Janmashtami: Celebrations of Lord Krishna's birth (in pics)

Updated: Friday, August 30, 2013, 17:10 [IST]

Bangalore, Aug 28: Families across India are celebrating Janmashtami - the birth of Lord Krishna, with pomp and great zeal.

Toddlers are the most interesting part of this festival. They dress up as Lord Krishna either to take part in the Fancy Dress competitions or merely break the 'matka' during community celebrations.

This festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadon. The actual celebration of Janmashtami takes place during the midnight as Sri Krishna is believed to be borned on a dark, stormy and windy night. The day is celebrated with devotional songs and dances, pujas, arti, blowing of the Conch and rocking the cradle of baby Sri Krishna.

People also fast throughout the day and show their devotion to the Lord by celebrating his birthday. Temples and homes are beautifully illuminated and decorated with flowers.

In Lalitpur

A Nepalese woman carries her child dressed as Hindu god Krishna during the Janmashtami festival at a Lord Krishna temple in Lalitpur, Nepal, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013. The Janmashtami festival marks the birthday of Hindu god Krishna.

In Mathura

Children dressed up as Lord Krishna participating in fancy dress competition during Sri Krishna Janamshtami festival celebration in Mathura on Tuesday.

In Jodhpur

Children dressed as lord Krishna on the auspicious occasion of "Krishna Janmastami"in Jodhpur.

In Bikaner

Children dressed up as Lord Krishna participating in fancy dress competition during Krishna Janamshtami festival celebration in Bikaner on Wednesday.

In Moradabad

Children dressed as Krishna and Radha as part of a fancy dress competition organised by a school on the ocassion of "Krishna Janmastami" in Moradabad on Wedensday.

In Guwahati

Children dressed as Lord Krishna taking part in a competition during celebration of Janmasthami in Guwahati on Wednesday.

In Jaipur

Priests perform 'Abhishek' of Lord Krishna at Ladli Bai temple on the occasion of Janmasthmi festival in Jaipur on Wednesday.

In Mathura

Mahant Nirtya Gopal Das performs 'aarti' of Lord Krishna on the occasion of Sri Krishna janmashtami festival in Mathura on Wednesday.

In Mathura

Devotees taking holy bath in River Yamuna on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janamshtami festival in Mathura on Wednesday.

In Hubli

Two children dressed up as Krishna and Radha on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami festival in Hubli, Karnataka on Wednesday.

In Mathura

Priests perform worship of an idol of Lord Krishna at Radha Damodhar temple on the occasion of Janmashtami festival in Mathura on Wednesday.

In Jammu

Hindu devotees sing religious songs during Janmashtami festival celebration at ISKCON temple, in Jammu on Wednesday.

In Srinagar

Students form a human pyramid to break the dahi-handi during Janmashtami celebrations at an institute in Srinagar on Wednesday.

In Dhaka

A Bangladeshi child dressed as Hindu god Krishna sleeps in a basket, carried by Hindu devotees during a Janmashtami procession in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013. The Janmashtami festival marks the birthday of Hindu god Krishna.