About Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna was born at midnight on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami in Mathura. Devotees fast through the day and break fast at midnight after the Krishna birth ceremony.
Significance
Janmashtami celebrates the descent (avatar) of Vishnu as Krishna to restore dharma, as foretold in the Bhagavad Gita and Puranas.
History & story
According to tradition, Krishna was born at midnight in a prison cell in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva, who then carried the infant across the Yamuna river to safety in Gokul to escape King Kansa.
Muhurat (2025)
Nishita kaal (midnight, around 12 am) is when Krishna birth puja is performed.
Rituals & observances
- ◆Day-long fasting
- ◆Midnight puja
- ◆Cradle decoration
- ◆Dahi Handi (Maharashtra)
- ◆Devotional singing
Regional variations
Mathura and Vrindavan are pilgrimage centers. Maharashtra observes Dahi Handi the next day.
Krishna Janmashtami — every year
The date shifts each year on the Gregorian calendar because it follows the Hindu lunar-solar cycle.