0Krishna Janmashtami 2026: Every year Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami date of Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada. On this day, the time of midnight and the sound of conch shells resonating in the temples takes us to the memories of old times. As soon as the clock strikes 12. The eyes of the devotees are fixed towards Laddu Gopal and shouts of ‘Nand ke Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki’ start echoing all around. It is believed that in this Nishith Bela, Lord Shri Krishna was born in the prison of Mathura as the son of Devaki and Vasudev. Due to this, there is a tradition of celebrating Krishna’s birth anniversary every year at midnight on Janmashtami.
Preparations for Krishna Janmashtami have started across the country in the year 2026 also. On Friday, 4th September, the sound of bells and conch shells is heard in temples across the country at night.
When is Janmashtami 2026?
According to the calendar of Delhi, Janmashtami fast will be observed on Friday, September 4. On this day, there will be influence of Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Ashtami Tithi will start from the beginning of 4th September and will continue till the night of 5th September. The time of birth of Lord Krishna is considered to be midnight. Therefore, the most important puja of Janmashtami takes place during Nishith period. The auspicious time of Nishith Puja is said to be from 11:57 pm on 4th September to 12:43 am on 5th September. During this time, devotees anoint Bal Gopal and dress him in new clothes. After this they are made to sit in the swing. Then butter, sugar candy, fruits and sweets are offered.
What is the history of Janmashtami?
According to religious belief, Lord Shri Krishna was born in Dwapara Yuga to end the terror of tyrannical king Kansa and establish religion. According to the story, Kansa was told by a voice from the sky that the eighth child of his sister Devaki would kill him. After this, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudev. Kansa had killed Devaki’s seven children one by one. Shri Krishna was born as the eighth child of Devaki. Vasudev took him across the Yamuna to Nand Baba and Yashoda in Gokul. In place of Krishna, he kept Maya, the daughter born in Nand’s house, with Devaki. As soon as Kansa tried to throw her to kill her, she remained in the air and took the form of the beautiful goddess Maya. He told Kansa that the eighth child of Devaki, who had killed him, had reached his place.
What is the importance of Janmashtami?
Janmashtami is considered the festival of devotion, faith and victory of religion. Devotees keep fast on this day. They celebrate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna at night. They worship Krishna at night. Temples are decorated in different parts of the country from Mathura-Vrindavan. Programs like bhajan, kirtan, tableaux and raasleela are organised. In many places the fast is broken after seeing the moon at night. Dahi Handi festival is also celebrated on the next day, which is related to the story of Krishna’s childhood exploits and theft of butter.