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Krishna Janmashtami
Festival Significance
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. He was born at midnight (nishita kaal) on Krishna Ashtami in the month of Bhadrapada, in a prison in Mathura.
Rituals
Fast the entire day. Decorate temples and homes with flowers. At midnight (nishita kaal), perform puja of baby Krishna, offer 56 types of food (chhappan bhog), swing the cradle, break the fast.
Fasting
Strict 24-hour fast, broken only at midnight after puja. Some observe nirjala (waterless) fast.
In Varanasi
Janmashtami is celebrated with great fervor in Varanasi. The city's numerous Krishna temples host midnight celebrations. Dahi Handi events are organized at various ghats. The famous Janmashtami procession passes through Vishwanath Gali.