What is Smarta vs Vaishnava Janmashtami?

Smartas celebrate on the Ashtami Tithi day, while Vaishnavas observe it when Ashtami aligns with Rohini Nakshatra and Udaya Tithi.

Brass puja thali with diya, flowers and kumkum

Krishna Janmashtami 2026

Complete spiritual guide, Shubh Muhurat, step-by-step Puja Vidhi, Vrat Katha, Mantra and Aarti for Krishna Janmashtami (कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी).

FESTIVALBhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (Rohini Nakshatra) (भाद्रपद कृष्ण अष्टमी (रोहिणी नक्षत्र))Deity: Lord Shri Krishna

Krishna Janmashtami(कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी)

The divine birth of Yogeshwar Bhagwan Shri Krishna at midnight in Mathura to vanquish tyranny and reveal the Bhagavad Gita.

2026: 2026-09-04•2027: 2027-08-25

Nishita Kaal Janmotsav Puja

11:58 PM to 12:44 AM (Midnight)

Auspicious window for performing sacred rituals.

Puja Timing

Full night celebrations, Makhan-Mishri Bhog at 12:00 AM

Ideal duration for family & temple worship.

Vrat & Parana

Fasting throughout the day, Parana next morning (or post-midnight)

Guidelines for observing sacred fast and Parana.

Spiritual Significance

Bhagwan Krishna was born in Mathura's prison to Devaki and Vasudeva. Devotees fast, rock baby Krishna (Laddu Gopal) in decorated swings (Jhula), prepare 56 Bhog, and celebrate Dahi Handi.

Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi

Jhula & Decoration

Decorate the altar with peacock feathers, flowers, and place Laddu Gopal in a golden swing.

Midnight Abhishek

At 12:00 AM, bathe Laddu Gopal with milk, saffron, honey, and Gangajal inside a conch shell (Shankha).

Chhappan Bhog

Offer fresh butter (Makhan), rock candy (Mishri), Dhaniya Panjiri, and sweets.

Sacred Mantra & Japa

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥ कृं कृष्णाय नमः ॥ हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे । हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे ॥

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya || Krim Krishnaya Namah ||

Meaning: Salutations to the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, the eternal source of joy, wisdom, and universal love.

Vrat Katha & Ancient Legend

To end the atrocities of King Kamsa, the Supreme Lord Vishnu manifested in His full 16 Kalas as Shri Krishna, miraculously transported across the flooded Yamuna to Gokul by Vasudeva.