There is a big confusion regarding the date of Janmashtami, September 4 or 5. Know when is the divine auspicious time of Nishith Kaal.

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When is Janmashtami? Every year, the festival of Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada. Krishna devotees wait year-round for this auspicious date. On this day, special prayers, bhajans, and kirtans are held in temples across the country, and Lord Krishna’s birth anniversary is celebrated at midnight. Millions of people visit ISKCON temples in Mathura and Vrindavan to enjoy the celebrations. So, let’s find out the exact date of Janmashtami 2026, the auspicious time for worship, the timing of the fast, and when the fast will be broken.

When is Janmashtami 2026?

According to astrological calculations, the Ashtami Tithi of the month of Bhadrapada will begin at 2:25 am on September 4th and end at 12:13 am on the next day, September 5th. In the Sanatan tradition, the Udayatithi (the rising date) holds special significance in determining any festival, and the Nishita Muhurta (the time of Lord Krishna’s birth) is also given utmost priority. According to these two religious principles, this year the auspicious festival of Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026. On this auspicious date, a divine atmosphere of devotion, faith, and joy will be felt throughout India.

Auspicious Time for Worship and Nishita Kaal

The Nishita Kaal is considered the most fruitful time for worshipping Lord Krishna, as it was during this time that he incarnated. This year, the auspicious time for Nishita Puja will begin at 11:57 pm on September 4 and continue until 12:43 am.

It is during this divine Muhurta that the birth anniversary of Lord Bal Gopal will be celebrated with devotion. For devotees observing the Janmashtami fast, the auspicious time for breaking the fast is set for 6:01 am on September 5th.

How to perform Janmashtami Puja?

On Janmashtami, bathe in the morning and take a vow to fast. Clean the place of worship and install an idol of Lord Krishna or Laddu Gopal. Bathe him with Panchamrit and offer new clothes and jewelry. Afterward, offer Tulsi leaves, peacock feathers, yellow flowers, incense, lamps, fruits, butter, sugar candy, and panjiri. Celebrate the Lord’s birth at 12 midnight, perform aarti, and partake of the prasad with your family.

Rules for the Janmashtami fast
On the day of the fast, bathe in the morning, wear clean clothes, and take a vow to fast before Lord Krishna.

Observe a fruit-only or waterless fast throughout the day, as per the devotee’s ability and tradition.

Throughout the day, sing hymns and kirtans of Lord Krishna, chant mantras, and listen to the Srimad Bhagavad Gita.

Break the fast only after performing the prescribed rituals during the Nishita period.
During the fast, stay away from anger, arguments, and evil thoughts, and maintain a pure mind.

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