Krishna Janmashtami कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी
Falls on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami · usually August–September
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami, usually in August–September. It is one of the greatest Vaishnava festivals, celebrating Krishna as the teacher of the Bhagavad Gita and the embodiment of divine love and play (leela).
Krishna Janmashtami at a glance
| Falls on | Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami |
| Usual month | August–September |
| Category | Vaishnava |
The story behind Krishna Janmashtami
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, born at midnight in a Mathura prison to Devaki and Vasudeva to end the tyranny of Kansa. Vasudeva carried the infant across the Yamuna to Gokul that very night.
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
It is one of the greatest Vaishnava festivals, celebrating Krishna as the teacher of the Bhagavad Gita and the embodiment of divine love and play (leela).
How Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated
- Fasting through the day, broken at midnight after Krishna’s birth
- Midnight abhishekam of the infant Krishna and rocking the cradle (jhula)
- Bhajans, Gita recitation and jhankis of Krishna’s life
- Dahi Handi — breaking a high pot of curd, re-enacting Krishna’s butter-stealing
Regional variations
Mathura and Vrindavan hold the grandest celebrations; Maharashtra is famous for Dahi Handi human-pyramids; Gujarat, Odisha (as part of the Jagannath tradition) and the South all celebrate distinctly.
Festive foods of Krishna Janmashtami
Traditional dishes prepared for Krishna Janmashtami include makhan-mishri, panjiri, dhania panjiri, charnamrit and 56-item bhog (chappan bhog).
Quick tips
- Fast and celebrate the midnight birth with bhajans
- Offer makhan-mishri and rock the cradle of baby Krishna
Choosing the muhurat on Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami falls on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami. To choose an auspicious time on the day, open the muhurat planner for your city and check the day's choghadiya and the Rahu Kaal to avoid. For the exact date this year, see the panchang calendar, and for weddings or a housewarming near this festival, confirm the muhurat with a qualified pandit.
Hindu festival dates follow the lunar calendar and vary each year; regional traditions can differ by a day. For the exact date this year, confirm with your local panchang or pandit.
Common questions
When is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
Krishna Janmashtami falls on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami in the Hindu lunar calendar, usually in August–September. The exact Gregorian date changes each year — confirm with your local panchang or the panchang calendar.
Why is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, born at midnight in a Mathura prison to Devaki and Vasudeva to end the tyranny of Kansa. Vasudeva carried the infant across the Yamuna to Gokul that very night.
How is Krishna Janmashtami observed?
Common observances include Fasting through the day, broken at midnight after Krishna’s birth; Midnight abhishekam of the infant Krishna and rocking the cradle (jhula); Bhajans, Gita recitation and jhankis of Krishna’s life; Dahi Handi — breaking a high pot of curd, re-enacting Krishna’s butter-stealing.
How is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated in different regions?
Mathura and Vrindavan hold the grandest celebrations; Maharashtra is famous for Dahi Handi human-pyramids; Gujarat, Odisha (as part of the Jagannath tradition) and the South all celebrate distinctly.
What foods are made for Krishna Janmashtami?
Traditional dishes include makhan-mishri, panjiri, dhania panjiri, charnamrit and 56-item bhog (chappan bhog).