New Delhi: Janmashtami, the festival of birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna, is one of the major festivals of Hindu religion. On this day, devotees worship the child form of Lord Krishna i.e. Laddoo Gopal and many people keep fast throughout the day. It is believed that Lord Shri Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha at midnight in Rohini Nakshatra. Let us know when Janmashtami will be celebrated in the year 2026 and what will be the auspicious time of puja.
Janmashtami will be celebrated on 4th September
According to the calendar, Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026. Lord Krishna was born at midnight, hence night time worship and birth anniversary on this day will have special significance. However, due to different sects and local traditions, Janmashtami can also be celebrated on 5th September in some places.
Perform Krishna Janam Puja during Nishith period.
Nishith period is considered very important for the worship of Janmashtami. According to the Panchang calculation of Mathura, the time of Nishith Puja will be from 11:56 pm on 4th September to 12:41 am on 5th September. During this time, devotees can perform Abhishek, worship and aarti of Lord Krishna.
Coincidence of Rohini Nakshatra also
Rohini Nakshatra is considered to have a special connection with the birth of Lord Krishna. There is also a coincidence of Rohini Nakshatra around Janmashtami in 2026. According to religious beliefs, worship of Shri Krishna is considered to have special significance in this coincidence.
Special enthusiasm will be seen in Mathura-Vrindavan
Special religious events are organized in Mathura and Vrindavan on Janmashtami. Worship, consecration, tableaux and bhajan-kirtan of the child form of Lord Krishna are organized in the temples. After the birth of Lord at midnight, aarti and festive atmosphere is seen. Nandotsav will be celebrated the next day i.e. on 5th September.
When to break the fast of Janmashtami?
Devotees observing fast can perform Parana after sunrise on 5th September. However, the tradition of breaking the fast may change according to different sects and local beliefs.
Overall, in the year 2026, Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, September 4. For the birth worship of Lord Krishna, Nishith Kaal will be from 11:56 pm to 12:41 am. Devotees observing fast on Janmashtami can break the fast after sunrise on 5th September. At the same time, Nandotsav will be celebrated on 5 September 2026 to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.