Janmashtami
From the story behind the most celebrated birth in Hindu tradition to the midnight puja itself — everything you need to welcome Krishna home
September 3 – 4, 2026
What is Janmashtami?
Janmashtami — also known as Krishna Jayanti — celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. The name combines janma, meaning 'birth,' and ashtami, meaning 'the eighth day' — the day of the lunar calendar on which Krishna entered the world. Krishna was born to defeat the tyrant king Kamsa and restore dharma to a world that had fallen into darkness.
When is Janmashtami?
This year Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 3rd, 2026.
How is Janmashtami celebrated?
Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight, so many festivities tend to take place at night. Janmashtami is celebrated with fasting, prayer and devotional music. Devotees fast throughout the day, breaking it only at midnight — the hour of Krishna's birth – with prayer and celebration at homes and in temples. A beautifully decorated cradle is prepared for the infant Krishna, and at the stroke of midnight the image of the newborn God is placed in it and rocked. In Maharashtra and other parts of India, the festival is also celebrated with Dahi Handi — a jubilant community event in which teams of young men and women form human pyramids to reach and break a clay pot of curd suspended high above the ground, re-enacting the childhood exploits of the young Krishna who was famous for stealing butter and curd from his neighbors' homes.
For the beloved stories of Krishna's arrival into the world, a complete shopping list, step-by-step guidance on the midnight puja, and everything else you need to welcome Krishna into your home with joy and devotion, download the Yangra app.
