Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated across India today, Friday, September 4, 2026. The festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, revered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.
According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva.Devotees therefore observe the most important Janmashtami prayers during the Nishita Kaal, or midnight period.
Tradition says Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna from the prison in Mathura to Gokul. He entrusted Krishna to Nanda and Yashoda, protecting him from King Kamsa.
Many devotees observe a fast during Janmashtami and break it according to their tradition after the prescribed ritual period. The fast forms part of a day centred on prayer, devotion, bhajans and Krishna worship.
Devotees bathe and decorate Krishna idols before performing special prayers at night. In New Delhi, the Nishita Puja Muhurat is listed as 11:57 PM on September 4 to 12:43 AM on September 5.
Janmashtami is traditionally linked with Krishna Paksha Ashtami and Rohini Nakshatra. This year, September 4 coincides with the Ashtami-Rohini combination, adding significance to the observance.
Devotees commonly offer makhan-mishri, milk, fruits, sweets, and other foods during Krishna worship. The tradition of presenting Chappan Bhog, or 56 food offerings, is also widely associated with Janmashtami.
Dahi Handi celebrates Krishna’s playful association with butter and curd. Teams form human pyramids to reach and break a pot suspended high above the ground, turning devotion into a community spectacle.
For devotees, Janmashtami is more than rituals, decorations and festivities. It represents the arrival of hope and the triumph of dharma over adharma. How will you celebrate Krishna Janmashtami tonight?