Janmashtami

On this auspicious day of Janmashtami a small idol of child Krishna is placed in a cradle and everyone swings the cradle to the tune of songs. Exactly at midnight, Krishna's birth is announced with ringing of bells and blowing of Shankh. The whole atmosphere becomes full of joy and exultation as Vishnu's incarnation Krishna is born to give security to the suffering humanity. Then "Naivedya", a mixture of puffed rice, milk, curds and sugar and distributed as prasad.

Many women observe fast for the whole day and take prasad only after Krishna's birth. Next day is celebrated as "Govinda". The day is also celebrated as "Gopal-Kala" or "Dahi-Kala". Krishna loved milk products and would steal butter & curds from the earthen pots hanged high in the houses.Hence in this Dahi-Kala his childhood pranks of stealing are re-created by youngsters who call themselves "Govindas"

and "Gopalas" and move about in streets. Earthen pots filled with milk curds, and rice flakes along with silver coins/ rupees are hung up very high in streets and boys climbing upon each other form themselves into a pyramid to reach up to the pot and break it with shouts of joy. The coins/rupees are equally distributed.

Specialty of the day: Shrikhand.