Krishna Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is being observed on 4 September 2026 (Friday), with devotees marking the occasion through fasting, prayers and midnight worship.
- Birth of Lord Krishna: Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva and was taken to Gokul, where he was raised by Nanda and Yashoda.
- This auspicious festival falls on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (Shravan in some regions).
- Significance: His midnight birth symbolizes the victory of good over evil and dharma over adharma.
- Bhagavad Gita: Krishna later guided Arjuna on the battlefield of the Mahabharata, delivering the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Major traditions: Jhulan Utsav, bhajans, kirtans, Raslila and Dahi Handi are important parts of Janmashtami celebrations.
- Midnight Puja: The Nishita Puja Muhurat is 11:56 PM to 12:42 AM.
- Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast until midnight, when Krishna’s birth is ritually celebrated
