Janmashtami is celebrated for the Birthday of Krishna, who is known as the 8th avatar of Vishnu.
Janmashtami as the name sounds has its meaning.
"Janm" means "birth" and "ashtami" means it is celebrated on the 8th of dark night of the Bhadrapada (Indian month) which generally comes in August or September.
It is one of the most important and celebrated festival of Hindus.
Shri Krishna details:
Krishna was son of father Vasudeva and mother Devki. He was born as the 8th son of his parents.
It is said that he was born in a prison, as his parents were prisoned by his own uncle, Kans.
Janmashtami celebration:
It is celebrated almost all over in India. Devotees sing songs of devotional love of Krishna. People keep fasts, pray together, prepare special food for this day and night.
In childhood he was known for stealing butter, so dahi handi is also practised. In some areas Rasa Lila is also organised.
Mathura and Vrindavan are the places visited by Krishna devotees at high scale.
Many countries outside India also celebrate it. These countries are Nepal, Bangladesh, Fiji, Mauritius etc.