Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, so Janmashtami is celebrated here with special pomp. This festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Bhadrapada month when Lord Krishna was born. On this day, tableaux are decorated in temples, Nand Utsav is organized, and the Aarti of Lord’s birth is performed at 12 midnight. Devotees keep fast and do kirtan-bhajans throughout the night. Special programs are held at Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple and Dwarkadhish Temple.
Holi of Mathura and Vrindavan is world famous. It is celebrated as the love leela of Lord Krishna and Radha. Many days before Holi, Holi of flowers, Lathmar Holi (especially in Barsana), and Holi of color-gulal start in the temples. This festival is a symbol of colors, love and devotion. Thousands of people from India and abroad come to participate in this unique festival.
The birth anniversary of Radharani is celebrated as ‘Radha Ashtami’ on the Ashtami of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha. This festival is celebrated with great pomp especially in Barsana, Mathura and Vrindavan. Radha Rani is considered to be the supreme lover of Shri Krishna and the idol of devotion. On this day Radha temples are decorated with flowers, bhajans and kirtans are performed and special worship of Radha Rani is done. Devotees observe fast and see tableaux of Radha-Krishna.
The next day of Janmashtami, ‘Nand Utsav’ is celebrated in Gokul near Mathura, which is also called ‘Gokul Ashtami’. This is in memory of the time when Nand Baba distributed butter-sugar and clothes in the whole village in the joy of Lord Krishna’s birth. Even today on this day, God is dressed in new clothes in temples and seated in swings. Devotees take special prasad during Nanda Utsav and feel the joy of Nanda.
