Janmashtami
जन्माष्टमी
August 25, 2026
Significance
The birthday of Lord Krishna — the 8th avatar of Vishnu. Krishna was born at midnight in a prison cell in Mathura. Devotees fast until midnight, then celebrate with great joy. The Dahi Handi tradition (human pyramids to break a pot of curd) celebrates young Krishna's love for butter.
Story & Mythology
The tyrant king Kamsa imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva after a prophecy that their 8th child would kill him. Krishna was the 8th child. At his birth, all prison guards fell asleep, chains broke open, and doors unlocked. Vasudeva carried baby Krishna across the flooded Yamuna river to safety in Gokul. Krishna later returned to Mathura and killed Kamsa.
Puja Vidhi & Rituals
- 1
Observe fast from morning until midnight (Krishna's birth time)
- 2
Decorate a jhula (swing) for baby Krishna
- 3
At midnight: perform the birth ceremony — bathe the idol, dress in new clothes, offer makhan (butter) and mishri
- 4
Sing bhajans and perform aarti — Aarti Kunj Bihari Ki
- 5
Break the fast with prasad after midnight puja