Krishna Janmashtami
Culture/religion: Hindu
Date: August 30
Janmashtami is an annual Hindu festival celebrating the anniversary of the birth of Lord Krishna. Krishna is known as the 8th incarnation of the god Vishnu. It is observed according to the Hindu luni-solar calendar, on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, which overlaps with August/September on the Gregorian Calendar. Many celebrations take place at midnight, as this is recognized as the traditional hour of his birth.
The day before the celebrations, Hindu keep a vigil and fast until midnight. On the day of his birth, Báby statues of Krishna are bathed in water and milk, dressed in new clothes and placed in a cradle. The celebrations continue with decorating homes and temples, singing, dancing, visiting temples and preparing special food. In some regions of India, parents dress their children as characters from the legends of Krishna.
Sources:
Krishna Janmashtami, Wikipedia
Janmashtami, Encyclopedia Britannica