Janmashtami celebrates Lord Krishna’s birth on Bhadrapada Ashtami.
Devotees fast and celebrate Krishna’s birth at midnight.
Dahi Handi honors Krishna’s butter-stealing childhood play.
Rasa Lila depicts Krishna’s youthful divine pastimes.
Janmashtami is celebrated globally by Hindu communities.
Details
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, Srikrishna Jayanti, or Ashtami Rohini, is one of the most sacred festivals in Hinduism. It commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who was born on the Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Lord Krishna’s birth was destined to end the rule of evil King Kansa and to establish dharma. The celebrations are most prominent in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his childhood. Devotees mark the occasion with fasting, singing bhajans, and performing devotional plays and dances that depict the life and teachings of Krishna.
Fasting is an essential aspect of Janmashtami. Devotees usually consume only a single sattvic meal a day before Janmashtami. On the fasting day, they take a Sankalpa (vow) to fast until the next day after the conclusion of both Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi. The fast is strict, and no grains are allowed, similar to Ekadashi rules. The most auspicious time for Krishna Puja is during Nishita Kaal—the Vedic midnight—which is believed to be the exact birth moment of Krishna. The Puja follows the 16-step Shodashopachara Vidhi, involving offerings, chants, and prayers. Homes and temples are beautifully decorated, and baby Krishna idols are placed in cradles to celebrate his birth.
The breaking of the fast, known as Parana, must be done carefully. Ideally, Parana should be performed the next day after sunrise when both Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi are over. If these are not over before sunset or midnight, the fast is extended until they conclude. This disciplined observance reflects the devotees’ deep reverence for Lord Krishna and their commitment to spiritual purity. Janmashtami is not just a celebration of Krishna’s birth but a reaffirmation of his teachings on righteousness, love, and devotion.
