Janmashtami (Smarta)

Major Hindu Festival, Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna

Restricted Holiday (Central Government), State Holiday in many states (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar).

Typically one day of fasting and main observance (culminating in the midnight puja), with festivities and subsequent celebrations (like Dahi Handi in some regions) extending into the next day.

Celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It signifies the victory of good over evil, divine intervention, and the establishment of Dharma (righteousness).

Key Rituals & Practices

Fasting (Nirjala Vrat - strict, or Phalahari Vrat - fruit-based, observed from sunrise until midnight puja).

Midnight Puja (elaborate ceremony celebrating Krishna's birth, including Abhishekham of the deity, especially of Bala Krishna).

Decorating temples and homes with flowers, lights, and cradles (Jhulanotsav).

Singing devotional songs (bhajans and kirtans) throughout the day and night.

Offering special foods like Makhan Mishri (butter and sugar), Panjiri, Peda, fruits, and sweets, which are then distributed as Prashad.

Enacting scenes from Krishna's childhood (Bal Leela) and his life.

Breaking the fast after the midnight puja and offerings.

Associated Deities

Lord Krishna

Lord Vishnu

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Bhadrapada (Purnimanta Calendar) / Shraavana (Amanta Calendar)

Paksha

Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight)

Tithi

Ashtami (Eighth Day)

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

Lord Krishna was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell during the tyrannical rule of his maternal uncle, King Kamsa. To protect him from Kamsa, who was prophesied to be killed by Devaki's eighth child, Vasudeva secretly carried the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna river to Gokul. There, he was raised by foster parents Yashoda and Nanda. His birth at midnight, amidst heavy rains and divine intervention, marked the end of an oppressive era and the dawn of righteousness, symbolizing hope and deliverance from evil.

Alternative Names

Krishna Janmashtami

Gokulashtami

Krishnashtami

Sree Jayanthi

Gregorian Date

Varies annually (typically late August or early September). Observed on the day when Ashtami Tithi is present during Nishita Kala (Hindu midnight).