जन्माष्टमी
Janmashtami
The birth of Lord Krishna at midnight, celebrated with a fast, midnight puja, jhankis and Dahi Handi.
About Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami falls on the Ashtami of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha. Krishna was born at midnight in the prison of Mathura, so the main puja is in Nishita Kaal.
Devotees fast through the day, decorate cradles and jhankis, and sing bhajans until midnight, when the baby Krishna is bathed and welcomed. Dahi Handi is celebrated the next day in Maharashtra.
How to celebrate
Fast through the day, or eat only fruit and milk.
Decorate a cradle and set up a jhanki of Krishna's childhood.
At midnight, bathe the Laddu Gopal idol in panchamrit, dress him and rock the cradle.
Offer makhan mishri, panjiri and 56 bhog, then break the fast.
Do
- Keep the puja at midnight, in Nishita Kaal
- Sing or listen to Krishna bhajans through the evening
Avoid
- Grains during the fast
- Breaking the fast before the midnight birth
The story
Kansa imprisoned his sister Devaki after a prophecy that her eighth son would kill him. Krishna was born at midnight, and Vasudeva carried him across the stormy Yamuna to Gokul, where Yashoda raised him.
Questions
When is Janmashtami in 2026?
Janmashtami 2026 is on Friday, 4 September 2026. Krishna Ashtami tithi begins at 2:25 AM on Friday 4 September and ends at 12:14 AM on Saturday 5 September IST.
What is the Nishita puja time on Janmashtami 2026?
In New Delhi, Nishita Kaal is from 11:56 PM to 12:44 AM IST. Pick your city in the timings card to see local times.
Why do some calendars show Janmashtami on two days?
Smarta followers observe the day Ashtami is present at midnight. Vaishnavas, including ISKCON, often also consider Rohini nakshatra and sunrise, which can move it to the next day.
What is Dahi Handi?
A celebration on the day after Janmashtami where teams form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high, as young Krishna stole butter.
Around Janmashtami
Coming up
- Karva ChauthThu 29 Oct
- Ahoi AshtamiSun 1 Nov
- Rama EkadashiThu 5 Nov
- DhanterasFri 6 Nov
- DiwaliSun 8 Nov
- Narak ChaturdashiSun 8 Nov
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