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Janmashtami (Smarta)

Major Hindu Festival, Birth Anniversary of Lord KrishnaInvalid DateRestricted Holiday (Central Government), State Holiday in many states (e.g., Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar).

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).

Event Information

Alternative Names
Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, Sree Jayanthi
Duration
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.
Day of Week
Varies

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month
Bhadrapada (Purnimanta Calendar) / Shraavana (Amanta Calendar)
Paksha
Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight)
Tithi
Ashtami (Eighth Day)

Associated Deities

Lord KrishnaLord Vishnu

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.

Regional Variations