Shri Krishna Janmashtami is a celebration that happens on the eighth day of the krishna paksha (waning moon) in the Bhadrapada month for north India & south India in month of Shravan maas. This day holds significance in Hindus as it marks the birth of Lord Krishna, he was born during the Ashtami day and under the Rohini Nakshatra. This festival is also known by names like Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, and Janmashtami.

This year, the star alignment called Rohini Nakshatra for Janmashtami will start on September 6 at 09:20 am and continue until September 7 at 10:25 am.
And the Ashtami Tithi will begin at 3:37 pm on September 6, 2023, and end at 4:14 pm on September 7, the celebration will span across both days.
On September 6, the important Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi will both occur, so Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on both days.

Muhurat Time : On September 6th, the time for Krishna Janmashtami worship begins at 11.57pm and goes until 12.42 am midnight. This muhurat time lasts for 43 minutes.

Janmashtami Origin | Significance

Janmashtami’s history goes back to the time when Lord Krishna was born. This ancient celebration marks his birth, which happened over 5200 years ago. In 2023, it will be the 5250th anniversary according to the Vedic timeline.

Spirit in Temples: Krishna Janmashtami holds special importance in Krishna temples. In places linked to Lord Krishna, like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, this celebration becomes a part of every household in these historic cities.

Why Janmashtami is celebrated for 2 days?

Janmashtami, celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth spans two days due to varying lunar calculations and regional traditions.

Rohini Nakshatra Variation: In certain regions, Janmashtami falls on the eighth day of the dark fortnight when the moon resides in the Rohini Nakshatra. This can extend over two calendar days, ensuring the precise timing of Lord Krishna’s birth Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated.

Ashtami Tithi Variation: In other areas, Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight, regardless of the moon’s Nakshatra. This might coincide with the Rohini Nakshatra celebration or differ by a day, based on interpretations of scriptures.

Different Calendars and Devotee Devotion: Variations stem from diverse calendars and time zones, shaping the dual-day celebration. This structure caters to devotees’ practices and traditions.

Janmashtami Fasting

Fasting:
During Janmashtami, a common practice is fasting, where devotees abstain from eating. This fast lasts until midnight, when Lord Krishna was born. People often choose to consume only milk and milk products, as they were dear to Lord Krishna. Some go even further by observing a ‘Nirjal’ fast, which means fasting without water. There are devoted followers who extend their fast for two days to honor Lord Krishna.

Types of Fasting:
People have different ways of fasting on Janmashtami. Some only eat particular foods, while others don’t have anything to eat or drink the whole day.

Nirjal Fasting:
A hard type of fasting is called “Nirjal.” It means not having any food or water. People who do this want to show how devoted they are and how they can control themselves.

Phalahar Fasting:
Another kind is “Phalahar” fasting. People who do this on Krishna Janmashtami is eat only light things like fruits and milk, which Lord Krishna liked. This way, they keep the fast and still get some energy from the food.

Breaking the Fast:
When it’s midnight, the time when Lord Krishna was born, the fasting ends. People eat special food called prasad that they offer to Lord Krishna & break Krishna Janmashtami fast.

Why Fasting is Important:
Fasting on Janmashtami is about focusing more on our minds and spirits than on our bodies. It’s like taking a break from wanting things and thinking about what’s important. By doing this, people hope for blessings from Lord Krishna and to feel better inside.

Rituals: Traditions and Practices

Chanting:
Chanting mantras and shlokas is a continuous activity for devotees. Throughout the day, they chant these sacred words to show their devotion. The atmosphere becomes deeply religious, with devotees praising Lord Krishna’s deeds and divine qualities. In various temples, another ritual involves chanting the 108 names of Lord Krishna. This chanting is accompanied by Janmashtami decoration at home, streets, temples & showering the idol with fragrant flowers, creating a spiritual ambience.

**Preparations:** Prior to the big day, Janmashtami decoration at home and temples are adorned with flowers and lights, janmashtami jhula creating an atmosphere of celebration.

**Fasting:** Many people on Krishna Janmashtami observe a day-long fast as a sign of devotion. Transitioning from regular meals to abstaining from food, they dedicate the day to Lord Krishna.

**Devotional Songs:** Upon the Janmashtami decoration at home, throughout the day, devotional songs and bhajans fill the air, creating a spiritual ambiance that resonates with everyone at home & temples.

Rituals At Night

**Midnight Vigil:** As the Janmashtami decoration at home & temples are completed & clock approaches midnight, devotees gather in temple at home & temples for special prayers and bhajans. The anticipation builds, and the atmosphere is filled with excitement.

**Birth Rituals:** At the stroke of midnight, the divine moment of Lord Krishna’s birth is celebrated as Krishna Janmashtami. Sweets and fruits, his favorite foods, are offered in devotion.

**Rasa Lila:** The transition from midnight to dawn is marked by enchanting performances called Rasa Lila. Young artists depict Krishna’s childhood episodes through music and dance.

