Krishna Janmashtami (Annual)
Also called: Gokulashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti, Janmashtami
The grand annual celebration marking the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight in the prison cell of Mathura under Rohini Nakshatra. It is celebrated with an all-day fast, midnight abhisheka, devotional plays (Raas Leela), and Dahi Handi competitions.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Bhadrapada (Purnimanta); Shravana (Amanta)
- Deities
- Lord Krishna (Bal Gopal), Devaki, Vasudeva
The story
The Bhagavatam narrates how Vasudeva carried newborn Krishna across the raging Yamuna to Gokul to protect him from Kamsa, while Sheshanaga sheltered them with his hoods.
Practices
- Strict fast throughout the day until midnight
- Swinging infant Krishna (Ladoo Gopal) in a decorated cradle (Jhula)
- Midnight Abhisheka with panchamrita followed by grand Aarti
- Dahi Handi celebrations on the following day (Nandotsav)
Regional variations
- Massive Dahi Handi spectacles in Maharashtra; temple midnight celebrations in Mathura, Vrindavan, Dwarka, and Guruvayur
Common questions
- Why do Smarta and Vaishnava Janmashtami dates sometimes differ?
- Smartas observe the day when Ashtami prevails at midnight (Nishita Kaal), while Vaishnavas prioritize sunrise Ashtami and Rohini Nakshatra conjunction, occasionally placing the festival on the following civil day.
Types of Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Masik Krishna JanmashtamiOccurs throughout all 12 lunar months
- Krishna Janmashtami (Annual)Bhadrapada (Purnimanta); Shravana (Amanta)