Krishna Janmashtami: When will Janmashtami be celebrated in 2026? Big update for Shri Krishna devotees, know the time of puja and paran

Krishna Janmashtami: Devotees of Lord Krishna eagerly wait for Janmashtami every year. As this festival comes closer, questions start arising in people’s minds regarding its exact date. Even in 2026, many devotees want to know whether Janmashtami will be celebrated on 4th September or 5th September. According to the calculations of the calendar and religious traditions, the date of the festival this time has become clear. Let us know what will be the right time for fasting, puja and parana.

On which day will Janmashtami be celebrated?

This time the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month will start from 2:25 AM on 4th September 2026 and will continue till 12:13 AM on 5th September. There is a tradition of celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna during Nishith period. On this basis, most of the religious calendars recommend celebrating Shri Krishna Janmashtami on Friday, 4th September.

Auspicious time of worship in Nishith period (Krishna Janmashtami)

Special worship of Shri Krishna Janmotsav can be done starting from 11:57 pm on 4th September till 12:43 pm on 5th September. This is considered to be the time when devotees consecrate, adorn and celebrate the birth anniversary of Laddoo Gopal. It is considered auspicious to break the fast after around 6:01 am on 5th September.

Why is the festival of Janmashtami special?

According to religious belief, Lord Krishna was incarnated to destroy unrighteousness and establish righteousness. Therefore, Janmashtami is not only a religious festival but is also considered a festival giving the message of truth, love, compassion and duty. On this day devotees observe fast and worship God with full devotion.

How to prepare for puja?

After taking bath in the morning, take a resolution to fast and keep the place of worship clean. Dress the idol of Laddu Gopal or the form of Child Krishna in new clothes and decorate it with flowers. Make sure to keep butter, sugar candy, panchamrit, fruits and basil leaves in the puja. Light a lamp at home and remember the name of Lord Krishna throughout the day.

Celebrate Shri Krishna’s birth anniversary at night like this

At the beginning of Nishith period, first do Panchamrit Abhishek of God with milk, curd, ghee, honey and Ganga water. After this, dress them in beautiful clothes and make them up. Perform Aarti by blowing conch and bell and chanting bhajan-kirtan or Shri Krishna mantras. Celebrate the birth anniversary by making Laddu Gopal sit in a swing and offer Satvik food including butter and sugar candy.

Donation and service also have special importance on this day.

According to religious beliefs, donating food, serving cows, helping the needy and reciting religious texts are considered auspicious on Janmashtami. It is believed that the virtuous deeds done on this day bring positive energy into life and bring blessings of Lord Krishna.

things to keep in mind

Use only satvik food during puja. Be sure to include Tulsi leaves in the food offered to God. If local tradition or a different almanac is followed in a region, the puja can also be performed as per the advice of the religious masters there.

Disclaimer: This information is based on religious beliefs, traditional almanacs and popular beliefs. Slight variation in date and puja time is possible according to different regions and calendars.