Krishna Janmashtami 2023 Live Updates: Janmashtami celebrations enthral every corner of India, radiating grandeur
Krishna Janmashtami 2023 Live Updates: Devotees of Shri Krishna are celebrating Dahi Handi today, September 7. Here are all that updates you need to know.
Krishna Janmashtami and Dahi Handi 2023 Live: Krishna Janmashtami is an auspicious Hindu festival that falls on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana of Bhadrapad. Hindu devotees mark Lord Krishna's birth anniversary over two consecutive days annually. This year, it is being marked on September 6 and September 7 (today, Thursday). Celebrities and politicians are marking the festival with much pomp. ...Read More
As per Vedic chronology, this year marks Lord Krishna's 5250th birth anniversary. According to Panchang, the Janmashtami celebrations began last night (September 6) at 11:57 pm and will end at 12:42 am on September 7. Today, Lord Krishna's devotees will also celebrate Dahi Handi festivities.
Dahi Handi - also known as Gopalakala or Utlotsavam - is one of the popular cultural activities celebrated on Krishna Janmashtami. Dahi refers to curd, and Handi refers to an earthen pot filled with milk products. One of the biggest festivals marked in Maharashtra, Dahi Handi commemorates one of Lord Krishna's favourite activities of stealing makhan (butter), dahi and other milk products from earthen pots (matka). This is why he is often referred to as Makhan Chor.
As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Krishna was young, he used to steal dahi, butter and other milk products from other houses in his neighbourhood. He formed a group of friends who used to help him steal milk products from earthen pots hanging from the ceiling. They did so by forming a human pyramid to help Krishna reach the earthen pots to have his fill of milk products.
Dahi Handi celebrations enact the same during the festivities. In Maharashtra and other parts of the country, Dahi Handi competitions are held where people fill an earthen pot with milk, curd, butter or other milk products. Then, a group of people form human pyramids to reach the matka and break it with a stick. The group that reaches the pot first and breaks it wins the competition.
Visuals from Mathura’s Krishna Janmasthan Temple
During the festival of Janmashtami, devotees and visitors flock to the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, also known as the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple. The jail cell where Lord Krishna's parents, Mata Devaki and Vasudeva, were imprisoned by his evil uncle Kansa is the focal point of the temple. It is believed to be the actual birthplace of Lord Krishna. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to this temple as it is a holy shrine.
Kite festival in Jammu marks Janmashtami
A kite festival in Jammu marked Janmashtami on Thursday, in keeping with the ancient tradition of the Dogras and to promote culture and tourism in the region. Jammu Tourism Director Vivekanand Rai told PTI, "My greetings to all the people of Jammu on Janmashtami. Flying kites on Janmashtami is an integral part of Jammu culture." Deputy Commissioner (Jammu) Sachin Kumar Vaishya inaugurated the festival to highlight the region's tourism potential.
Over a hundred enthusiasts took part in the festival with kites of various shapes, sizes and colours. "We chose this location and invited the people. Over a hundred enthusiasts have come so that youngsters and tourists know that gondola rides are also available in Jammu," Jammu Tourism Deputy Director Mohd Jabbar told PTI.
Enthusiastic youth come together for Dahi Handi festivities
Dahi Handi ceremony stands as a highly anticipated and vibrant highlight of Janmashtami celebrations. Enthusiastic youths eagerly participate in this event, exuding an exuberant atmosphere as they come together to create a human pyramid with the sole purpose of breaking an earthen pot suspended high above.
Janmashtami is celebrated with pomp and pageantry all across India
Janmashtami was celebrated with much fanfare across the country on Thursday, with thousands of devotees thronging the major temples in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. Thousands of devotees witnessed the 'abhishek' (bathing of the deity) ceremony of Lord Krishna at the Radha Raman, Radha Damodar and Gokulanand temples in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, officials told PTI.
