Janmashtami : Mathura

Mathura (Uttar Pradesh): Thousands are pouring into Mathura to celebrate Janmashtami in the land of Lord Krishna.

The good weather is further expected to enhance the celebration here.

The festival celebrates the birth of

Mathura adorns a festive look on Janmashtami, with devotees crowding its temples and bylanes.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami also known as Gokulashtami has always been celebrated with all the joy and fervor. The birthday of the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, believed to have taken place some 5,000 years ago in Mathura, located about 135 km south of New Delhi, is celebrated on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark half of the lunar month) of the Hindu month Shravan month. Lord Krishna has been the favorite amongst all the Gods and also the people because of his charismatic personality and character. Krishna was not only divine but also (at the same time) the best friend, the best lover, the best ruler and the best guide to the people.

Celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami in 2014

In India, Krishna Janmashtami in 2014 is going to be celebrated with great joy. People are always very excited about this festival. The temples are decorated beautifully. On the beautiful day of Sri Krishna Janmashtmi, people at home or in the temple build beautiful swings and keep Lord Krishnas idol in it. Around the swing, they create different scenes, which depict different phases of Lord Krishnas life. Children also come together in a group and prepare such scenes in their community hall or on the streets of their societies. Then, in the evening, the people from and outside the society come to visit these beautiful creations of the children.

People observe fast on this day till midnight, as Lord Krishna was born in midnight. They gather together at temples, perform Aartis, take the blessings of the God, rock the cradle carrying idol of Lord Krishna and then break their fast by eating the Prasad.