Shri Krishna Janmashtami being celebrated across India; 75 lakh devotees expected in Braj
Babushahi Bureau
Mathura (Uttar Pradesh), September 4, 2026: Shri Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated across India today, with devotees thronging major temples and pilgrimage centres to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.
The festival is being observed with great enthusiasm from Mathura-Vrindavan to Dwarka and Jagannath Puri. Special Mangala Aarti was performed at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi in Mathura, Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka, ISKCON Temple in Delhi and Govind Dev Ji Temple in Jaipur.
Mathura, regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, has witnessed a major influx of devotees since Thursday night. Authorities expect around 75 lakh devotees to visit the Braj region, including Mathura and Vrindavan, during the Janmashtami celebrations.
The celebrations have been marked by elaborate religious rituals, prayers and special arrangements at temples across the country as devotees observe the auspicious occasion.
In Jagannath Puri, Odisha, the main temple will remain closed for around five hours on Janmashtami for a special ritual associated with the birth of Lord Krishna. During the ritual, the deity is symbolically presented in the form of a mother giving birth to Lord Krishna.
Meanwhile, ahead of Janmashtami, the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi sent special gifts to the Sri Krishna Janmasthan in Mathura for Shri Laddu Gopal on Friday. The tradition was started in 2024.
With millions of devotees expected to visit Mathura-Vrindavan, the Braj region remains at the centre of this year’s Janmashtami celebrations.