Janmashtami will be celebrated across Delhi on September 4, 2026, with temples across the capital preparing for special darshan, aartis, bhajans, cultural programmes and midnight celebrations marking the birth
of Lord Krishna. From the elaborate festivities at ISKCON Dwarka to the old-world atmosphere of Chandni Chowk, here are five places to experience Janmashtami in Delhi.
1. Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarkadhish Temple, ISKCON Dwarka
If you want a large-scale Janmashtami celebration, ISKCON Dwarka is one of the city’s biggest draws. The temple’s official programme lists celebrations around September 4 and 5, with the festivities featuring kirtans, katha, special darshan, maha aarti and maha abhishek. The temple also organises cultural programmes and competitions around the festival.
The biggest moment comes around midnight, when devotees gather for the celebration of Krishna’s appearance, followed by devotional singing and aarti. The temple expects large crowds, so arriving early is advisable if you want to attend the main rituals.
2. ISKCON Temple, East of Kailash
The Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir in East of Kailash is another major destination for Janmashtami in Delhi. This year’s celebration is scheduled for September 4, with the temple announcing special rituals, kirtans, bhajans, Krishna Leela performances and a midnight celebration.
The temple’s programme includes a 108 Kalasha Maha Abhisheka and 108 Maha Aartis, leading up to the midnight celebration. If you plan to visit, expect significant crowds and plan your journey accordingly.
3. Birla Mandir
Right in central Delhi, Birla Mandir, also known as Laxminarayan Temple, offers a more traditional temple experience without requiring a trip to the city’s outskirts. The temple complex includes shrines dedicated to several Hindu deities, including Lord Krishna, and Janmashtami is among the major festivals celebrated here.
The temple is particularly popular during Janmashtami, when the complex is decorated for the festival and devotees gather for prayers and darshan. Its central location near Connaught Place also makes it a convenient option for families looking for a festive evening in the heart of Delhi.
4. Chhatarpur Temple
The sprawling Chhatarpur Temple complex in South Delhi offers a very different Janmashtami experience. One of the city’s largest temple complexes, it becomes especially lively during major Hindu festivals, including Janmashtami, when special pujas and celebrations are held.
Its expansive grounds and multiple shrines make the visit feel more like a large-scale religious gathering than a quick temple stop. If you’re travelling from South Delhi, Chhatarpur is a natural choice for experiencing the festival amid elaborate decorations and devotional activity.
5. Gauri Shankar Temple, Chandni Chowk
For those looking for an older and more traditional setting, head to Gauri Shankar Temple in Chandni Chowk. The historic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is considered one of Delhi’s oldest temples, with a history spanning centuries. Janmashtami is among the festivals observed at the temple.
Located in the heart of Old Delhi, the temple offers a very different atmosphere from the large ISKCON celebrations. A visit here can also be combined with a walk through the historic lanes and markets of Chandni Chowk, making it a more intimate way to experience the festive mood.
Planning your Janmashtami visit
Whichever temple you choose, expect large crowds, traffic restrictions and security checks, particularly around the midnight celebrations. ISKCON Delhi’s official guidance confirms that its Janmashtami celebration will take place on September 4, with the midnight aarti marking the central moment of the festival.
For the biggest spectacle, ISKCON Dwarka and ISKCON East of Kailash are the obvious choices. For a central location, Birla Mandir works well, while Chhatarpur offers a sprawling temple experience and Gauri Shankar Temple brings the atmosphere of historic Old Delhi.
