The birth of Lord Krishna, the seventh avatara of Vishnu is celebrated as Janamasthami around the country. The day is marked by fasting, feasting, dancing and the singing of devotional songs and hymns in temples and homes around the country. The temples of Mathura and Vrindavan are major attractions where people from around the country join in the celebrations. At midnight, idols of Lord Krishna are bathed in temples and homes amidst the blowing of conch shells and the ringing of bells.
Most homes are lit up with lamps and the entire atmosphere is one of joyous celebration.
Another important aspect of the festival is the Jhanki . This is an interesting spectacle in numerous homes where entire worlds are recreated out of toys and figurines, flowers and leaves. The place of pride in the jhanki is an idol of baby Krishna. This is placed on a cradle, which is rocked to recreate scenes from Krishna's infancy. Janamasthmi is celebrated by recreating scenes from the Lord's childhood when Krishna used to steal butter and curds from earthen pots, which were way beyond his reach.