Krishna Janmashtami
The midnight birth of Lord Krishna.
- Deity
- Krishna
- When
- August-September
Significance
Krishna Janmashtami, on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami, celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, traditionally held to have been born at midnight. It commemorates his descent to restore dharma and vanquish the tyrant Kamsa. Because the birth is observed at midnight, the date can differ from the sunrise tithi.
How it is celebrated
Devotees fast until midnight, when the birth is celebrated with the rocking of an image of the infant Krishna, bhajans and the breaking of the fast. In many places, human pyramids form to break the dahi handi, a pot of curd hung high overhead.
Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most beloved festivals in the Hindu calendar, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravana, the festival commemorates the arrival of the Divine to restore righteousness and protect the world from evil.
Lord Krishna's teachings, especially those found in the Bhagavad Gita, continue to inspire millions with timeless lessons on duty, devotion, compassion, and selfless action.
The Birth of Lord Krishna
According to the Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna was born in a prison cell in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva. His maternal uncle, the tyrannical King Kansa, had imprisoned them after hearing a prophecy that Devaki's eighth child would bring about his downfall.
On the night of Krishna's birth, the prison doors miraculously opened, and Vasudeva carried the newborn across the flooded Yamuna River to Gokul, where Krishna was lovingly raised by Nanda and Yashoda.
How is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Devotees observe the festival by:
- Fasting until midnight, the believed time of Krishna's birth.
- Singing bhajans and chanting the names of Lord Krishna.
- Reading stories from the Bhagavata Purana and the Bhagavad Gita.
- Decorating temples and homes with flowers and lights.
- Performing Abhishekam for Bal Krishna (the infant Krishna).
- Offering butter, milk, curd, fruits, and sweets, which are among Krishna's favourite offerings.
At midnight, temples perform special aarti and celebrate Krishna's birth with great joy.
Dahi Handi
In Maharashtra and several parts of India, Janmashtami is followed by the vibrant Dahi Handi celebration. Inspired by Krishna's childhood love for butter, teams of young people form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with curd, butter, or sweets suspended high above the ground.
The event symbolises teamwork, courage, determination, and Krishna's playful nature.
Spiritual Significance
Lord Krishna taught that one should perform one's duties with sincerity while remaining detached from the fruits of one's actions. Janmashtami reminds devotees to cultivate devotion, righteousness, compassion, and faith, even during life's greatest challenges.
His life beautifully combines wisdom, courage, love, friendship, and divine playfulness, making Him one of Hinduism's most cherished deities.
Did You Know?
The greeting “Jai Shri Krishna” is used by millions of devotees as both a salutation and an expression of devotion. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated not only across India but also in many countries around the world, with temples staying open until midnight to recreate the joyous moment of Lord Krishna's birth.
Frequently asked questions
What is Krishna Janmashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami, on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami, celebrates the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, traditionally held to have been born at midnight. It commemorates his descent to restore dharma and vanquish the tyrant Kamsa. Because the birth is observed at midnight, the date can differ from the sunrise tithi.
When is Krishna Janmashtami in Mumbai, MH?
Krishna Janmashtami falls in August-September; the next one for Mumbai, MH is on 6 August 2026.
How is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
Devotees fast until midnight, when the birth is celebrated with the rocking of an image of the infant Krishna, bhajans and the breaking of the fast. In many places, human pyramids form to break the dahi handi, a pot of curd hung high overhead.
Which deity is worshipped on Krishna Janmashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami is dedicated to Krishna.
Last updated 26 July 2026