Janmashtami in India: Dahi Handi, Mathura, Vrindavan & Dwarka | WION WINGs

Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated by millions of devotees across India with fasting, prayers, bhajans, temple decorations and devotional performances. Children dress as Krishna and Radha, homes are decorated with flowers and lights, and temples welcome large numbers of worshippers. Human pyramids rise high above crowded streets. At the very top, one participant reaches for an earthen pot filled with curd, butter and treats. This is Dahi Handi, one of the most spectacular traditions associated with Janmashtami in India. Celebrated prominently in Maharashtra a day after Janmashtami, Dahi Handi recreates stories from Lord Krishna’s childhood, when he was known for his love of butter and curd. Teams known as Govindas climb onto one another’s shoulders to form multi-tier human pyramids, attempting to reach and break a pot suspended high above the street. But Janmashtami celebrations extend far beyond Dahi Handi. We travel to Mathura in Uttar Pradesh, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Krishna Janmasthan Temple becomes one of the main centres of celebration as devotees gather to offer prayers and mark Krishna’s birth. Nearby Vrindavan is closely associated with stories from Krishna’s childhood. Janmashtami celebrations begin days in advance, with temples covered in flowers and lights and devotional music filling the streets. Visitors can also witness Ras Leela, traditional performances that recreate episodes from Krishna’s life through music, dance and theatre. The famous Banke Bihari Temple becomes another major centre of celebration. In Gujarat, Janmashtami is celebrated with extraordinary devotion at the historic Dwarkadhish Temple. Dwarka is traditionally associated with Lord Krishna’s ancient kingdom and is one of India’s four major Char Dham pilgrimage destinations. During Janmashtami, the temple is illuminated as enormous gatherings, prayers and festivities bring the city’s Krishna traditions to life. From Maharashtra’s towering Dahi Handi pyramids to the sacred temples of Mathura, Vrindavan and Dwarka, Janmashtami takes many forms across India. Different cities. Different traditions. One celebration of the life and legacy of Lord Krishna. #Janmashtami #DahiHandi #Krishna #Mathura #Vrindavan About Channel: WION The World is One News examines global issues with in-depth analysis. We provide much more than the news of the day. Our aim is to empower people to explore their world. With our Global headquarters in New Delhi, we bring you news on the hour, by the hour. We deliver information that is not biased. We are journalists who are neutral to the core and non-partisan when it comes to world politics. People are tired of biased reportage and we stand for a globalized united world. So for us, the World is truly One. Please keep discussions on this channel clean and respectful and refrain from using racist or sexist slurs and personal insults. Subscribe to our channel at https://goo.gl/JfY3NI Check out our website: http://www.wionews.com Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://bit.ly/455YOQ0 Connect with us on our social media handles: Facebook:   / wionews   Twitter:   / wionews   Instagram:   / wionews   Follow us on Google News for the latest updates Zee News:- https://bit.ly/2Ac5G60 Zee Business:- https://bit.ly/36vI2xa DNA India:- https://bit.ly/2ZDuLRY WION: https://bit.ly/3gnDb5J Zee News Apps: https://bit.ly/ZeeNewsApps