Janmashtami in Delhi-NCR: five places for events and midnight aarti

The handi will hang over Yamuna Sports Complex in Surajmal Vihar on September 4, as teams of Govindas form human pyramids for the second Matki Phod League. The event runs from 2pm to midnight, with free entry; Karkarduma Court on the Pink Line is the nearest Metro station.

Dance, theatre and a digital leela

At DDA Ground in Dwarka Sector 10, DJJS’s Shri Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsav is scheduled for September 3 and 4 from 7.30pm onwards. Its programme combines dance ballets, musical skits, bhajans and aarti with hologram kiosks, motion-sensing games and an AI-powered Krishna experience. Entry is free, and Dwarka Sector 10 on the Blue Line is the closest station.

Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra is staging the 50th year of its dance drama, *Krishna*, at Kamani Auditorium on Copernicus Marg. Directed by Shobha Deepak Singh, the production follows Krishna’s journey from Gokul and Vrindavan to Kurukshetra through classical dance, music, costumes and stage design. Shows run until September 4 at 6.30pm, with an additional 3pm show on September 4. Tickets start at ₹300. Read more about the production’s 50th edition.

Temple celebrations at midnight

ISKCON Delhi’s Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir at Hare Krishna Hills, East of Kailash, will hold day-long Janmashtami celebrations on September 4. The programme includes decorated jhankis, kirtans, a 108 Kalasha Maha Abhisheka, an aarti with 108 lamps and a midnight appearance celebration. Nandotsava follows on September 5. Entry is free; Nehru Place on the Violet Line is the nearest Metro station.

In Gurugram, Sri Sri Radha Damodar Mandir in Sector 67 plans continuous kirtan, darshan, jhulan, cultural dramas, family activities and a food street from 8am on September 4. The Maha Abhishek is scheduled for 11pm, followed by midnight Maha Aarti. Nandotsav, including a flower shower and procession, is planned for September 5. Millennium City Centre Gurugram is the nearest Metro station.