Janmashtami, the festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna is just around the corner. Devotees wait for this day ad celebrate it with full fervour.
This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026. The Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada will begin at 2:25 am on September 4 and continue until 12:13 am on September 5. Rohini Nakshatra will also be present on September 4. Devotees observe a fast throughout the day and offer prayers at night, around the time Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. "The time to perform Krishna Puja is during Nishita Kaal which is the midnight as per Vedic time-keeping. Devotees perform detailed ritualistic Puja during midnight and it involves all sixteen steps which are part of Shodashopachara Puja Vidhi," states Drik Panchang. Laddu Gopal is given a ceremonial bath, dressed in new clothes and offered bhog, including makhan-mishri. According to Hindu beliefs, worshipping Lord Krishna with devotion on Janmashtami brings peace and happiness to the home.
Offer Makhan-Mishri To Lord Krishna
Makhan and mishri are believed to be among Lord Krishna's favourite offerings. During the Janmashtami puja at night, offer makhan-mishri to Laddu Gopal.While making the offering, worshippers are encouraged to do so with genuine devotion. In Hindu rituals, the feeling behind the offering is considered more important than elaborate displays.
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"Janmashtami is not only a celebration—it is an opportunity to offer our time, resources, and heart in the service of Lord Krishna. The Bhagavad-gita teaches us the importance of offering our activities and possessions to the Supreme Lord. When charity is offered at an appropriate time and place, with the proper intention and without expectation of material reward, it becomes a form of devotional service," states ISKCON Vrindavan.
Offer Tulsi Leaves To Krishna
Tulsi holds a special place in the worship of Lord Krishna. After offering bhog to Kanha on Janmashtami, place a Tulsi leaf on the offering.Light A Diya At Midnight
Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight, which is why night-time worship is an important Janmashtami tradition. Light a diya (lamp) in the home temple during the puja and then perform Lord Krishna's aarti.
Chant This Mantra
Devotees can also chant a mantra dedicated to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami. During the puja, chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".If it is not possible to chant the mantra for an extended period, taking Lord Krishna's name a few times with devotion is also considered an expression of bhakti.
Donate To Those In Need
On Janmashtami, help someone in need according to your means. Offering someone food, giving them clothes or providing an essential item can all be forms of charity.In Hindu tradition, donating to those in need is considered a punya, or virtuous act.
Swing Laddu Gopal In A Jhula
An important ritual followed on Janmashtami, is the tradition of placing the child form of Lord Krishna, Laddu Gopal, in a small swing and gently rocking it. After Krishna's birth is celebrated, devotees swing Laddu Gopal and perform aarti.When Will Janmashtami Puja Be Performed?
Janmashtami puja is performed at night during Nishita Kaal. In Delhi, the auspicious time for the puja on September 4 is said to be from 11:57 pm on September 4 to 12:43 am on September 5. The Nishita Puja timings might be different according to cities.The Ashtami Tithi will begin at 2:25 am on September 4 and end at 12:13 am on September 5. Rohini Nakshatra will continue until 11:04 pm on September 4.
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.
