According to religious beliefs, when Lord Krishna incarnated on earth, all four directions were filled with positive energy. Happiness and joy started spreading in the atmosphere. Shri Krishna appeared in the prison of Mathura as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
It is believed that as soon as God was born, the jail cell glowed with light. The gods praised Lord Krishna from the sky and an auspicious atmosphere was created all around. The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated every year in memory of this holy event.
Janmashtami date 2026
In the year 2026, the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated on 4th September i.e. today. This festival is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. Lord Shri Krishna was born at midnight, hence special worship of Kanha is done during Nishith period on the night of Janmashtami. On the day of Janmashtami, devotees observe fast throughout the day and break the fast at night by worshiping Lord Krishna after his birth. During this time, Laddu Gopal, the child form of God, is decorated in temples and homes and the birth anniversary is celebrated with bhajans and kirtans.
What is the importance of Janmashtami fast?
In Sanatan Dharma, the fast of Janmashtami is considered very fruitful. There is a religious belief that by observing this fast, one gets the blessings of Lord Krishna and happiness and prosperity comes in life. On the day of Janmashtami, there is special importance of meditating on God, chanting mantras and doing bhajan-kirtan. There is a tradition of keeping a fast on the night of Janmashtami till the birth of Lord Krishna and keeping vigil at night. During this, devotees sing bhajans and kirtans of God and listen to the story of his birth. The glory of Janmashtami fast is also mentioned in Bhavishya Purana. According to religious belief, the person who observes this fast with devotion and rituals receives the special blessings of Lord Krishna. Problems coming in life go away and an atmosphere of happiness and peace remains in the family.
How to worship Shri Krishna on Janmashtami?
- On the day of Janmashtami, wake up early in the morning, take bath and wear clean clothes. After this, clean the place of worship and install the idol or picture of Lord Shri Krishna and Mata Devaki. During the puja, it is considered auspicious to resolve to fast by facing east or north. Install the idol of Lord Krishna in the cradle and worship it as per the rituals. During this time, also remember Mother Devaki, Vasudev, Balram, Nand Baba and Mother Yashoda.
- Perform special worship at night, at the time of Lord Krishna’s birth i.e. at midnight. First of all, anoint Laddu Gopal with Panchamrit. After this, dress them in new and beautiful clothes. Apply yellow sandalwood or saffron tilak to God. Offer them peacock crown, flute and other favorite things.
- During the puja, definitely offer Tulsi Dal to Lord Krishna. After this, offer butter-mishri, coriander leaves and other satvik dishes. Decorate Lord Krishna’s swing and swing it and celebrate the birth of Shri Krishna. Finally perform Aarti of God and distribute Prasad among the family members.