Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami falls on the eighth day (ashtami) of the dark half of Bhadrapada — typically August or early September. The exact midnight birth of Krishna is the most auspicious moment.

Lord Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura's prison. Devotees fast through the day and break fast only after the midnight aarti, recreating the moment of his birth.

Dahi Handi is the human-pyramid contest where young men (Govindas) form towers to break a clay pot of curd hung high above the street — re-enacting Krishna's childhood butter-stealing.

Makhan-mishri (butter and rock sugar), panjeri, panchamrit (a five-ingredient sweet preparation with milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey), and fruits — Krishna's reputed childhood favourites.

Temples hold continuous bhajans, abhishekam of the Krishna idol, recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, and a mock cradle (jhula) decorated with flowers — rocked through the night by devotees.