Gokulashtami ! Gokulashtami 2009 ! Gokulashtami Picture

The birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated on Gokul Ashtami or Janmashtami. Most devotees fast till midnight and when the birth of Lord Krishna is announced, they eat a cheerful preparation of rice, butter, yogurt, puris and potatoes. This meal, according to Hindu mythology, was relish by Lord Krishna and his playmates in Gokul.

Another fun-filled ritual performed on this day is dahi-handi - clay pots filled with curd, puffed rice and milk are strung high up above the streets and groups of enthusiastic young men (and even women) form human pyramids to reach these and break them open, the way Lord Krishna and his friends would, after sneaking into the houses of gopis (milkmaids) to steal and eat butter.