Shri Krishna Jayanti Celebrations in Braj Bhumi – the birthday of Lord Krishna in Mathura and Vrindavan

Krishna Janmashtami or Shri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated in India and around the world. But none of it will be able to match the celebrations held at Mathura and Vrindavan. Krishna Janma Bhoomi Mandir or the two temples at Sri Krishna Janmashthan, the exact place Shri Krishna was born, is the main center of celebrations in Mathura. It is also known as Brij Bhumi and thousands of people converge here on the day of Lord Krishna's birth anniversary. In 2011, Krishna Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan is on August 22. In Ranganath Temple at Vrindaban the birthday celebrations will be observed on August 22. Then there is the Latta Ka Mela celebration on August 23.

The main Krishna Janmashtami celebrations are held at Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan and Nandgaon and begin at midnight. The entire area is also referred as Brij Bhumi or Braj Bhumi.

Idols of Lord Krishna in the various temples in Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan and Nandgaon will be decorated with new Jardozi cloth and ornaments. Special bathing ceremony (abhishek) is performed using milk, curd and herbs, which is accompanied by the ringing of bells and blowing of Shankh (conch). After the abhishek the idol of Lord Krishna is placed on a cradle and it is rocked to the chanting of prayers. Next the ‘prasad’ is distributed among the devotees.

Numerous plays, tableau and other cultural activities are organized here during the Sri Krishna Jayanti celebrations.

Krishna is the happiest god, the god who always smiles, the god of hope. All celebrations associated with him are full of joy. And the celebrations in Vrindavan and Mathura reach unimaginable levels. Devotion or bhakti reaches new levels with devotees virtually weeping in joy.

In 2011, Shri Krishna Jayanti celebrations in South India will take place on August 21. In Maharashtra, Janmashtami is noted for the Dahi Handi celebrations.

You may also like to read

Why is Sri Krishna Jayanti observed on two different dates in India?

How to observe Krishna Janmashtami?