During Janmashtami, the following customary games are played, particularly to honor Lord Krishna's playful nature: Dahi Handi is a human pyramid game that represents Krishna's butter-stealing leelas by having players shatter a pot full of curd or butter. Children compete in the Matka Race by balancing ornamented pots on their heads. Children play the treasure hunt-style game Butter Hunt, looking for concealed butter pots. A delightful game of questions and answers on the life and teachings of Krishna is the Krishna Quiz. Fancy Dress Contests: Kids dress up as Radha or Krishna and act out episodes from his early years.

A straightforward method for performing Krishna Janmashtami puja at home is as follows:Place Krishna's idol on a decorated jhula (swing) or Simhasanam after cleaning the altar, paying particular attention to Baby Krishna or Laddu Gopal.Offer Panchamrit abhishekam, which involves carefully wiping the idol after bathing it in milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee. Then, clothing Krishna in fresh garments and decorations.Offer flowers, tulsi leaves, fruits, butter, sweets, and prasad along with a lit diya.Read passages from the Bhagavad Gita or Krishna legends, and recite Krishna mantras or bhajans.Sing Janmotsav bhajans, do aarti, and give out prasad to loved ones at midnight.

Although Krishna Janmashtami is reverently observed throughout India, there are some minor differences between South and North Indian customs: North India: commemorated as Janmashtami, with an emphasis on Mathura's birth of Krishna. In Maharashtra, Dahi Handi, jhanki displays, performances (Krishna Leela), and midnight celebrations are all typical. Cradles, peacock feathers, and lights are used to adorn temples and houses. Devotees do midnight aarti, chant bhajans, and observe fasts. South India: In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, it is referred to as Gokulashtami. Using rice flour, homes make Krishna's footprints to represent His coming. Popular activities include cow worship, butter offerings, and golu (doll displays) with Krishna Leela themes.The mischievous behavior of young Krishna (Navanitha Krishna) and village life are given more attention.Both regions share a deep love for Lord Krishna but express it through distinct cultural traditions.

Janmashtami and Gokulashtami both commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, however they have slightly different names and regional emphasis: In North India, Janmashtami is frequently observed to commemorate Krishna's midnight birth in Mathura. Gokulashtami, which focuses more on Krishna's early years and the fun leelas of Gokul, is well-liked in South India and Maharashtra. Both are celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha, however regional variations in rituals and names exist.

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in ISKCON temples with a great deal of fervor, majesty, and devotion. Here's how: Kirtans and Bhajans: Throughout the day, devotees chant uplifting melodies that exalt Lord Krishna. Midnight Abhishekam: During the midnight birth festival, the Krishna deity is bathed in milk, honey, ghee, and fruit juices. Grand Alankaram (Decoration): Beautiful garments, jewelry, and garlands of flowers are used to beautify the deities. Krishna Leela Dramas & Dance: Plays that portray Krishna's early activities are performed by devotees, particularly young ones. Distribution of Prasad and Fasting: After keeping a fast till midnight, devotees are given consecrated food, or prasad. Lectures and Gita Recitation: The Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam are read aloud and spiritual discussions are conducted. Huge Gatherings: ISKCON is a great worldwide festival, with thousands of people gathering at its centers around the world.