Balram Goswami, the priest of the Radha Damodar temple, informed PTI that while the festival is celebrated at midnight everywhere, it is celebrated during the day at the three major temples in Mathura as per the tradition established by noted seer Jeev Goshwami nearly 500 years ago.
Young boy leaps to smash Dahi Handi pot in Maharashtra village
A boy jumps as he tries to break the dahi handi, an earthen pot filled with curd, hanging over a well, as part of the Janmashtami festival in Kurdus village, Raigad district, in the western Indian state of Maharashtra. The festival marks the birth of the Hindu god Krishna, and the act is meant to re-enact the story of Lord Krishna stealing butter as a child.
Noida Janmashtami celebrations: Devotees offer prayers at ISKCON temple
Krishna devotees offer prayers to Lord Krishna and perform religious bhajans with fanfare and enthusiasm on the occasion of Janmashtami at the ISKCON temple in Sector 33, Noida, India.
Dahi Handi celebrations in Udupi
Krishna devotees performing the 'Dahi Handi' ceremony on the occasion of Janmashtami, in Udupi. Instead of building a human pyramid, the Govinda climbed the wooden ladder to break the earthen pot.
Aaditya Thackeray attends the Janmashtami Utsav celebrations
Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray attended the Janmashtami Utsav celebrations in Mumbai. To mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, a large crowd gathered to participate in the Janmashtami celebrations.
Dahi Handi celebrations in Dadar, Mumbai
Krishna devotees, popularly known as govindas, try to form a human pyramid to break the earthen pot known as Dahi Handi during the Krishna Janmashtami festival in Dadar, Mumbai. Dahi Handi is a customary ceremony performed during the celebrations of Lord Krishna's birthday.
Alibaug Janmashtami celebrations: Govinda dives to break the “Dahi Handi”
On the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, a Govinda dives to break the 'Dahi Handi' tied over a well at Kurdus in Alibaug. Usually devotees break the handi by forming a human pyramid, so this unique way of performing the ceremony was an amazing sight for spectators.
Devotees perform 'abhishek' of Lord Krishna at Hare Krishna Golden Temple
Devotees perform 'abhishek' of Lord Krishna at the popular Hare Krishna Golden Temple on the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Young devotees dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha at Lal Chowk, Srinagar
Young followers dressed as Lord Krishna and Radha participate in a procession during the Janmashtami festival celebrations at Lal Chowk in Srinagar.
Vishva Hindu Parishad organises 'Shobha Yatra' in Gujrat on Janmashtami
Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) organised Krishna Janmashtami 'shobha' yatra in Rajkot district in Gujarat on Thursday morning, drawing huge crowd. A VHP leader told to ANI, “The VHP organized a Shobha Yatra in Rajkot’s Mahanagar district. More than 150 floats are a part of the yatra, out of which one consists of Chandrayaan-3". He added, “Our main theme is Shishupal Vadh. Devotees on two-wheelers also joined our yatra, along with the Dhun mandal. All devotees are requested to join the yatra.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla offers prayers at Sanwariya Seth temple
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla offers prayers to Lord Krishna at the famous Sanwariya Seth temple in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.
Nirbhaya Mahila Govinda Pathak group performs self-defense dance
Dressed up as Maa Kaali, students of Nirbhaya Mahila Govinda Pathak performed a self-defense dance on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami on the streets of Mumbai on Thursday. Their aim was to spread awareness against harassment of women.
8 amazing benefits of Panchamrit
One of the favourite bhogs of Lord Krishna, Panchamrit, is a traditional Hindu ritual drink made from five primary ingredients: milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and raw sugar. Also known as five nectars, Panchamrit packs many benefits. From improving physical strength to skin texture, hair strength and vision, find out amazing benefits of this drink here.
Anupam Kher to Shilpa Shetty: Celebrities share wishes on Krishna Janmashtami
Anupam Kher shared a video of Lord Krishna and wrote, “Happy Janmashtami to all of you! Hail Lord Krishna. Hail Sanatan religion.”
