Govinda Aala Re Aala! Top Places to witness Janmashtami 2023 Celebrations in India

Aala re aala, Govinda aala
Hey aala re aala Govinda aala!

The month of September might just be a savior for all those who are in desperate need of a quick weekend getaway. With Janmashtami 2023, Ganesh Chaturthi and even Gandhi Jayanti falling close to weekends, you can easily plan 3 long weekend getaways near your city by just taking a leave for a day.

Read About: September Long Weekend: 7 Offbeat Places In India 2023

But if you want to venture a little bit farther from your city and explore some distant places then we suggest booking cheap flight tickets and your hotel stay online and planning a short vacation in India to places where Janmashtami celebrations are a grand spectacle across the country.

When and how is Janmashtami celebrated?

Priests making offerings to the Radha and Krishna idols on the occassion of Janmashtami
Image credit: india.com

Janmashtami, often referred to as Gokulashtami, is a highly anticipated festival in India that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most revered Hindu deities and the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, Janmashtami 2023 will fall on September 7, 2023. This joyous occasion brings communities together to enjoy the traditions, rituals, and grandeur that surround this auspicious day.

Here are the top Destinations where you can witness the splendor of Janmashtami celebrations in India:

1. Mathura, Uttar Pradesh

Devotees gather at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura
Image credit: India.com

To witness Janmashtami 2023 at the birthplace of Lord Krishna is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The city comes alive with excitement and devotion. During your trip to Mathura, you must visit the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, which is decorated beautifully for the occasion. The air is filled with chants of “Haathi ghoda paalki, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki!” as devotees gather for midnight celebrations, known as “Nandotsav” when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born.

2. Dwarka, Gujarat

Dwarkadhish Temple, Dwarka
Image credit: Official Website of Gujarat Tourism

Another significant place in Lord Krishna’s life, Dwarka, was the Kingdom of Lord Krishna and is a must-visit during Janmashtami in India. A part of all Dwarka tour packages, the Dwarkadhish Temple is the epicenter of celebrations. The idol of Lord Krishna is bathed in ghee, and a grand procession known as “Shobha Yatra” takes place across the city streets. The atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and the ringing of temple bells.

3. Nathdwara, Rajasthan

Idol of Bal Gopal decorated for Janmashtami 2023 at the Shrinathji Temple
Image credit: Official Instagram Page of Shrinathji Temple

Nathdwara, home to the revered Shrinathji Temple, celebrates Janmashtami with unmatched enthusiasm. The idol is adorned in extravagant attire and jewellery. Devotees line up for hours to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna during the “Darshan” and the atmosphere resonates with devotional songs and chants. A trip to Nathdwara should definitely be on your Janmashtami 2023 travel itinerary to experience the umatched Janmashtami celebration in Rajasthan.

4. Puri, Odisha

Statues of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra at the Jagannath Temple
Image credit: Pranay Chandra Singh

Puri Jagannath Temple
Image credit: Odisha Tourism Official Website

The iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri is the main highlight of our Odisha tour packages. Dedicated to Lord Krishna’s avtaar – Lord Jagannath, the temple houses Lord Krishna’s heart and attracts thousands of pilgrims on the occasion of “Rath Yatra”. Janmashtami is celebrated with a grand “Jhulan Yatra” where embellished swings adorned with intricate designs cradle the idols of Radha and Krishna.

5. Guruvayur, Kerala

Celebrations at the Guruvayur Temple, Kerala
Image credit: india.com

In the southern state of Kerala, Guruvayur witnesses grand Janmashtami celebrations at the Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. The idol of Lord Krishna is beautifully decorated with “kalams” made of natural colors. The “Utsavam” or festival includes various cultural programs, adding to the festive fervor that you must witness on your trip to Kerala Make sure to add this experience to your Kerala tour package.

6. Udupi, Karnataka

Sri Krishna Matha Temple, Udupi
Image credit: Karnataka Tourism Official Website

Udupi, renowned for its delectable cuisine, is also home to the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha. Janmashtami here is marked by the “Mosaru Kudike” or “Dahi Handi” ceremony, where young enthusiasts form human pyramids to break a pot of curd tied high above. On your holiday in Udupi make sure to be a part of this lively and spirited affair.

7. Jaipur, Rajasthan

Lord Krishna’s and Radha’s idol at the Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur
Image credit: Rajasthan Tourism Official Website

Jaipur’s Govind Dev Ji Temple is the place to be for Janmashtami 2023. If you wish to witness extravagant and grand Janmashtami in India, then don’t think twice before setting off on a trip to Jaipur. The idol of Lord Krishna is adorned with exquisite jewels, and a special “mangal aarti” is performed. The entire city gets wrapped in a festive aura, and you can explore the city’s architectural wonders as well.

Looking for all-inclusive Rajasthan tour packages? Click here!

8. Mumbai, Maharashtra

Govindas forming a Human Pyramid to break the Dahi Handi In Mumbai
Image credit: News18

Mumbai’s Janmashtami celebrations are famous for the Dahi Handi competitions. Groups, known as “Govinda Pathaks” form human pyramids to break pots filled with curd hung high above the ground. The enthusiasm is infectious, and the streets are filled with choruses of “Aala re aala, Govinda aala!” We highly suggest planning a trip to Mumbai for Janmashtami 2023 to witness the excitement in person.

9. Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh

Radha Krishna idols decorated for Janmashtami in Vrindavan
Image credit: DNA India

How about a holiday in Vrindavan, the playground of Lord Krishna for Janmashtami 2023? While Mathura is Lord Krishna’s birthplace, Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood. The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is a hub of Janmashtami celebrations. The “Jhulan Utsav” or swing festival adds a unique charm. Devotees participate with zeal, swinging the deity’s idol on elaborately decorated swings.

10. Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Priest blowing a conch in front of the idols of Rukmani, Krishna and Radha on the occassion of Janmashtami in Varanasi
Image credit: Times of India

The ancient city of Varanasi on the bank of River Ganga, is one of the most spiritual cities in India. Plan a holiday in Varanasi with our Varanasi tour package and witness the Ganga Ghats come alive with the Janmashtami celebrations. The devotees perform elaborate Ganga Aarti and seek blessings of Lord Krishna along the sacred river. The Ghats of Ganga are decorated and oil lamps are floated into the river which adds more to the divinity of this beautiful city during Janmashtami.

Each region in India has its own way of celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, and it defines the colorful diversity of India across its geographical region and culture. But Janmashtami celebrations are not limited to India. This hindu festival is vastly celebrated by Indians residing in other countries as well. If you want to see how it is celebrated internationally, you can always apply for visa online and plan a trip to one of the celebrating countries.

Whether you choose to celebrate Janmashtami 2023 or plan your Janmashtami 2024 celebrations at any of these places, Janmashtami in India is a divine spectacle that you shouldn’t miss.

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Prisca Vaniyapilly

Travel is in Prisca’s DNA, and she is always looking to explore new places and share those experiences through writing. Off the page, she spends her free time baking, nurturing her garden, and enjoying long movie marathons to unwind and relax.