The entire city is ready to turn into one big Nandgaon! With Janmashtami falling on September 4 this year, celebrations across Delhi-NCR are bringing together dance dramas, larger-than-life jhankis, all-night kirtans, temple rituals, matki-phod action and carnivals packed with rides and festive treats. Whether you want to watch Kanha’s story come alive or welcome him at midnight, bookmark these spots and get your festive fervour on! Here's a look.WATCH THE LEELA UNFOLD When Krishna meets AIAt DJJS’ two-day Shri Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsav, traditional dance ballets, musical skits, bhajans and aarti meet hologram kiosks, motion-sensing games and an AI-powered Krishna experience. Also look out for the bhajan clubbing session and installations that put a digital spin on Krishna’s leelas. What: DJJS Shri Krishna Janmashtami MahotsavWhere: DDA Ground, Sector 10, DwarkaWhen: September 3 and 4Timing: 7.30pm onwardsEntry: FreeNearest Metro Station: Dwarka Sector 10 (Blue Line) Krishna completes 50 yearsA Delhi Janmashtami tradition marks a milestone as Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra presents the 50th year of Krishna. Directed by Shobha Deepak Singh, the dance drama traces Krishna’s journey from Gokul and Vrindavan to Kurukshetra through classical dance, music, handcrafted costumes and elaborate stage design. What: Krishna by Shriram Bharatiya Kala KendraWhere: Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, Mandi HouseOn till: September 4Timing: 6.30pm; 3pm on September 4Entry: ₹300 onwardsNearest Metro Station: Mandi House (Blue and Violet Lines)BREAK THE MATKI!Govindas, form your pyramidCheer for your favourite team of Govindas as they climb human pyramids to reach the handi suspended above them. The second season of the Matki Phod League promises 10 hours of festive action, bringing together dahi-handi tradition, music, devotion and some serious teamwork. What: Matki Phod League Season 2Where: Yamuna Sports Complex, Surajmal ViharWhen: September 4Timing: 2pm to 12amEntry: FreeNearest Metro Station: Karkarduma Court (Pink Line)FOR A MIDNIGHT WITH KANHAA midnight welcome with 108 kalashasSpend Janmashtami amid the chants and temple bells of ISKCON Delhi. Celebrations include beautifully decorated jhankis, kirtans, 108 Kalasha Maha Abhisheka, an aarti with 108 deepas and the much-awaited midnight appearance celebration. The temple will also mark Nandotsava the following day. What: Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2026Where: Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, ISKCON Delhi, Hare Krishna Hills, East of KailashWhen: September 4; Nandotsava on September 5Timing: All day; main celebration at midnightEntry: FreeNearest Metro Station: Nehru Place (Violet Line) Kirtan, jhulan and a flower showerGurugram’s ISKCON celebration promises continuous kirtan, darshan, jhulan, cultural dramas, family activities and a food street through the day. Stay on for the grand Maha Abhishek at 11pm and the midnight Maha Aarti, or return the following morning for Nandotsav, complete with a flower shower and festive procession.What: Krishna Janmashtami at ISKCON GurugramWhere: Sri Sri Radha Damodar Mandir, Sudarshan Dham, Sector 67, GurugramWhen: September 4; Nandotsav on September 5Timing: 8am onwardsEntry: FreeNearest Metro Station: Millennium City Centre Gurugram (Yellow Line)Three days of festivities in Greater NoidaThe celebrations at ISKCON Greater Noida will stretch across three days, with special shringar and darshan, Vedic mantra-led abhishek, uninterrupted Harinaam sankirtan and religious discourses. The main night culminates with Krishna’s appearance and Maha Aarti at midnight, while a Gita exhibition and prasadam food court add to the experience. What: Shri Krishna Janmashtami MahotsavWhere: ISKCON Greater Noida, A-48/49, Sector Zeta 1, Greater NoidaWhen: September 3 to 5Timing: Throughout the day; Maha Aarti at 12am on September 4Entry: FreeNearest Metro Station: GNIDA Office (Aqua Line)MAKE A MELA OF ITLondon comes to Paschim ViharHop on the rides, grab festive treats and stop for photographs against a London Street-inspired backdrop at this Janmashtami carnival. Apart from themed décor, the family-friendly mela has amusement rides, games, food counters and shopping stalls for those who like their festive outings with a generous side of masti. What: WOW Carnival, Paschim ViharWhere: DDA Ground, opposite Radisson Blu Hotel, Paschim ViharOn till: September 4Timing: 6pm to 11pmEntry: ₹50Nearest Metro Station: Peera Garhi (Green Line)Dubai and London, via DwarkaWhy pick between London and Dubai when this carnival promises a glimpse of both? Alongside amusement rides, food and shopping stalls, the Dwarka edition features London Street and Dubai-inspired installations, live performances and several photo-op spots, making it an easy festive outing for families and groups of friends. What: WOW Carnival, DwarkaWhere: DDA Sports Complex, Sector 11, DwarkaWhen: On now; closing date to be confirmedTiming: 6pm to 11pmEntry: ₹50Nearest Metro Station: Dwarka Sector 13 (Blue Line) For more, follow @htcity.delhijunction
