Janmashtami 2026: The festival of Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with devotion and joy across India on Friday. The occasion marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is revered as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees across the country observed the festival with prayers, processions, and cultural events.

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How States Across India Celebrated Janmashtami

Uttar Pradesh

The main celebrations took place in Mathura, where the Sri Krishna Janmasthan was decked up on the theme of the "Samudra Manthan". Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the temple complex, performed Gau Pujan (cow worship), and offered prayers at the shrines. In Lucknow, Governor Anandiben Patel offered prayers at the Sri Dwarkadhish Temple. Special prayers, aartis, and devotional programmes were held in temples across Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, Agra, and Meerut, while inmates at the Orai District Jail in Jalaun observed fasts and sang devotional songs.

Maharashtra

In Mumbai, aartis and bhajans filled the air as devotees gathered in large numbers at Krishna temples for early morning prayers. The city also prepared for Saturday's Dahi Handi events, where teams of Govindas will form human pyramids to break pots filled with curd and milk hung at major street corners.

Kerala

Cities across the state, including Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram, organised grand Shobha Yathra processions. Thousands of children dressed as Krishna, Radha, and the Gopikas walked through the streets accompanied by music bands and traditional percussion groups.

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Delhi

The national capital hosted several major cultural programs, including a classical dance performance at the ISKCON Temple in Dwarka. Traditional Matki Fod celebrations were also organised on a competitive scale, bringing local teams and crowds together to break high-hung butter pots.

Karnataka

In Mangaluru, the Kadri Sri Manjunatha Temple hosted the 44th edition of its annual Children's Festival. The day-long event featured a Sri Krishna costume competition that drew thousands of children and parents from across the region.

(With Inputs From Agencies)