The Festival Celebrating Krishna's Birth
A beautiful night of devotion, prayers, bhog and celebration.
Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna.
Devotees celebrate with prayers, fasting, bhajans, puja and midnight worship.
According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura.
That's why many devotees stay awake for the Nishita Kaal and perform special prayers.
Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva.
King Kamsa feared a prophecy that Devaki's eighth son would become the cause of his downfall.
After Krishna's birth, tradition tells us that Vasudeva carried the newborn Krishna across the Yamuna to safety.
Krishna was then raised in Gokul.
Krishna's childhood stories from Gokul and Vrindavan remain deeply loved across India.
Butter, music, friendship and playful mischief are central to many of these traditions.
Janmashtami celebrations can include:
1. Puja and aarti
2. Flowers and decoration
3. Krishna jhula
4. Bhog and prasad
5. Bhajans
6. Midnight worship
Popular offerings include:
Makhan Mishri • Fruits • Milk • Panchamrit • Sweets
Offerings vary according to regional and family traditions.
The festival takes many forms.
Mathura & Vrindavan: Temple celebrations
Maharashtra: Dahi Handi
South India: Krishna footprints and kolam
Across India: Puja, bhajans and midnight celebrations
Janmashtami doesn't need to be elaborate.
A Krishna idol, a diya, flowers, a simple bhog and a few moments of prayer can create a meaningful celebration at home.