The celebrations of Janmashtami have gone beyond India's borders!
Janmashtami is here, and you can feel the spirit everywhere that you look - from households to temples to streets to markets and more. It's inarguably one of the most significant festivals for the Hindus and hence is celebrated with great fervor all across the nation. But if you believe the celebrations are confined within the borders of India, think again!
The festival, which marks the birth of Shri Krishna, has gained popularity in almost every part of the world. The customs and rituals may vary as each region brings its own to the celebrations - but the core spirit remains the same everywhere. It is worshipping Shri Krishna, and seeking blessings from him!
In this article, let's learn about Janmashtami celebrations outside of India.
If you ever happen to be in the United States during Janmashtami, you will be truly enthralled seeing the festive vibes all around. There are various events in major cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles which are home to large Indian populations. Devotees gather at local temples and engage in worshipping, song and dance performances, and feasts.
(Credit: rkt_dallas)
The Radha Krishna Temple in Dallas is the epicenter of these celebrations. From majestic decorations to sumptuous feasts to remarkable cultural performances and more - the temple seems like heaven during this time.
Thanks to its large Hindu community, Canada (especially cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal) sees a mammoth celebration during Janmashtami. From vibrant processions to devotional singing to special prayers and more - there's so much happening this time in Canada that you can never get enough of it. For instance, the Hare Krishna Temple in Toronto brings thousands of devotees together in a joyous celebration. The Richmond Hill Hindu temple, on the other hand, hosts beautiful 'Ras Leela', while the ISKCON organizes a grand dinner.
The Radha Krishna Temple in Auckland (New Zealand) organizes everything from Ras Leela to processions to plays (depicting stories from Shri Krishna's life) to festive dinners and more during Janmashtami. During the festive dinners here, thousands of devotees enjoy a sumptuous meal (consisting of dishes that Shri Krishna loved) and take part in various activities. It also hosts a Dahi Handi ceremony where a human pyramid is formed to break a pot filled with curd and butter.
(Credit: iskconauckland)
The Sri Sri Radha Parisisvara Temple in Paris (France) hosts an incredible program during Janmashtami that attracts devotees from across the globe. Thanks to fasting and devotional music performances, there's a remarkable festive ambiance this time! Moreover, it organizes bhajans, processions, and feasts aligning with Krishna's dietary preferences.
(Credit: prialalita)
In Paris ISKCON Temple, devotees celebrate Janmashtami by cutting a huge cake and bathing idols of Radha - Krishna. The attendees sing bhajans, dance, and light oil-fed lamps to worship God. On the other hand, there are theatre performances depicting stories from Shri Krishna's life.
Besides these countries, Nepal, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Kingdom also celebrate Janmashtami.
