Shri Krishna Janmashtami is around the corner and India is preparing for the occasion with great fervour but festivities this year will be scaled down due to the pandemic. The day celebrates the birth of a Shri Krishna, a prominent God in Hindu mythology. Janmashtami is on Monday and is celebrated in all corners of India. Here is how different Indian cities are prepping for Krishna Janmashtami 2021 in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ahmedabad

The Gujarat government has announced standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be followed on Shri Krishna Janmashtami this year. The renowned temples of Lord Krishna at Dwarka, Dakor, and Shamalji that witness about 2.5 lakh to 3 lakh visitors during the Janmashtami period are being beautifully adorned.

Face masks, social distancing and circles have been drawn along the darshan lines to avoid overcrowding. Lokmela and Makati Food are not allowed this year, according to the guidelines.

The state has also relaxed night curfews in eight cities of Gujarat for Janmashtami.

Vrindavan and Mathura

Vrindavan is the birthplace of Shri Krishna and thus the Janmashtami celebration in the city is a sight to catch. 

Local markets selling clothes, accessories, and idols of Krishna are being set up in the city, and prominent temples like Banke Bihari, Prem Mandir, and ISCKON are being decorated beautifully for the birth of Krishna.

The state of Uttar Pradesh has recently lifted the weekend lockdown. However, masks and social distancing will be mandatory in the state during the Janmasthami celebrations.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced that massive Dahi Handi celebrations will not take place this year in the state on the occasion of Janmashtami and Ganesh Utsav.

However, local celebrations have been allowed keeping in mind the COVID protocols to be followed.

Krishna Janmashtami also popular as Gokulashtami or Krishnashtami, marks the birth anniversary of the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The day of Janmashtami is celebrated as the Dahi Handi.