Must visit places in India to Experience the Splendor of Janmashtami!

1. Mathura

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Mathura is also known as the birthplace or the janmbhoomi of Krishna and is worth seeing during Janmashtami. The temples are decorated with flowers and lights and the preparation begins 10 days prior to the festival. Devotees perform Rasleelas, Bhajans, and Kirtans with enthusiasm. If you are planning a visit, don't forget to witness the celebration at the Nandgaon, Shri Krishna Janmasthan Temple, and Dwarkadhish Temple as the glimpses of the festivities are worth it all. Other than these temples, a street food trail will also be epic as you'll get to devour local delicacies like Kurchan, Mathura ke dubki wale aloo, and Lal Pedha.

2. Vrindavan 

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Although Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, he was brought up by Yashoda Ji and Nand Ji in Vrindavan. The Janmashtami celebration in Vrindavan also starts 10 days before Janmashtami and various religious programs take place. On the evening of Janmashtami, devotees gather at the temples of Krishna, especially the Banke Bihari Temple, and celebrate it like no other.  A special ceremony called Abhishek is also performed in which Lord Krishna is bathed with milk, honey, ghee, yogurt, and water after which a massive feast called Chappan Bhog is served. 

3. Maharashtra

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In Maharashtra, the celebration screams Mach gaya shor saari nagri me while roads remain jampacked, and human pyramids are seen trying their best to reach the handi and break it to slurp the makkhan and the prize money. Various Pathaks or groups participate and form the human pyramid to finish this ritual and celebrate Janmashtami with an excitement that's hard to match. 

4. Odhisa and West Bengal 

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The eastern side of the country celebrates the birth of Krishna by fasting and offering regional sweets to the baby Krishna. An elaborate meal is also prepared and offered to Krishna as Prashad. There's also a ritual of worshiping until midnight and also reciting the Bhagavata Purana from the 10th chapter which is dedicated to the life of Krishna.

5. Dwarka

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Also known as the City of Lord Krishna, Dwarka sees thousands of devotees on Janmashtami every year, Dwarkadhish Temple being one of the main spots for the religious gathering. The celebration in this city also includes the Abhishek ceremony, Banta Bhog, Shringar, and Aarati. Idols of Bal Gopal are also kept in a cradle inside the temple premises for the darshan. 

6. Andhra Pradesh

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In Andhra Pradesh, the devotees worship the Krishna paintings as well as idols and also sing Shlokas, Bhajans, and devotional songs. On the other hand, the kids dress up as Krishna and go out to meet their friends. Offering fruits and sweets to lord Krishna is another ritual in this state. 

7. Manipur

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Manipuris are known for performing Raaslila with nothing but zeal during Janmashtami which is regionally popular as Krishna Jamma. The worshippers fast for the entire day after which the festivities begin and go until the dawn in which various cultural programs are held to celebrate the festival.