Nandotsav which is also known as Nanda Mahotsav is celebrated on the next day of Krishna Janmashtami. Nandotsav is celebrated in most of the Krishna temples in Mathura and Vrindavan.
The word Nandotsav is formed after joining of Nanda and Mahotsav. Nanda refers to foster father of Lord Krishna and Mahotsav refers to celebrations. Hence, the event refers to celebrations held at Nandgaon to mark the arrival of Lord Krishna.
Nandotsav is also referred as Dadhi-Kando (दधिकांदौ). Dadhi-Kando is a mixture of curd and milk which is colored with Haldi, Chandan and Kesar known as turmeric, sandal and saffron respectively. In Dadhi-Kando, Dadhi refers to the curd and Kando refers to the sludge.
Dadhi Kando is thrown on devotees during Nandotsav celebrations. Devotees who are sprinkled or smeared by Dadhi Kando are considered lucky as it is believed to be “Lala ki Chhee Chee” In the morning after Janmashtami, Nandotsav is celebrated in the temple premises. The priests and devotees distribute sweets, fruits, clothes, toys, utensils, coins as part of celebration. Devotional songs congratulating Nand Baba on birth of Krishna are sung in chorus. Everybody feels as if Krishna is born today and in a joyous mood people dance almost hysterically congratulating each other. The temple court presents a picture of almost confusion and chaos and nobody is able to hear what other is saying. Each one is enjoying in his own way i.e. dancing, singing, praying, throwing away gifts or collecting them as Prasad. It is a mad Crowd of devotees celebrating the birth of divinity! with the joy of Radha Nam Sankirtan (repetition of divine name Radhey!Radhey!......)