When is Janmashtami 2024? Know Krishna Janmashtami date, timings, rituals, puja vidhi and all about Gokulashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a highly revered Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion across India. This day marks the birth of Lord Krishna, one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism. In 2024, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 26th, with festivities including prayers, rituals, and cultural events. Devotees eagerly await this special day dedicated to Lord Krishna and his teachings.

Janmashtami is usually celebrated over two days. The first day is for those following the Smarta Sampradaya, and the second day is for those following the Vaishnava Sampradaya. This two-day celebration allows different communities across the country to honour their traditions.

Krishna Janmashtami 2024 Date and Timings

In 2024, Krishna Janmashtami falls on Monday, August 26th. The festival is observed on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year marks the 5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: August 26, 2024, at 03:39 AM
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: August 27, 2024, at 02:19 AM
• Rohini Nakshatra Begins: on August 26, 2024, at 03:55 PM
• Rohini Nakshatra Ends: August 27, 2024, at 03:38 PM
• Midnight Moment: August 26, 2024, at 11:48 PM
• Moonrise Time: August 26, 2024, at 11:07 PM
• Nishita Puja Time: August 26, 2024, from 11:26 PM to 12:11 AM on August 27th
• Parana Time: August 27, 2024, at 03:38 PM

For those observing Dharma Shastra, the alternative Parana time is August 27, 2024, at 05:30 AM. Parana, the breaking of the fast, is traditionally done after Nishita Kaal, and some people may do it early in the morning.

The Significance of Krishna Janmashtami 2024

Krishna Janmashtami 2024 is a day of great spiritual importance. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu, who was born to bring peace and righteousness to the world. According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva at a time when the Earth was burdened by evil forces. His birth symbolises the triumph of good over evil, as he eventually defeated his tyrannical uncle, King Kamsa, and protected humanity.

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great fervour in Mathura, Vrindavan, and other places associated with Krishna’s life. Devotees across the world remember his divine leelas (playful acts), teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, and his central role in the Mahabharata.

Krishna Janmashtami 2024 Rituals and Celebrations

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The rituals and celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami are vibrant and full of devotion. Temples and homes are decorated beautifully, and special prayers are offered to Lord Krishna. Devotees fast throughout the day and break their fast at midnight, believed to be the exact time of Krishna’s birth. The idol of Lord Krishna is dressed in new clothes and adorned with jewelry, and placed in a decorated cradle.

Many people draw small footprints leading to their homes, symbolising Krishna’s arrival. Bhajans, kirtans, and dance dramas depicting Krishna’s life are performed, adding to the joyous atmosphere. In Maharashtra, the famous Dahi Handi ritual, where a pot of curd is hung high and broken by human pyramids, is a major attraction.

Celebrating Krishna Janmashtami 2024 Across India

Krishna Janmashtami 2024 will be celebrated with grandeur across India. While Mathura and Vrindavan are the epicentres of the festivities, states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu also witness grand celebrations. In Maharashtra, the Dahi Handi event is particularly famous. The festival is equally significant in regions like Manipur, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, and Kerala, where Krishna devotees reside.

Krishna Janmashtami 2024: A Glimpse into the Past

The history and significance of Krishna Janmashtami are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the scriptures, Lord Krishna was born to rid the world of evil, particularly the tyranny of King Kamsa. Despite numerous attempts on his life, Krishna survived and grew up in Gokul, where he performed many miracles. His teachings in the Bhagavad Gita and his role in the Mahabharata highlight his divine mission.

Why Krishna Janmashtami 2024 is Celebrated

Krishna Janmashtami 2024 is not just about celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna; it’s a day to reflect on his teachings and values. Devotees believe that observing fasts, performing pujas, and singing hymns on this day bring blessings, happiness, and prosperity. This festival continues to inspire millions, reminding them of the eternal values of love, faith, and righteousness.

Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi: A Simple Guide

The puja vidhi for Krishna Janmashtami holds great significance as it focuses on the birth of Laddoo Gopal (Lord Krishna). To help you perform the puja correctly and receive maximum blessings, here is a simplified and rearranged guide:

• Begin the day by taking a bath and wearing fresh clothes.
• In the evening, start by decorating Lord Krishna's palna (cradle) and cleanse the puja area using Gangajal.
• Place the idol of Lord Krishna respectfully on the palna. If you don't have a cradle, a wooden chowki can be used instead.
• Begin the puja with dhyana (meditation) to focus your mind and spirit.
• Offer padya, which means washing the Lord's feet with water.
• Perform achaman by offering water to Lord Krishna and then drinking it.
• Pour Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and Gangajal) over the idol to perform the Lord’s snana (bathing ceremony).
• Prepare the Panchamrit with the five ingredients and set it aside as prasad.
• Dress the idol in new clothes and ornaments, an essential part of the deity’s shringaar.
• Offer a sacred janeu (holy thread) to the Lord, followed by applying Chandan paste on the idol.
• Adorn the idol with a crown, jewelry, mor pankh (peacock feather), and bansuri (flute).
• Light an incense stick and an oil lamp, and offer flowers and Tulsi leaves to the deity.
• Present bhog to the Lord, which includes Makhan (butter) and Mishree (sugar crystals).
• Offer a tambulam made of coconut, betel nuts, haldi (turmeric), paan (betel leaves), and kumkum (vermilion) to the deity.
• Sing the aarti of Kunj Bihari and perform a parikrama (circumambulation) around the idol.
• Conclude the puja by praying to Lord Krishna, asking for protection and blessings for you and your family.
• By following this simplified puja vidhi, you can ensure a meaningful and spiritually fulfilling Krishna Janmashtami celebration.

Krishna Janmashtami Date For the Next 5 Years

Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami 2024 with devotion, joy, and a heart full of love for Lord Krishna!

Happy Krishna Janmashtami to all!

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.

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