Janmashtami is a traditional Hindu festival celebrated all over the world on the eighth Tithi of the Bhadrapad month when the Moon is in the Rohini Nakshatra. Lord Krishna takes birth on Earth on this day.

Lord Krishna is the eighth incarnation of The Lord Vishnu who descended on earth to get rid of the excesses of the Demon King Kansa of Mathura.He was born as the eighth child of Devaki on the dark eighth night in a jail where demon King Kansa had held Devaki captive. Devaki was the sister of Kansa and was married to a Yadav Vasudeva.

Demon King Kansa

Kansa had imprisoned his father Uggarsain to reign the throne. At the time of his sister Devaki’s marriage Kansa heard an oracle that the eighth child of her sister will be the reason of his death.

Having heard this the King wanted to kill Devaki however Vasudeva persuaded the King by telling Kansa the real reason behind Kansa’s death is the child and not Devaki. Vasudeva promised Kansa that once the eighth child is born, they will hand over the child to Kansa. Consequently Kansa did not kill Devaki and put both of them in prison.

Narada appeared in front of the King and questioned him on how he will know which is the eighth child. To solve this issue the King started killing all the children born to Devaki. When Krishna took birth on the dark eighth night, it was pouring heavily. As soon as he appeared the whole prison was lit up with bright light and the Lord himself appeared and said “I am born in the incarnation of a child. Take me to Nand’s house in Gokul and bring back the daughter born to Nand”.

Vasudeva followed the Lord’s instructions and brought back the girl child. On hearing that Devaki has delivered a girl as the eighth child furious Kansa marched to the dungeons and tried to kill her. She however just slipped out of his hands and told the king that your killer has already reached Gokul. This shocked the King. He sent many demons to kill the child but it was all in vain.

Lord Krishna is the most loved deities of Hinduism. He is a symbol of love and joy. His purpose in this birth was to spread the message of love. By his actions he made it evident that love is the only religion for mankind to follow and make their life worthwhile. He is depicted this by playing a flute and standing by the sacred cow. Krishna's love is universal. He is celebrated for his intellect and strength. He is not only a teacher, but is also the divine power that guides us through his teachings. From him we understand how to tackle various situations in life.

Krishna is revered as an eternal child, a romantic lover in his youth. His love for Radha is pure and Gopis surrounded him for his naughty gestures. He was a skilled warrior who taught Arjuna to fight. He also taught several life lessons to Arjuna.All of these are compiled in the holy book The Gita.

His preachings are relevant even today. Gita does not tell us to renounce the world but teaches us how to accept living in this world. He was a loyal and trusted friend. His friendship with the dear friend Sudama is very well known. He was a king who cared for the destitute and poor people of his kingdom.

There are many exciting tales about Shri Krishna. Devotees celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna as Janamashtami. On this day people keep fast and seek blessings for the welfare of themselves and their families. Devotees take a Sankalp to observe an entire of fast and break it on the next day only when Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi ends.

The time to perform Puja is Nishita Kaal which is midnight as per vedic time. Devotees perform the Puja in a ritualistic way.No grains should be taken during fast. All rules to be followed are same as Ekadashi Vrat. Prana which means breaking the fast is done on the next day after sunrise when Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra end.

There are two sects Smarthas and Vaishnavas who have different beliefs on the Muhurat of the fast. Vaishnava community is that in which all members of the clan usually wear rosary beads and apply tilak on the forehead as a symbol of Lord Vishnu’s feet. All others are treated as Samarthas. Generally if Ashtami Tithi prevails on midnight on two days, then the fast is kept on the second day.

Janamashtami Vrat and Puja Vidhi:

1. Devotees who observe this fast should have a light Satvik food on Saptami Tithi.


2. During this period they should stay away from sexual activities and keep their senses under control.


3. On the day of fast, devotees should take a bath and sit in the direction facing east and prey to the deities.


4. Take Sankalp for the fast while holding flowers, fruits and water in the hands.


5. One must sprinkle water mixed with black sesame on self and make room for Devaki mata.


6. Bring a baby bed and place a kalash on it.


7. Place on it idol of Mata Devakiji feeding Lord Krishna.


8. Recite the names of Devaki Mata, Vasudeva and various different names of Krishna.


9. Only fruits and some items made of Kuttu can be consumed. No grains are allowed.


10. Fast is broken the next morning after sunrise when the eighth Tithi and Nakshatra end.

On this day Krishna temples all over the country are lit and decorated. People visit temples and pray before the Lord.

Krishna-Jhoola on Janmashtami

If you adorn, serve lord krishna and swing his jhoola by placing an idol of Krishna in hammock, you will get auspicious results. Also, observe fast and worship the Lord according to general rules.

Morning Vyapini Pooja on Janmashtami

In many places such as Mathura (the birth place of Lord Krishna), Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra etc., Janamashtmi is celebrated on Uday Kalik Ashtmi

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated during midnight in Punjab, Jammu, Himachal, Delhi, and Rajasthan areas. The people of these states fast and worsh on seventh Tithi. The fast is concluded by making donations and performing spiritual activities on the birthday of Lord Krishna during midnight.

In Maharashtra, people celebrate with the Makhan Handi which is very popular and loved throughout the country.