Janmashtami Festival

About Janmashtami Festival

Lord Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and he took birth to kill his maternal uncle Kansha. Lord Krishna was born of Devki, sister of Kansha. Kansha was aware of his death and so he killed other children of Devki. But as Kansha was destined to be killed by Devki’s eighth son, so Krishna was handed over to Nandalal who had taken care of Krishna. The legend and the myths make a wonderful impact and beliefs on the Hindus and these strong beliefs are well evident in the glory and splendor of the occasion. People of Gujarat treat the occasion as a grand event and the celebration takes place in temples, personal houses and in the localities when all the females treat Lord Krishna as their own child. On the occasion different sweets, dishes are prepared to give honor to the God.

Dwarka, the kingdom founded by Lord Krishna is located within the territories of the present day Gujarat and therefore, Krishna Janmashtami in Gujarat India is one of the most popular of the fairs and festivals in Gujarat.The Krishna Janmashtami Celebration in Gujarat is therefore one of the most popular events that is celebrated in both the public as well as private domain. Another place where the festival generates considerable heat is at Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, Lord Krishna’s birthplace.The festivities begin with fasting on the previous day (Saptami, seventh day) which is followed by a night-long vigil commemorating the birth of Krishna at night, and his immediate removal by his father to a foster-home for safe-keeping at Gokula. At midnight, the idol of the infant Krishna is bathed, placed in a cradle and worshipped.

Method of Celebration

Fasting:
The most common ritual observed all over during Janmashtami is fasting by devotees on the day of the festival. Devotees fast for the entire day and break it after the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight. People prefer to have only milk and milk products as they were the favourite of Lord Krishna. Some devotees of Lord Krishna go to the extent of keeping ‘Nirjal’ fast- It involves fasting without having a single drop of water. There are other ardent followers , who keep the fast for two days in the honour of Lord Krishna.

Chanting:
Devotees indulge in continuous chanting all day long. They chant mantras and shlokas to please the lord. Religious atmosphere prevails everywhere. Devotees highlight his feats and his divine characteristics. Chanting of 108 names of Lord Krishna is another ritual that takes place in various temples. Chanting of names is accompanied by showering of flowers on the idol of Lord Krishna.

Staging of Plays or Dramas of Lord Krishna:
Plays depicting various events and accomplishments of Lord Krishna during his lifetime is another important custom during the festival. Both professional artists as well as amateurs stage plays at various places that are widely attended by devotees.

Sweets:
According to legend, Lord Krishna was very fond of milk and milk products like butter and buttermilk. He was also fond of Sweets like Kheer, Pedhas etc. Therefore devotees all over make sweets during the festival to please the Lord.

Culture of festivities

Tourism of Gujarat, takes the tourist on a journey across the light and sound of the birth of Lord Krishna, in the form of Janmashtami. Janmashtami celebrations are carried on in the town of Dwarka, situated in Gujarat, India. It is believed according to a legend, that the yadavs, the clan Lord Krishna belonged to, left the town of Mathura and settled down in the town of Dwarka for the betterment and further perpetuation of their clan. Dwarka, situated in Gujarat, India, is replete with temples dedicated to Lord Krishna and so when the festive occasion of Janmashtami comes along, the temples are all filled with decoration and pageantry which culminate with the midnight birth of Lord Krishna, who as a child is adorned with a crown and made to sit on a cradle. People visit Shankhoddhar Beyt in Dwarka, Gujarat, India. Other temples which are high on the list of the devotees are the temple of Shank-Narayan, dedicated to the Matsyavatar, the incarnation of Vishnu as a big fish.

Gokulashtami or Janamashtami is a special and very joyous occasion. All the major temples, including Dwarka and Dakor, specially dedicated to Lord Krishna are colourfully decorated on this day.Bhajans and Kirtans in these temples are the highlights of the day long celebrations. At the stroke of midnight, when Lord Krishna was born, the chants hailing Lord Krishna rend the air and the devotees go ecstatic.There are also live enactments of the scenes from his childhood specially. The Ras, introduced by Lord Krishna himself in, Gujarat, is performed in temple and homes. Men and Women both participate in this rhythmic and colourful folk dance.

Climate & weather

The land relief in Gujarat is low in most parts of the state, resulting in a great diversity in the climate of Gujarat India. Gujarat experiences mild, pleasant and dry winters, with average daytime temperatures ranging around 83 °F(29 °C) and night temperatures around 53 °F(12 °C). The summers are very hot and dry, with day temperatures rising up to around 105 °F(41 °C) and night temperatures dropping to 85 °F(29 °C).

History of Janmashtami Festival

On the auspicious day of Janmashtami the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated all over the country. It is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh. It comes in the month of August/September or on the eighth day after the dark fortnight in Bhadon. Devaki and Vasudeva were the parents of Lord Krishna. But Kansa, Devaki’s brother, imprisoned his parents when he was about to born. The prediction of Kansa getting killed by the Devaki and Vasudeva’s eight child was the reason behind this. Anyhow, in the midst of a harsh storm Vasudeva took Lord Krishna to Gokul, immediately after his birth. There he grew up under the love and care of Yashodha and Nand.

How to reach Janmashtami Festival

• Nearest Railway Station:

• Nearest Airport:

• Road Transport:

Helpline & emergency contacts

• **Police Station:**100

• Nearest Hospital:

• Society/Community Phone Number:

Best time to visit Janmashtami Festival

August-September.

Timings & opening hours

August-September. Main celebrations from midnight onwards.

Entry fee & tickets

No entry fee for general celebrations.

Duration needed

1 to 2 days.

Location info

Janmashtami is celebrated across Gujarat with major events in Dwarka, Dakor, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara..

Safety tips

Large crowds expected. Keep valuables secure.

Things to carry

Comfortable clothing.

Nearby visiting places

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dakor Ranchhodraiji Temple.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport and railway station.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide good coverage across Gujarat’s major cities and tourist areas. 4G is generally reliable in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote areas of Kutch and interior Saurashtra. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Traditional Gujarati thali restaurants and local eateries offer a range of vegetarian dishes.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels. Booking ahead during major festivals (Navratri, Kutch Festival) is recommended.

Things to do at Janmashtami Festival

Attend midnight Aarti, watch Dahi Handi competitions, visit Krishna temples, and participate in devotional singing.

Things to visit & highlights

Krishna temples, especially Dwarkadhish Temple and Ranchhodraiji Temple in Dakor.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pump available in the nearest town.

Frequently asked questions

What is Janmashtami Festival? A festival celebrated in Gujarat.

When is it celebrated? Check the annual calendar.

How should I prepare? Book accommodation in advance during festival periods.

Quick facts

• Type: festivals
• Location: Gujarat, India
• Ideal for: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and photographers
• Best time to visit: October to March (pleasant winter season)
• Photography: Allowed at most areas; some sites may have restrictions inside sanctums

Plan your visit to Janmashtami Festival with these essential quick facts for a smooth and enjoyable trip to Gujarat.

Map & location view

Janmashtami Festival is located in the vibrant state of Gujarat, India. The destination is accessible by road and is well-connected to major cities and towns in the region, making it a convenient addition to any Gujarat travel itinerary.

How to reach

• By Air: The nearest airport is connected to major Indian cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Vadodara with regular domestic flights.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station is connected to the Indian railway network with regular trains from major cities across India.
• By Road: State transport buses, private taxis, and self-drive options are available from nearby cities. Gujarat has a well-maintained network of state highways and national highways.

Use GPS navigation or local maps to find the exact location of this destination in Gujarat. The Gujarat Tourism website provides additional travel resources for visitors.