Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (amanta: Shravana)
Krishna Janmashtami
Also known as Janmashtami · Gokulashtami
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, born at midnight on the eighth day of the dark fortnight. It is among the most joyously kept of all festivals.
2026
Friday, 4 September 2026
2027
Wednesday, 25 August 2027
The day at a glance
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Significance
Krishna’s birth in a prison at midnight, and his life of love, wisdom and the Bhagavad Gita, make him one of the most beloved deities. His midnight appearance is the festival’s focal moment.
How Krishna Janmashtami is observed
Devotees fast until midnight, sing bhajans, enact Krishna’s childhood (rasleela), and celebrate his birth at twelve with the rocking of his cradle. In Maharashtra the next day brings the Dahi Handi human-pyramid game.
Puja Muhurat
Krishna was born at midnight, so the Nishita Kaal — the eighth muhurta of the night, straddling Hindu midnight — is the Smarta puja window.
Timings for Ujjain
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FAQ
Why is Janmashtami celebrated at midnight?
Because Krishna is said to have been born at midnight: devotees keep vigil and mark his birth at twelve.
What is Dahi Handi?
A Maharashtrian custom the day after, where teams form human pyramids to break a high pot of curd, recalling Krishna’s butter-stealing childhood.
Does the date vary by tradition?
Smarta and Vaishnava traditions occasionally observe it on adjacent days; this calendar gives the common grihastha (householder) date.
Around the same season
Plan around Krishna Janmashtami
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