At the moment of Krishna's birth, Rohini Nakshatra coincided with Ashtami tithi, this combination is called Jayanti Yoga. In a year when that exact coincidence doesn't fully align, different traditions (Smarta and Vaishnava) may observe it a day apart, similar to what's seen with Ram Navami. Confirm the exact date with a local panchang.
Significance of Shri Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to mark the birth of Shri Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura. It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself took birth as Shri Krishna to free the earth from the tyranny of his maternal uncle, Kansa. This festival falls on the Ashtami tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, and is observed at midnight.
According to the legend, King Kansa learned from a divine voice that Devaki's eighth child would kill him, so he imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and killed their first six children. The seventh child, Balaram, was mystically transferred to Rohini's womb by Yogamaya. The eighth child, Shri Krishna, was born at midnight amid a fierce thunderstorm. Immediately after the birth, Vasudeva crossed the flooding Yamuna river and left Krishna with Yashoda in Gokul, bringing back her newborn daughter in his place, protecting the infant Krishna.
For devotees, it is considered especially auspicious when Rohini Nakshatra coincides with Ashtami tithi, since that was the exact configuration at the time of Shri Krishna's birth, this combination is called Jayanti Yoga. Shri Krishna is regarded as a complete incarnation, and this day is observed in remembrance of his divine plays, the teachings of the Gita, and the protection of dharma.
How Shri Krishna Janmashtami Is Celebrated
On Janmashtami, homes and temples are decorated. An idol of the infant Krishna is placed in a decorated cradle, devotional singing continues through the day, and passages from the Srimad Bhagavatam and Krishna Leela are recited.
Many devotees observe a fast on this day, breaking it only after the Nishita Kaal (midnight) puja. The puja includes bathing the infant Krishna idol in panchamrit, dressing and adorning it, and offering makhan-mishri (butter and sugar), Krishna's favourite.
The next day, Maharashtra celebrates the famous 'Dahi Handi' festival, in which human pyramids are formed to break a pot of curd hung high above. Temples worldwide, including ISKCON centres, mark the night of Janmashtami with especially grand celebrations.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi
On Janmashtami, bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes. Set up an idol of the infant Krishna at home or in a temple and perform the worship. At Nishita Kaal, that is, at midnight, bathe Krishna in panchamrit, dress and adorn the idol, offer makhan-mishri, and perform the aarti. A nirjala or phalahar fast is kept according to one's faith and capacity, broken only after the midnight puja.
About Shri Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami is the festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, observed on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami. This page covers Janmashtami's significance, the background of Kansa's tyranny and Shri Krishna's birth, the day's customs such as the decorated cradle, the Nishita Kaal puja, fasting, and the Dahi Handi tradition, along with the puja vidhi for observing it at home.
This is a festival specifically observed at night, since Shri Krishna's own birth took place at midnight. The information on this page is presented with easy-to-read sizing and print support.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Krishna Janmashtami observed?
Krishna Janmashtami is observed every year on the Ashtami tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month, with the main worship performed at midnight.
Why is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
This festival is celebrated to mark the birth of Shri Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura.
What is Jayanti Yoga?
When Rohini Nakshatra coincides with Ashtami tithi, this combination is called Jayanti Yoga, since it matches the exact configuration at the time of Shri Krishna's birth, and is considered especially auspicious.
Is a fast observed on Janmashtami?
Yes, many devotees observe a nirjala or phalahar fast on this day, breaking it only after the Nishita Kaal puja, the type of fast depends on one's faith and capacity.
What is Dahi Handi?
It is a celebration held in Maharashtra the day after Janmashtami, in which human pyramids are formed to break a pot of curd hung high above, commemorating young Krishna's butter-stealing exploits.