Celebrating Janmashtami: 5 Locations from Agra to experience the festival

Jamnashtami is coming. So, if you are planning a trip around the festival, we have an itinerary for you. This 3-day itinerary starts with Agra and covers everything that is required to make your Janmashtami celebration a worthwhile one.

Let’s get started!

Start your trip with a visit to the Taj Mahal

The eternal love story of Lord Krishna & Radha has been passed on from generation to generation. It won’t be wrong to call him one of the first ‘symbols of love’. Considering that, Janmashtami - a celebration of love, can’t start without a visit to the Taj Mahal.

Book your stay @ The Hosteller Agra in advance. Once you reach, have your food and visit the Taj Mahal, even if it is for a short while. Make sure to reach a day before Janmashtami.

After Taj Mahal is ticked off the list, spend some time in Agra (depending on whether you want to) and then prepare for Mathura. You can take a train, book a taxi or board a bus to one of the following places for a wholesome Janmashtami celebration:

1. Mathura - Krishna’s own kingdom 

Mathura, for those who don’t know, was the birthplace of Lord Krishna. This is a thing of pride for the entire Mathurawasis, and you get to see that pride in their celebration. No stone is left unturned. The entire town turns into a place of worship with lights shining all around and flowers at every corner.

Mathura is around 2-3 hours from Agra and there are trains, buses and taxis available readily. Once you reach, head straight to Krishna Janmabhoomi for a grand Janmashtami celebration.

What to experience:

• Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple: Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple is said to stand exactly at the same place where he was born. This temple has many elaborate rituals that include bhajans (devotional songs) and other midnight maha abhisheks (grand bathing ceremony) marking his birth.
• Raslila performances: Raslila performances by local artists depict the life and innocent pranks played by young Lord Krishna. You can’t and shouldn’t miss out on the thrilling performances.
• Street festivities: Streets are filled with processions, music and dance during these days in Mathura. Devotees dressed as Radha and Krishna take part in parades reflecting the festive spirit.

Prem Mandir Temple, Mathura | Credits: Canva

2. Vrindavan: Krishna’s playground

Around 11 Kms away from Mathura is Vrindavan, the village which got the privilege to witness the bal leelas of Lord Krishna. He was raised in Vrindavan and hence, you’ll see different temples deeply associated with Lord Krishna’s life. Each temple in Vrindavan has its own way of commemorating Janmashtami, making it an experience you will not forget.

What to experience:

• Banke Bihari Temple: The temple situated in the city of Vrindavan and is considered as one of the most sacred temples. During Janmashtami, it is decorated with flowers and Lord Krishna’s idol is dressed in exclusive designer clothes and precious ornaments. The midnight aarti held here is heavenly.
• ISKCON Temple: Some of the activities that take place during Janmashtami at ISKCON Temple include kirtans, plays and feasting. During this time, people are highly devoted to God making it an ideal destination for such festivals.
• Yamuna Aarti: The evening prayer on the banks of the river Yamuna shouldn’t be missed at any cost. Dim twinkling candles in addition to shankh sounds plus chanting will create a serene yet magical ambiance.

ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan | Credits: Canva

3. Gokul: the land which raised the lord

Gokul is another town closely connected with Krishna’s life located near Mathura. It is believed that Krishna spent his early childhood here and during that time he performed numerous miracles, making him the laadla of the entire village.

What to experience:

• Gokulnath Temple: The Gokulnath Temple is at the centre of Janmashtami celebrations in Gokul. The temple rituals are simple yet profound, focusing on the childlike innocence of Krishna. Here, the atmosphere is more personal and less crowded than Mathura or Vrindavan thereby providing a serene way to celebrate this festival.
• Dahi handi: One of the highlights of Janmashtami in Gokul is a dahi handi event where teams form human pyramids to break a pot filled with curd symbolizing Krishna’s love for butter. The enthusiasm and excitement of the participants are contagious making it an interesting and vibrant spectacle.
• Village festivities: The entire village of Gokul takes part in these celebrations. Homes and streets are decorated with flowers and lights, children dress as Krishna and local women sing traditional songs. Such community spirit here makes all hearts warm.

Dahi Handi | Credits: Canva

3. Barsana: The land of Radha

Barsana, near Mathura, is where Radha was born. It stands around 50 Kms from Mathura and has a special way of celebrating the day. Janmashtami here is suffused with affectionate piety making it an ideal place to be during this time.

What to experience:

• Shri Radha Rani Temple: This temple is the hub of Janmashtami celebrations in Barsana. It has a spectacular display and a service that brings out its devotion to God’s Love between Radha and Krishna.
• Cultural performances: Cultural programs are organized that demonstrate the life as well as the love between Shri Radha and Krishna. These performances are resplendent with colours and vibrancy steeped deep in tradition thus providing glimpses into this divine relationship that forms the core of these festivals.

Holi in Barsana | Credits: Canva

4. Spend an entire day in Govardhan: The hill of devotion

Whether you celebrate Janmashtami in Govardhan or not, make sure to complete your trip with the Govardhan Parbat parikrama. This parbat has its own association with lord Krishna and it is believed that parikrama is necessary to seek blessings from Lord Krishna and Radha. The overall distance is 23 Kms and people can do it either on foot or using their vehicles. Either way, you are going to enjoy every bit of it.

What to experience:

• Govardhan parikrama: A unique way of celebrating Janmashtami in Govardhan involves performing the Govardhan parikrama, a 21 km walk around the sacred hill. During this time, pilgrims go around and sing hymns that are believed to attract blessings.
• Mansi Ganga Aarti: Mansi Ganga’s aarti at nightfall is a scene to see. The reflection of lamplight on the water amidst melodious chants creates an ambience not only peaceful but also pious.
• Temple festivities: Temples such as Danghati Temple in Govardhan observe Janmashtami with special prayers, decorations and cultural programmes. It is both festive and devotional, attracting believers from all over the country.

Govardhan Hill | Credits: Canva

For those planning their visit around Janmashtami, The Hosteller Agra could be your best bet. Situated near most tourist spots such as the Taj Mahal, Agra fort, Anguri Bagh, etc. this hostel provides comfortable rooms keeping true to its name while also making sure travelers feel at home among other like minded festival goers.