Shri Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated with grandeur across the country today. Mathura-Vrindavan, the heart of Krishna devotion, witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees. By evening, nearly 25 lakh pilgrims visited the Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura, while 10 lakh devotees thronged Vrindavan, forming long queues outside the famous Banke Bihari temple.
Thakur Ji’s Golden Attire and Special Decorations
The attire offered to Thakur Ji at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi was meticulously crafted over six months by local artisans. The outfit, woven with gold and silver threads and adorned in the seven colors of the rainbow, reflects divine splendor.
The Janmabhoomi temple was decorated on the theme of “Operation Sindoor”, with a stunning flower bungalow made of vermilion-hued blossoms brought from Kolkata and Bengaluru. Illuminations lit up the temple complex, while a board honoring the valor of the armed forces with the words “Operation Sindoor” was prominently displayed.
Festivities Across India
- Pune: Govinda Mandali celebrated Dahi Handi with a grand “Operation Sindoor” banner, saluting the bravery of Indian soldiers.
- Jaipur: Devotees thronged the Govinddev Ji Temple since morning for special darshan.
- Nathdwara: At Shrinathji Temple, Janmashtami began with a Panchamrit abhishek. A 21-gun salute will mark the midnight birth of Lord Krishna.
- Mumbai (Dadar): Dahi Handi celebrations were held with enthusiastic participation from youth.
- Dwarka, Gujarat: Devotees enjoyed Shringar Aarti darshan of Lord Dwarikanath.
- Bengaluru: Huge crowds gathered at the ISKCON temple for Janmashtami celebrations.
- Indore: Even prisoners in the Central Jail observed Janmashtami with devotion.
- Srinagar, J&K: A Shobha Yatra was taken out at Lal Chowk.
- Puri, Odisha: Traditional Nand Utsav rituals were performed at Jagannath Temple.
- Badrinath, Uttarakhand: Special puja was performed in the sacred shrine.
- Patna, Bihar: The ISKCON temple was decorated with 80 quintals of flowers sourced from Thailand, Kolkata, Bangalore, and Bangkok. The Lord will be anointed with 251 silver urns and conches, followed by a Mahabhog of 501 dishes.
- Raipur, Chhattisgarh: A 3-day festival began at the ISKCON temple, where devotees prepared 1,100 kg of Malpua as prasad.
- Uttar Pradesh: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Mathura Janmabhoomi for darshan.
- Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh: A historic procession brought Shrinathji’s idol on a decorated elephant, continuing a centuries-old tradition of devotion.
A Festival of Faith and Heritage
From Mathura to Raipur, Jaipur to Puri, and from temples to prisons, Janmashtami 2026 is being celebrated with unmatched fervor. The festivities reflect not just devotion to Lord Krishna but also India’s deep cultural heritage, where traditions blend with patriotic pride and community spirit.