Fri, 4 Sept · Tomorrow
Krishna Janmashtami 2026
Krishna's birthday. You fast during the day. The puja is at midnight. Then you rock the cradle and eat.
Krishna Janmashtami · what happens
The main moment is midnight.
Krishna was born at midnight. So the puja is at midnight, not in the evening. The exact time is a little different in each city, so check a local panchang.
- 1FastDuring the day
Most people eat no grain from sunrise. Fruit, milk, and singhara or rajgira flour are allowed.
- 2Bathe and dress the murtiEvening
Wash the Laddu Gopal, dress him, and put him in the cradle. Many families draw small footprints from the front door to the altar.
- 3The birthMidnight
Bathe him with milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar. Then do the aarti, blow the conch, and rock the cradle.
- 4Break the fastAfter
Offer makhan-mishri first. Then share the panjiri and the rest of the prasad.
Done differently in some states
- Maharashtra and GujaratDahi handi the next day. A pot of curd is hung up high and broken by a human pyramid.
- Mathura and VrindavanJhulan and raas performances all through the week before.
- Tamil NaduCalled Gokulashtami. Kolam footprints from the door, with seedai and murukku.
Krishna Janmashtami
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