Ajay Devgn took to his Instagram story and wished his fans. He wrote, “I offer my obeisance to Lord Krishna, the beloved son of Vasudeva, who killed the great demons Kansa and Chaanur Who is the source of great joy to Mother Devaki and who is indeed master of the universe. Janmashtami ki sabhi ko shubhkaamnayein.”
Shraddha Kapoor posted, “Happy Janmashtami! May Lord Krishna bless us all with courage and peace.”
Rashmika Mandanna wrote, “Happy Janmashtami. May the spirit of Janmashtami fill your home with love and positivity.”
Shilpa Shetty dropped a picture of Bal Krishna and captioned it, “May Lord Krishna take away all your tensions & worries...and give you all the love, peace, & happiness on this holy occasion. Wishing you all a very Happy Janmashtami!”
Janmashtami celebrated with fanfare in Mathura
Thousands of devotees witnessed the "abhishek" ceremony of lord Krishna at the three major temples in this Uttar Pradesh district on the occasion of Janmashtami on Thursday, officials told PTI.
The "abhishek" (bathing of the deity) ceremony was performed at the Radha Raman, Radha Damodar and Gokulanand temples as Janmashtami was celebrated at the birthplace of Krishna in Mathura, Balram Goswami, the priest of the Radha Damodar temple, said.
He added that while the festival is celebrated everywhere at midnight, it is celebrated during the day at these temples in accordance with the tradition set up by noted seer Jeev Goshwami nearly 500 years ago.
Kriti Sanon's Krishna Janmashtami wish
Kriti Sanon marked the auspicious festival of Krishna Jansmashtami by wishing peace and happiness for her followers. She dropped a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Happy Krishna Janmashtami! May Lord Krishna bring peace to your homes and happiness to your hearts always.”
Amit Shah to visit ISKCON Temple, perform pooja on Janmashtami
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the ISKCON Temple at East of Kailash in south Delhi and perform pooja on the occasion of Janmashtami on Thursday, sources said. "On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, the home minister will visit the ISKCON Temple, East of Kailash, New Delhi and perform pooja at 11:30 pm," the source told PTI.
Amit Shah also extended wishes on X and wrote, “Hearty greetings to all the countrymen on the holy festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Jai Shri Krishna!”
Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani attend CM Eknath Shinde's Dahi Handi event
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde's Dahi Handi event in Mumbai saw the presence of Rakul Preet Singh and her boyfriend, Jackky Bhagnani.
Celebrities drop Janmashtami wishes: Sidharth Malhotra says Happy Janmashtami
Sidharth Malhotra wished his followers on the occasion of Shri Krishna Jamashtami. He posted on X, “Wishing everyone a blessed #Janmashtami May Lord Krishna's divine love and wisdom fill your lives with happiness and harmony.”
Nine tier pyramid of Govindas in Mumbai
Dahi Handi celebrations taking place in Mumbai.
Janmashtami 2023: Vrat Parana Muhurta
Those who observed a fast for Janmashtami can break it at 4:14 pm today (September 7) when the Ashtami Tithi concludes. After Vrat Parana, one can do charity work and should stay away from all negative thoughts.
In Pics: Devotees celebrate birth of Lord Krishna with joy
Devotees across the globe are celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna during the two-day festival of Krishna Janmashtami. Today, people are also taking part in the joyous tradition of Dahi Handi. Check out how people are marking the holy festival here.
Janmashtami: Vicky Kaushal to participate in Dahi Handi event
Actor Vicky Kaushal will be participating in one of the Dahi Handi events in Mumbai. Expressing excitement about it, Vicky told ANI, "Growing up in Mumbai, Dahi Handi was more than just a celebration. It was all about the spirit, unity, and unbreakable bonds of the people. I always felt that the human pyramid formed to break the 'Handi' is a powerful metaphor for resilience and unity. This festival reflects India's spirit.”
He added, “I am extremely delighted that this year, I get to be a part of that infectious vibe and celebrate it with such enthusiastic kids. This will definitely take me down my childhood memory lane when I used to go with my family for the local Dahi Handi celebration.”
