Krishna
Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is the most widely celebrated and significant festivals in Hinduism. Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Janmashtami is referred by different names in different regions of India, including Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Shree Jayanti, Dahi Handi, and Saatam Aatham.

When is Krishna Janmashtami 2026?

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the 8th day of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada Month. It is believed that Lord Krishna was born during midnight (Nishita Kaal) under the Rohini Nakshatra

This year 2026, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, 4th September.

Date: Friday, 4th September 2026

Ashtami Tithi Begins: 02:25 AM on Sep 04, 2026

Ashtami Tithi Ends: 12:13 AM on Sep 05, 2026

Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 12:29 AM on Sep 04, 2026

Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 11:04 PM on Sep 04, 2026

Nishita Puja Time: 11:57 PM to 12:43 AM, Sep 05, 2026

Duration: 45 mins

Parana Time: After 12:43 AM, Sep 05, 2026

Why Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated?

Krishna Janmashtami is widely celebrated in India and has a deep significance -

Birth of Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna was born on this day as eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu to end the Kansa's atrocities.

Love & Devotion

People celebrate the childhood of Lord Krishna and his stories and Leela in Gokul and Vrindavan.

Janmashtami Puja Vidhi

• Wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean white or yellow clothes
• Setup the altar with the idols of Lord Krishna, jhula (cradle) or palna. Decorate it with flowers, Tulsi leaves, Diya and incense sticks.
• Observe the Janmashtami fast.
• Chant Krishna mantra, listen to Krishna songs and read Bhagavat Gita
• Most temples are decorated with display of Lord Krishna's childhood. At lot of places, melas are also organized. One should visit the temples and melas to connect with joy of the festival and experience the auspicious aura.
• At midnight, begin the puja of Lord Krishna. Offer water, milk, curd and ghee to Lord Krishna's idol. People also decorate the Lord Krishna's idol with yellow clothes, peacock feathers and flowers.
• Offer bhog to Lord Krishna. One can offer Makhan misri, Panjiri, Kheer, fruits, sweets, butter etc. Lord Krishna was fond of Makhan and milk products
• Recite the aarti of Kunj Bihari
• Break the fast in the morning after sunrise after offering morning prayers to Lord Krishna.

Regional observances of Krishna Janmashtami

Mathura & Vrindavan

In the holy city of Mathura and Vrindavan, grand celebrations are witnessed. Massive crowds gather in the city of Mathura & Vrindavan to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.

Maharashtra

In Maharashtra, people celebrate Krishna Janmashtami by organizing Dahi Handi games symbolizing Lord Krishna's Leela of stealing Makhan in childhood.

Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, people decorate their homes with Kolam designs and Krishna footprints.