Krishna Janmashtami 2026 – Lord Krishna’s Birth Anniversary Festival
Date: 4 September 2026
Full Date
4 September 2026 11:57 PM – 5 September 2026 12:43 AM
Muhurat Timings in India
Nishita Puja & Krishna Janmotsav
On September 4, 2026, the main midnight Nishita Puja for Krishna Janmashtami will be from 11:57 PM to 12:43 AM, in tune with traditional observances for Krishna’s birth moment.
4 September 2026 11:57 PM – 5 September 2026 12:43 AM
Dahi Handi
The next day, September 5, 2026, Dahi Handi will be celebrated with human pyramids breaking pots of curd, marking Lord Krishna’s playfulness.
5 September 2026 10:00 AM – 5 September 2026 5:00 PM
Introduction
Krishna Janmashtami, also called Gokulashtami or Krishnashtami, commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Celebrated on the Ashtami (8th day) of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada, devotees perform night-long prayers, fasting, and vibrant celebrations, marking Krishna’s birth at midnight.
Other Names
Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti
Pooja Vidhi
- Clean and decorate puja area with flowers and rangoli.
- Place baby Krishna’s idol on a cradle or swing.
- Offer tulsi leaves, butter, sweets, and fresh fruits.
- Light diya, recite mantras, and sing aarti at midnight.
- Rock the cradle at the moment of Krishna’s birth and distribute prasad.
Rituals
- Devotees fast through the day, breaking fast only after midnight birth rituals.
- Homes and temples are decorated, and baby Krishna’s idol is placed in a decorated cradle (jhoola).
- Midnight Nishita Puja is performed, with mantra chanting and reading of Krishna’s birth story.
- 108 tulsi leaves, butter, sweets, and dairy products are offered.
- Festivities include 'Dahi Handi' tradition, dramatic enactments (Krishna Leela), and dance-singing.
Regional Highlights
- In Mathura-Vrindavan, elaborate Ras Leela dramas, Jhulan Utsav and temple processions are held.
- Maharashtra is famed for Dahi Handi celebrations and street festivities.
- South India marks Gokulashtami with kolams (rangolis), pots of butter, and devotional singing.
- ISKCON temples worldwide celebrate with bhajans, dance, and midnight abhishekam.
History
According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura’s prison at midnight to end Kansa’s tyranny. His early life in Gokul and Vrindavan, playful miracles, and leelas shaped Indian religious tradition. Janmashtami celebrates the victory of good over evil and Krishna’s compassionate, divine love.
Additional Information
- Krishna Janmashtami is a widely celebrated festival among Hindus and Vaishnavas worldwide.
- Devotees observe a full-day fast, breaking it only after midnight rituals.
- It symbolizes the triumph of dharma (righteousness), love, and devotion over evil.