Krishna Janmashtami 2023: Dahi Handi celebrations continue in Mumbai
PM Modi extends Janmashtami wishes
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings on the auspicious festival of Krishna Janmashtami. PM Modi, who is in Indonesia for the India-ASEAN Summit, wished ‘new energy and enthusiasm’ to all countrymen. “Many greetings on Janmashtami. May this auspicious occasion of devotion infuse new energy and new enthusiasm in the lives of all my family members, this is my wish. Jai Shri Krishna,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X.
Ghazipur flower market blooms with activity for Janmashtami
On the auspicious occasion of Krishna Janmashtami, the Ghazipur flower market is bustling with activity as people flock to buy flowers for both the festival and the upcoming G20 Summit.
A Ghazipur flower market vendor, while speaking to ANI, said the last few days have seen an increase in customers purchasing flowers for both events, bringing good business and enthusiasm to the vendors and farmers alike.
“Several flowers are in demand and are being used for decorative purposes during the G20 Summit. In the last 2-3 days, several customers have been purchasing flowers for Janmashtami and the upcoming G20 Summit. We are getting good work, and there is a lot of enthusiasm among the vendors; farmers are also getting good benefits," he said.
Ananya Panday wishes Happy Janmashtami
Ananya Panday celebrated Krishna Janmashtami by sharing a wish with her followers on Instagram.
Sugar-free Janmashtami recipes
If you are a fitness freak, have diabetes or just like to monitor what you are eating, celebrating Janmashtami with sugar-free sweets is the best way to enjoy the festival without any guilt. We have 5 diabetes-friendly sweet dish recipes for you that can will help you achieve the same. From Sattu Ladoos to Oats and dry fruit Ladoos, check out all the recipes here.
Kajol celebrates Krishna Janmashtami
Kajol celebrated Krishna Janmashtami by sharing a heartwarming wish for her followers on Instagram. She posted a video with the caption, “Janmashtami ki dher saari shubhkamnayein (Best wishes for Janmashtami).”
Dahi Handi celebrations in Parel, Mumbai
Govinda revellers celebrate Dahi Handi festival during Krishna Janmashtami in Parel, Mumbai. Here, devotees can be seen forming a human pyramid to reach the earthen pot to break it - a tradition followed during the celebrations of the Hindu Festival of Dahi Handi .
Sadhguru's Janmashtami wish
Sadhguru celebrated the festival of Krishna Janmashtami by sharing a post on X. He wrote, “The essence of Krishna is in his unwavering Exuberance. In love, in war, in all kinds of strife, he remains a Joyful Human Being. This is how Life should be lived. #Janmashtami #SadhguruQuotes.”
In Pics: How Bengaluru celebrated Krishna Janmashtami
Bengaluru celebrated Krishna Janmashtami with much pomp this year. Devotees decorated their homes with diyas and flowers, wore new traditional clothes, attended cultural events, and more. Additionally, the ISKCON centre - International Society for Krishna Consciousness - in Bengaluru was also decked up. Idols of Radha and Krishna were dressed in elaborate jewellery and flowers. See more inside.
Janmashtami 2023: Shakarkand Ka Halwa recipe
(Recipe by Chef Tarla Dalal)
Ingredients:
2 cups boiled, peeled and mashed sweet potatoes
a few saffron (kesar) strands strands
1 tbsp warm milk
1 tsp ghee
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
2 tbsp chopped mixed nuts
Method:
1. Combine the saffron and warm milk in a small bowl, mix well and keep aside.
2. Heat the ghee in a deep non-stick pan, add the sweet potatoes and sauté on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the milk, ½ cup of water, sugar and cardamom powder and mix well. Cook on a slow flame for 2 to 3 minutes or till the mixture has little liquid remaining and is not completely dry while stirring continuously.
