Places to visit in Mumbai to witness Janmashtami celebrations

Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is an annual festival that is celebrated with much fervour in our country. People celebrate by singing, fasting and preparing special food. People also visit Krishna temple to take part in Bhagavad Gita recitation and take part in dance drama events, popularly known as Krishna Lila or Raasleela.
Just like every part of the country has their unique way of celebrating this festival, Mumbai adds more flavour to the celebration of Janmashtami. In fact, the festival is more popular here as Dahi Handi, which translates to ‘an earthen pot of yogurt’. Most of the communities perform this tradition, where yogurt pots are hung high up in the air, with tall poles or high ropes hanging from second or third level of building. Then, as per the customs, youth form a team to climb one over another to form a human pyramid and break the earthen pot. The contents spilled from the pot are considered prasada.

Here, take a look how and where Janmashtami is celebrated in and around Mumbai.

ISKCON Temple

Also known as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, it is a religious organisation dedicated to Lord Krishna. If you want to be a part of the best Janmashtami celebrations, it is here that you can actually experience it. The temple, almost every year, outdoes itself in terms of splendid decorations, elaborate langars and designer outfits for the deities. People from all over the country visit this temple in huge numbers to be a part of this elaborate affair.
Venue: Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, Girgaon Chowpatty

Ramakrishna Math and Mission
It is believed to be one of the oldest centres of the Ramakrishna order or brand. It is a sacred place and the spiritual ambience here will help motivate you to take part in Janmashtami celebrations. Ramakrishna Math and Mission celebrates Janmashtami every year in a grand manner, and this year, it is no different. Do pay a visit here once, and experience the ambience of this spiritual place.

Venue: Ramakrishna Mission Marg, 12th Road, Khar (West), Mumbai

Sangharsh Pratishthan Dahi Handi, Thane

This is considered to be one of the richest Dahi Handi mandals in Mumbai. As per the reports, the prize money can go up to lakhs and also a few grams of gold as an added incentive. Then, there is also groovy beats of music to fuel the enthusiasm. Foreigners are also invited to take part in the Dahi Handi celebrations here. If you are eager to be a part of energetic celebrations, you know where to head to.

Venue: Sangharsh, Open House Panchpakahadi, Thane

Shramik Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal, Kharghar
The Dahi Handi organised by Sharmik Sarvajanik Utsav Mandal is believed to be one of the popular events in Mumbai. The handi created for this event is also quite difficult to break. There have been incidents, when many teams had to return empty-handed as they were not able to break the earthen pot of Dahi Handi! One for you if you are keen to take on a challenge.

Venue: Khargar