What is the story about?
Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism. But unlike many celebrations that begin at sunrise
or during the day, Janmashtami's main moment happens in the stillness of midnight. This timing is unlike many festivals which are celebrated during the day. And this timing takes inspiration from mythology and spirituality since Lord Krishna is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Also Read: Janmashtami 2026: Is It On 4th Or 5th September? Know When Krishna Janmotsav Will Be Celebrated
When Is Janmashtami 2026?
There is confusion over September 4 and September 5 which is mainly because Krishna's birth is commemorated at midnight. According to the panchang, the Ashtami Tithi begins at 2:25 am on September 4 and ends at 12:13 am on September 5. The Rohini Nakshatra begins at 12:29 am on September 4 and continues until 11:04 pm the same day.Keeping this in mind, Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 4, 2026.
- Janmashtami: Friday, September 4
- Ashtami Tithi begins: 2:25 am, September 4
- Ashtami Tithi ends: 12:13 am, September 5
- Rohini Nakshatra begins: 12:29 am, September 4
- Rohini Nakshatra ends: 11:04 pm, September 4
- Nishita Puja: Around midnight between September 4 and 5
- Dahi Handi: Saturday, September 5, in many places
Why Midnight Matters?
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. His birth took place in Mathura, at a time when his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, were imprisoned by the tyrant king Kansa.Kansa who was Krishna’s maternal uncle, learned from a prophecy that his sister Devaki’s child would kill him. Fearing this, he imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudev in Mathura and killed their first seven sons. When their eighth child, Krishna, was born, Vasudev carried him across the raging Yamuna to Vrindavan, where Nanda and Yashoda adopted and raised him in safety. This midnight moment symbolises the divine’s arrival to destroy darkness, both literal and metaphorical. Just as night was at its deepest, light entered the world.
How Is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Devotees observe a day-long fast, known as a vrat, that is broken only after the midnight rituals are completed, or the following morning during Parana, expected after 6:01 AM on September 5. Temples and homes decorate cradles for the infant Krishna idol, sing bhajans, read from the Bhagavad Gita and conduct aarti as the clock strikes twelve.Also Read: When Is The First Ekadashi Of September? Know Tithi, Shubh Muhurat And Other Important Details
In Mathura and Vrindavan, Krishna's birthplace and childhood home, celebrations are especially grand, drawing pilgrims from across the world for elaborate midnight ceremonies. The following day, communities across India celebrate Dahi Handi, which is basically re-enacting young Krishna's playful butter theft by forming human pyramids to break pots of curd suspended high above the streets.
Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
