The festival is dedicated to Lord Sri Krishna to commemorate his birth. The day is also known as Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. His birthday falls on the eighth day (Ashtami of Krishna Paksh) of a lunar fortnight i.e. 8th day after Raksha Bandhan, hence it is named as (Krishna+ashtami) which comes sometime in August and is celebrated over two days.The first day is Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami. The second day is called Kalashtami or more popularly Janmashtami.

At midnight between the first and second day the birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony. Delicacies are prepared from milk and curds that Krishna loved.

The most popular ceremony of Dahi-handi (breaking a pot full of milk and its derivatives) takes place on the second day.

During this ceremony a large earthen pot is filled with milk, curds, butter, honey, fruits etc., and is suspended from a height between 20 to 40 feet. Sporting young men and boys come forward to claim this prize.

Lord Krishna's own town of Dwarka comes alive, with major celebrations and hordes of visitors. Most families keep a fast on this day, but one meal is allowed. This is known as phalhar, that consists of fruits, mithai, curd, singhare ki puri.

Few dishes whose recepies have been provided are:

Doodhachi Kheer	Murukku
Golden Yogurt	Peda
Gopalkala	Singhare Ke Puri
Kalakand