Krishna Janmashtami in 2024 will be celebrated on Monday, August 26. This festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Shravana. The Janmashtami celebration begins at midnight at sharp 12 devotes celebrate birth of lord Krishna. Then from morning their is Gopal Kala and Dahi Handi celebrations all over Maharashtra and Mumbai.
Janmashtami 2024 Key Timings
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 03:39 AM on August 26, 2024
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 02:19 AM on August 27, 2024
- Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 03:55 PM on August 26, 2024
- Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 03:38 PM on August 27, 2024
Auspicious Muhurat for Puja
The following are the auspicious timings (Shubh Muhurat) for performing rituals on Janmashtami:
| Auspicious Timing | Time |
| Brahma Muhurta | 04:27 AM to 05:12 AM |
| Abhijit | 11:57 AM to 12:48 PM |
| Godhuli Muhurat | 06:49 PM to 07:11 PM |
| Amrit Kalam | 01:36 PM to 03:09 PM |
| Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga | 03:55 PM to 05:57 AM (Aug 27) |
| Pratah Sandhya | 04:50 AM to 05:56 AM |
| Vijaya Muhurta | 02:31 PM to 03:23 PM |
| Sayahna Sandhya | 06:49 PM to 07:56 PM |
| Nishita Muhurta | 12:01 AM to 12:45 AM (Aug 27) |
Celebrating Janmashtami involves a variety of rituals that honor the birth of Lord Krishna. Here are the key rituals typically performed during this auspicious festival:
Preparation and Decoration:
- Cleaning the Home: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your home to create a sacred environment.
- Altar Setup: Create a special altar or puja area with an idol or picture of baby Krishna, adorned with fresh flowers, jewelry, and garlands.
- Rangoli: Decorate the entrance with colorful rangoli designs to welcome Lord Krishna.
- Fasting: Observing a Fast: Many devotees fast on Janmashtami, either completely or by consuming only fruits and milk. The fast is traditionally broken at midnight, coinciding with Krishna's birth.
- Puja Rituals: Lighting Lamps and Incense: Begin the puja by lighting a diya (oil lamp) and incense sticks to purify the space.
- Offering Prasad: Prepare offerings of sweets (like laddoos and peda), fruits, and butter, which are favorites of Lord Krishna.
- Recitation of Mantras: Chant mantras and verses from sacred texts to invoke Krishna's blessings.
Aarti and Bhajans
- Performing Aarti: Conduct the aarti by circling a lighted lamp in front of the idol while singing devotional songs (bhajans) dedicated to Krishna. These ritual expresses love and reverence.
- Singing Bhajans: Gather family and friends to sing bhajans and kirtans, creating a joyful and spiritual atmosphere.
Midnight Celebration
- Bathing the Idol: At midnight, bathe the idol of baby Krishna with panchamrit (a mixture of milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, and sugar) to celebrate his birth.
- Cradle Ceremony: Place the idol in a cradle and sing songs to celebrate Krishna's arrival.
Sharing Prasad
- Distributing Prasad: After the puja, distribute the prasad among family and friends, symbolizing the sharing of Krishna's blessings.
These rituals not only enhance the spiritual atmosphere but also foster a sense of community and devotion among participants, making Janmashtami a joyous and meaningful celebration.