Janmashtami 2026 — Date, Midnight Puja, Fast & Celebrations

Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna — the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Born at midnight (Nishita Kaal) on Ashtami (8th day) of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada month during Rohini Nakshatra.

The celebration centers on a midnight vigil (Jagran). Devotees fast the entire day, decorating Krishna's idol and swinging it in a jhula (cradle). At midnight — the exact moment of Krishna's birth — the idol is bathed with Panchamrit, dressed in new clothes, and offered Makhan-Mishri (butter and sugar).

Dahi Handi is a popular tradition in Maharashtra — teams form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high, recreating young Krishna's butter-stealing adventures.

In Mathura and Vrindavan (Krishna's birthplace), the celebrations are grandest. Temples organize Ras Leela performances depicting Krishna's divine play with the Gopis.

Astrological significance: Krishna's birth chart shows Moon in Rohini (most auspicious nakshatra), Lagna in Taurus, and Jupiter in its own sign — an exceptionally powerful horoscope.