The birth of Krishna, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu (the preserver), is celebrated as Janmashtami almost in all parts of India. specially so in the temples of Vrindavan and Mathura, considered to be the birthplace and the place where Krishna grew up. It is an extravagant and colourful celebration and tableaux called Jhankis are arranged which depict scenes from the life of Krishna.
To depict his adolescence and his friendship with the Gopis, Raslila (a dance form) is performed which also commemorates Krishna's love for Radha. The celebrations begin after midnight when Krishna was born.
The actual Pooja is done after midnight when the image of the infant Krishna is bathed and placed in a cradle.
In Maharashtra, during Janmashtami extravagant preparations are made in which the whole community takes part. Pots full of milk, curd and butter are suspended high above from the ground and groups of men and children climb atop each other in human pyramids to try and reach it. The people or rival groups try and deter them by throwing coloured water on them. This scene and competition has been enacted in many a Hindi film amidst songs and dances.

Where: While Krishna's birth is commemorated practically everywhere in India, this takes the form of festivities in north India and Maharashtra.