Janmashtami celebrations across India

The festival of Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated with different styles and rituals across several states but the zeal and devotion is common to all.

The Rasa Lila, a depiction of the life and events of Lord Krishna's youthful days has been popular in many parts of the country.

The popularity of the festival is such that it stretches its arms even to the most unexpected corners of the country. Here is a look at the celebrations that spanned across India.

An idol of the infant Krishna is bathed, adorned in new clothes and jewellery. Later, the idol is placed in a cradle and worshipped.

In this picture, people dressed in the traditional attire, participating in the Janmashtami celebrations in Mumbai.

During the ‘dahi handi' ritual, a large earthenware pot is filled with milk, curds, butter, honey and fruits and is suspended from a height of 20 to 40 feet.

Hundreds of young boys come forward every year to claim the winning prize by constructing a human pyramid to break the pot.

Seen here, teams of young men form human pyramids to reach Dahi-Handi during the Janmashtami rituals in Mumbai.

Apart from being the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna is widely popular for his mischievous childhood.

The Rasa Lila, or dramatic enactment of the life of Lord Krishna's youthful days has been a popular feature of the festival in many parts of the country.

Worshippers gather in Krishna temples and chant rhymes on this day.

The festival always falls within mid-August to mid-September every year.

Seen here, devotees of Lord Krishna raise their hands in veneration outside a Krishna temple on the ocassion of Janmashtami.

A child tries to reach the 'dahi handi' during the Janmashtami celebration. (AFP Photo)

A child breaks the 'dahi-handi' during a celebration on the eve of Janmashtami. (AFP Photo)

Children get ready to make a base for the ‘dahi-handi' celebration at the Victoria School for the Blind in Mumbai on September 1, 2010. (AFP Photo)

A visually impaired child dances during the event. The event was celebrated with great joy and zeal. (AFP Photo)

Every year scores of devotees of Lord Krishna take part in the Janmashtami celebrations. (AFP Photo)

A visually impaired child plays in a mud-pit in celebration after breaking the 'dahi-handi'. (AFP Photo)