What are the main festivals and events celebrated at the Shri Krishna Janambhoomi Temple?

Shri Krishna Janambhoomi in Mathura celebrates a rich calendar of festivals, with each one rooted in the life and mythology of Lord Krishna.

Krishna Janmashtami (August): The biggest event of the year — this is the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth at midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadra. The temple complex and all of Mathura fill to capacity. The actual birth ceremony (the Janm Utsav) happens precisely at midnight, with the ringing of bells, blowing of conches, and the appearance of the new idol of infant Krishna. If you plan to attend Janmashtami in Mathura, book accommodation several months in advance and expect very large crowds throughout the day leading up to midnight.

Holi (March): The Braj Bhoomi region — Mathura, Vrindavan, and surrounding villages — celebrates Holi with a fervor and duration that far exceeds the rest of India. The celebrations begin a full week before the main Holi day, with different forms of Holi on successive days: Lathmar Holi in Barsana (where women beat men with sticks), Phoolon ki Holi at Banke Bihari Temple, and the main Rang Panchami day. The Janambhoomi temple’s Holi celebration involves flowers, gulal, and devotional singing.

Radhashtami (September): The birth anniversary of Goddess Radha is observed with special decorations, abhishek (ritual bath) of the deities, and bhajan programs throughout the day.

Govardhan Puja (November, day after Diwali): Celebrated in commemoration of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to shelter the people of Braj from Indra’s deluge. Special prasad distributions and rituals take place at the temple.

Deepavali (October–November): The temple is decorated with thousands of oil lamps and flower garlands. The evening aarti on Diwali night is particularly atmospheric.

Related: Shri Krishna Janambhoomi Temple — Visitor Guide