KarmaVaaniFestival · August–September
Krishna Janmashtami
Also known as Janmashtami
The midnight birth of Krishna, celebrated with devotion and joy.
Janmashtami marks the birth of Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, born at midnight in Mathura. Devotees fast until midnight, sing of his childhood leelas, and rock cradles bearing his image. In Maharashtra the Dahi Handi tradition recreates the young Krishna's mischievous theft of butter.
Why it is kept
Krishna’s birth at midnight on the Krishna Ashtami of Bhadrapada (Shravana in the Amanta reckoning) is kept with fasting and a midnight celebration. Smarta and Vaishnava traditions sometimes keep it on different days.
Step by step
How to observe it
Fast until midnight
Devotees fast through the day and night, waiting for the hour of Krishna’s birth.
Decorate a jhula
A small swing is decorated with flowers for the infant Krishna, Laddu Gopal, and rocked by family members.
Celebrate the birth at midnight
At midnight the image is bathed in panchamrit, dressed in new clothes, and aarti is performed with conch and bells.
Dahi Handi the next day
In Maharashtra, teams form human pyramids to break pots of curd hung high, recalling Krishna’s love of butter.
Customs differ between regions, communities and families. Where your family or temple has its own way, follow it.
Fasting
Fasting
Fasted until midnight, then broken with prasad. Grains are avoided; fruit and milk are taken by those who need them.
Fasts should suit your health. Children, elders, pregnant women and anyone unwell or on medication should eat, or keep a lighter fast; that is the tradition, not an exception to it.
Traditions
- Midnight vigil
- Fasting
- Dahi Handi
- Singing of Krishna's leelas
Where to go
Temples to visit
पूजा सामग्री