4. Switch off the flame, add the saffron-milk mixture and mixed nuts and mix well.
5. Serve immediately.
Jawan actor Nayanthara celebrates Janmashtami with her two munchkins
Jawan actor Nayanthara celebrated Krishna Janmashtami in a special way by sharing pictures of her two munchkins Uyir and Ulag dressed in traditional attires. “With our two Krishananssssss! Such a blessed #KrishnaJayanthi with sooo many beautiful, blessed moments! All the Love to our #Uyir & #Ulag. Happy Krishna Jayanthi hope everyone had a wonderful one with family and friends,” she captioned the post.
Wish your loved ones with these Happy Krishna Janmashtami wishes
Make your Krishna Janmashtami 2023 celebrations extra special by wishing your family and friends on Facebook, WhatsApp and other social media platforms on this special occasion. Click Here.
Why is Janmashtami celebrated for two days?
The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated on two days because of two traditions and beliefs. Devotees of the Smarta sect observe the occasion as per the Rohini Nakshatra and thus, celebrate Janmashtami on the first day. However, those belonging to the Vaishnav sect mark the festivities on the second day.
Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura decorated for Janmashtami
Devotees throng ISKCON temple in Hyderabad
Devotees of Lord Krishna thronged the ISKCON temple in Hyderabad on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtmi.
Dahi Handi 2023 Ashtami Tithi
According to Drik Panchang, Dahi Handi celebrations will take place today, (Thursday, September 7).
Ashtami Tithi Start Time - 3:37 pm, September 6
Ashtami Tithi End Time - 4:14 pm, September 7.
Devotees celebrate and offer prayers at the ISKCON temple in Kolkata
History of Dahi Handi
As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Krishna was young, he used to steal dahi, butter and other milk products from other houses in his neighbourhood. He formed a group of friends who used to help him steal milk products from earthen pots hanging from the ceiling. They did so by forming a human pyramid to help Krishna reach the earthen pots to have his fill of milk products. During Dahi Handi celebrations, people enact the same by forming human pyramids to reach earthen pots filled with milk products.
Tulsi aarti underway at ISKCON temple in Delhi
ISKCON temple in Udhampur decorated with flowers for Janmashtami
ISKCON temple commonly known as Hare Krishna Hare Rama Temple in Udhampur on Wednesday was decked up to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami. The temple was decorated with lights as well as flowers. Devotees thronged the temple to offer prayers. While the flowers for decoration were imported from south India, Shri Krishna and Radha's clothes were imported from Vrindavan. Additionally, thousands of people joined the Shobha Yatra procession with kids dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha. Lastly, various floats made by various institutes and religious organisations highlighting lord Krishna's life became the main attractions of the Yatra.
How is Dahi Handi celebrated?
While Dahi Handi is celebrated with pomp across India, Maharashtra holds the biggest Dahi Handi festivities in which groups of people compete against each other. To celebrate the joyous festival, people form human pyramids to reach an earther pot suspended in the air and filled with makhan (butter), dahi (curd) or other milk products. The group which reaches the earthen pot first and breaks it with a stick wins.
Watch: Devotees throng Badrinath temple during Janmashtami celebrations
Watch: Mangala aarti in Krishna Janmabhoomi temple in Mathura
Artistry beyond belief: Police to welcome Janmashtami with Jhankis, processions & temple celebrations in Lucknow
Janmashtami, one of India’s most cherished festivals, takes on a special meaning in the heart of Uttar Pradesh, where the state’s police force has upheld the tradition of celebrating it with unparalleled grandeur for years. The festivities, marked by elaborate ‘jhankis’, colourful processions, and the adornment of temples with streamers and divine idols, have become a cultural hallmark of the U.P. Police.
As Janmashtami approaches this year, the dedicated staff and authorities at the Reserve Police Lines and Provincial Armed Constabulary Headquarters are meticulously adding the finishing touches to their splendid installations and decorations in anticipation of the grand celebration on Thursday. Read this detailed story on Janmashtami celebration here
