Janmashtami

The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Vishnu, is celebrated with great fervour all over India especially at Mathura and Brindavan where Lord Krishna spent his childhood. Temples and homes are beautifully decorated and lit. Nightlong prayers are offered and religious hymns are sung in temples. The priests chant holy mantras and bathe the idol with Gangajal (water from the holy river Ganga), milk, ghee (clarified butter), oil, and honey pouring all these from a conch shell.