Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is one of the most cherished Hindu festivals, celebrated with great devotion across India. This auspicious occasion marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, and will be observed on Monday, August 26, this year. The festival is rich in rituals, stories and traditions that unite communities in joyous celebration. Here’s a comprehensive guide to this sacred day. Read to check the date, timings, rituals and the significance of the festivities.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Date, Timings And Significance
August 26 will mark Lord Krishna’s 5251st birthday. The festival observed on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada according to the Hindu lunar calendar, spans two days.
The first day is observed by followers of the Smarta Sampradaya, while the second day is for those following the Vaishnava Sampradaya.
This two-day celebration allows different communities across India to honour their unique traditions in marking this special occasion.
Krishna is believed to have been born on Ashtami Tithi during Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the moon in the Bhadrapada month. However, this festival is more than just a joyous occasion; it is a profound spiritual event that brings people together in celebration.
It serves as a reminder of Krishna’s teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, inspiring us to lead lives of righteousness and devotion.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Timings
- Krishna Janmashtami Date: Monday, August 26, 2024
- Ashtami Tithi Starts: 03:39 AM, August 26, 2024
- Ashtami Tithi Finishes: 2:19 AM, August 27, 2024
- Rohini Nakshatra Starts: 03:55 PM, August 26, 2024
- Rohini Nakshatra Finishes: 03:38 PM, August 27, 2024.
- Dahi Handi: Tuesday, August 27, 2024
- Parana Time: After 12:45 AM, August 27, 2024
- Moonrise Time: August 26, 2024, at 11:07 PM
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: When To Begin And End Fast?
The day before Krishna Janmashtami, devotees typically observe a one-meal fast. On Janmashtami itself, the fast officially begins after performing the morning rituals. At this time, a formal declaration of intention (Sankalpa) is made to mark the beginning of the fast.
The fast traditionally ends with the arrival of Ashtami Tithi, the eighth lunar day, and Rohini Nakshatra, the star constellation. However, some devotees may choose to end their fast on either of these auspicious days.
- Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Shubh Muhurat And Puja Timings
- Brahma Muhurta: 04:27 AM to 05:12 AM
- Abhijit: 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM
- Godhuli Muhurat: 06:49 PM to 07:11 PM
- Amrit Kalam: 01:36 PM to 03:09 PM
- Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 03:55 PM to 05:57 AM, August 27
- Pratah Sandhya: 04:50 AM to 05:56 AM
- Vijaya Muhurta: 02:31 PM to 03:23 PM
- Sayahna Sandhya: 06:49 PM to 07:56 PM
- Nishita Muhurta: 12:01 AM, August 27 to 12:45 AM, August 27
According to the Vedic calendar, Nishita Kaal which will start at 12:01 on August 27, 2024, is the most fortunate time for Krishna Puja.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Fasting Rituals And Importance
On Krishna Janmashtami, devotees observe a fast from sunrise until midnight, believed to be the time of Krishna’s birth. Some may opt for a partial fast or follow a vrat by avoiding specific foods.
The day begins with a special puja dedicated to Lord Krishna, including the performance of aarti, offering flowers and presenting Krishna’s favourite foods like sweets and butter.
Devotees also recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting on Krishna’s life and teachings. Homes and temples are adorned with flowers, rangoli and images or idols of Krishna.
The celebration often features bhajans (devotional songs) and kirtans (chants) in praise of Krishna, accompanied by dancing. Storytelling sessions about Krishna’s birth, his playful childhood and his role in the Mahabharata further enrich the spiritual atmosphere.
Why Is Janmashtami Celebrated? The Legend Of Lord Krishna’s Birth
According to the ancient Hindu scriptures, on the night of Krishna Janmashtami, it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight in a prison in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. Krishna, revered for his divine qualities, was born to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva.
His birth was shrouded in danger, as Devaki’s brother, Kansa, a tyrant who had usurped the throne of Mathura, was driven by a prophecy that foretold his death at the hands of Devaki’s eighth child.
Paranoid and desperate to prevent this, Kansa imprisoned his sister and her husband, killing each of their newborns immediately after birth.
It is said that on the night of Krishna’s birth, a divine light illuminated the prison, and a heavenly voice directed Vasudeva to protect his newborn son.
Following these divine instructions, Vasudeva carried Krishna across the treacherous Yamuna River, guided by the serpent deity Shesh Naag.
Upon reaching Gokul, he entrusted Krishna to Nandraja and Yashoda, exchanging him for their own newborn daughter.
Upon returning to the prison, Kansa attempted to kill the daughter, but she transformed into Goddess Durga and forewarned him of his impending doom.
Krishna was raised in Gokul by Nandraja and Yashoda, and as he grew, he fulfilled the prophecy by returning to Mathura to defeat Kansa and restore peace to the kingdom.
