Krishna Janmashtami
BengaliAlso known as: Janmashtami, Gokulashtami
Krishna Janmashtami
About Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in Shravan month (August-September). In Bengal, it is known as Gokulashtami and is celebrated with unique traditions.
In Kolkata, the famous ISKCON temple and other Krishna temples hold elaborate celebrations throughout the night. Cultural programmes featuring traditional music and dance depicting Krishna's childhood leelas are organised in neighbourhoods.
Families prepare an array of 56 items (chappan bhog) as offerings to the deity, including kheer, pedha, and various sweets. The baby Krishna idol is bathed, dressed in new clothes, and placed in a cradle for worship.
Children dress up as young Krishna and Radha, and neighbourhoods organise dahi handi events where teams form human pyramids to break earthen pots hung from great heights, recreating Krishna's childhood exploits of stealing butter and curd.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe fasting until midnight, the traditional time of Krishna's birth.
- Observe a complete fast during the day.
- Bathe and wear clean clothes before the midnight puja.
- Stay awake through the night and break the fast at midnight after the birth ceremony.
- Listen to the Krishna Janmashtami Katha.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken at midnight after the ceremonial birth of Lord Krishna with prasad offerings.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Clean the puja area and set up the Krishna idol.
- At midnight, perform the ceremonial birth ceremony.
- Bathe the baby Krishna idol with milk and water.
- Dress the idol in new clothes and place in a cradle.
- Offer butter, curd, sweets, and aarti.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Krishna Janmashtami falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in Shravan month, usually in August or September.
Chappan Bhog consists of 56 different food items offered to Lord Krishna, symbolising the variety of foods he enjoyed as a child in Vrindavan.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.