**Prasad:** Another heartwarming transition is the distribution of prasad (blessed food) among family, friends, and the less fortunate, spreading joy and love.

**Dahi Handi:** In some regions, the day after Krishna Janmashtami sees the Dahi Handi festival. Youngsters form human pyramids to break pots of curd and butter, mirroring the playful nature of young Krishna.

Dieties Of Janmasthami

During Janmashtami, the central figure of devotion is Lord Krishna. As this day marks his birth, people worship the young form of Lord Krishna, affectionately known as Bal Gopal or Laddu Gopal.

Family Worship:
In addition to Lord Krishna, Janmashtami also involves the worship of his immediate family members. This includes his birth parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, as well as his nurturing parents, Nanda and Yashoda. Even Lord Krishna’s siblings, Balabhadra (Lord Balarama) and Subhadra, are also remembered and revered during the Janmashtami Puja.

Sevas Offered to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami

On Janmashtami, devotees express their devotion through special offerings or “Sevas” to honor Lord Krishna:

1. Abhishek: The idol is bathed with milk, honey, and water, symbolizing purification and renewal.
2. Alankar: After Janmashtami decoration at home & temples adorning Krishna’s idol with jewelry, Vastras (clothing), and garlands to enhance his divine appearance is done.
3. Bhajans and Kirtans: Devotees sing devotional songs and hymns to create a spiritual atmosphere.
4. Midnight Aarti: At midnight, lamps and incense are offered to Krishna during a ceremonial light ritual.
5. Janmashtami Puja: This Elaborate worship includes Janmashtami decoration at home, the temple room. In Krishna temples & at home puja is done with rituals include offerings flowers, diyas, fruits, sweets, mantra chanting’s and recitation of holy scriptures.
   
6. Floral Decorations: Temples and homes are adorned with colorful flowers.
7. Dahi Handi Ceremony: Some regions feature breaking pots of curd and butter to emulate Krishna’s playfulness.
8. Devotional Discourses: Talks about Krishna’s life and teachings inspire devotees.
9. Feasting and Prasad: Devotees prepare and share blessed food as an offering.
10. Midnight Celebrations: The Krishna Janmashtami birth moment of Lord Krishna is joyously celebrated through chanting, singing, and dancing.

List of places with prominent Janmashtami festivals In India:

Mathura and Vrindavan Janmashtami: In the birthplace and playground of Lord Krishna, these cities host grand celebrations on Krishna Janmashtami. The temples and streets come alive with music, dance, and processions.

Dwarka Janmashtami: In Lord Krishna’s own city, Dwarka, the festival is celebrated with vibrant decorations, special prayers, and cultural performances.

ISKCON Janmashtami: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temples worldwide organize exuberant festivities, including melodious kirtans and devotional activities of Krishna

Udupi Krishna Janmashtami: Krishna Janmashtami in Udupi, known for its Krishna temple, celebrates with elaborate rituals, processions, and traditional performances.

Mumbai “Dahi Handi” Festival: This unique festival involves forming human pyramids to reach and break a pot of curd, replicating Lord Krishna’s playful antics.

Gujarat’s Nandotsav: In places like Dakor and Dwarka, devotees celebrate Nandotsav, recreating the joyous scene of Lord Krishna’s mother, Yashoda, celebrating his birth on Krishna Janmashtami

Assam’s Majuli Island Janmashtami: This picturesque island In Assam’s Majuli’s celebrates with dance dramas depicting Krishna’s life and teachings.

Puri Janmashtami: Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha, holds special processions and rituals in honor of Lord Krishna.

Nepal’s Krishna Mandir: The historic Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square, Nepal, sees a grand procession and devotees’ gatherings.

Different Names Of Krishna To Chant Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna and Cows: A Sacred Connection of Love

1. Gopala – The Cowherd:
Krishna, known as “Gopala,” spent his early days tending cows in Gokul. This reflects the harmonious coexistence of humans and animals.

2. Symbol of Nurturing Love:
Krishna’s gentle care for cows embodies nurturing love extended to all creatures, teaching kindness and respect towards animals.

3. Cows as Divine Beings:
Cows are revered in Hinduism, symbolizing motherly qualities and divine grace. Krishna’s bond with cows emphasizes our spiritual connection with all life.

4. Govardhan Puja:
Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect villagers and cows signifies environmental harmony and nature’s care, celebrated as Govardhan Puja.

5. Cows and Sustainability:
Krishna’s teachings highlight cows’ role in sustainable living, providing nourishment through milk and natural fertilizer from their dung.

6. Lessons in Selflessness:
Krishna’s care for cows teaches selflessness and compassion, inspiring us to serve with a giving heart.

7. Unity and Harmony:
Krishna’s flute-playing amidst cows signifies nature’s unity and balance, reminding us of interconnectedness.

8. Spiritual Symbolism:
Krishna’s affinity for cows symbolizes abundance, purity, and spiritual sustenance, fostering reverence for all life forms.