New Delhi: Krishna Janmashtami or Janmashtami is the celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. It is also known as Gokulashtami. The celebration is one of the most auspicious days for Hindus, especially for Krishna devotees around the world. Lord Krishna is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
On Shri Krishna Janmashtami, elaborate decorations are made in temples and homes, 56 bhogs are made, and kirtans are conducted to celebrate the coming of Bal Gopal.
The event is particularly celebrated in Mathura and Vrindavan (Brindaban), the locations of Krishna's early life. Devotees observe a vigil and fast till the traditional hour of his birth the day before. The statue of Krishna is then dressed in new clothing, given a bath in milk and water, and worshipped. Temples and household shrines are embellished with flowers and foliage, and sweetmeats are offered to the deity before being given to the household as prasada (the god's leftovers, which carry his favour).
Puja timings
The laddu Gopal Puja is performed on Ashtami tithi. This year, Ashtami tithi starts from 9:20 pm on August 18 till 10:59 pm on August 19. The celebration of Krishna Janmashtami is marked around midnight.
Shubh Muhurat
Ashtami Tithi begins at 9:20 pm on Thursday, August 18.
Ashtami Tithi ends at 10:59 pm on Friday, August 19.
Rohini Nakshatra begins at 1:53 am on Saturday, August 20.
Rohini Nakshatra ends at 4:40 am on Sunday, August 21.
Celebrations and rituals
Festivities begin before dawn and extend all day until midnight, the time when Lord Krishna was born. The festival is celebrated with a lot of excitement, temples, residences, and other public spaces are decorated. Children are dressed in costumes to put up plays of Krishna stories.
Rituals include setting up a cradle with the deity, which is worshipped. Devotees observe a day-long fast which is broken only after taking the prasad which is often butter and sugar.