The Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna who is the 8th incarnation of Lord Vishnu is celebrated as Janmashtami. This festival is celebrated on the 8th day of Krishna Paksh in the month of Bhadon which usually falls in the month of August / September.
Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva who were held captive by demon Kans since there was a prophecy that the Son of Devaki & Vasudeva will kill Kans who was the ruler of Mathura. However, all the guards went asleep and all the locks opened by themselves as soon as Lord Krishna was born thereby facilitating Vasudeva to take Lord Krishna to Nandgaon safely. Thereafter, Lord Krishna was brought up by Devi Yashoda (Wife of Shri Nand ji). All during the time, while Lord Krishna was growing up as a child in Nandgao, he performed various acts of valour which are known as Krishna Lilas. Finally, he, along with his elder brother Balram, went to Mathura and killed Kans thereby freeing the people of Mathura from his demonic rule.
In India, Janmashtami is celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm. People observe fast for the entire day and they visit Lord Krishna’s Temples.
Swasti Vachan, Shanti Path, Sankalp, Ganesh Sthapan, Kalash Sthapan, Lord Krishna Sthapan, Lakshmi Sthapan, Navgrah Sthapan, Brahma Sthapan, Agni Sthapan, Invocation of all Gods and Goddesses, Navgrah Mantra Japa (1 mala for each planet), Lord Krishna Mantra Japa for 2100 times, Shri Gopal Sahastranaam Stotra Path recitation for 11 times, Bal Gopal Puja, Abhishekam of Bal Gopal with Milk, Ghee, Curd, Sugar & Honey (Panchamrit), Placing of New Born Child form of Lord Krishna (Bal Gopal) in a swing (paalna), Sankirtan with Tulsi Leaves, Homam with Honey, Ghee, Sugar, Til, Ashtagandh, Sandalwood powder, Navgrah Samidha and then Purnahuti, Aarti and Prasad to Brahmin