, while the Vaishnava Sampradaya follows on the second, reflecting the diversity of practices across India.
In Tamil Nadu, the festival is marked by the creation of intricate Kolam designs made from rice batter at the entrance of homes. These delicate patterns often include small footprints, symbolizing the playful presence of young Krishna entering the house, adding a unique charm to the celebrations in the region.
