Janmashtami 2024 Date: When and How to Celebrate Krishna's Birth in Mathura-Vrindavan

Krishna Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who was born as the eighth son of Devaki in the prison of the demon king Kansa, in Mathura. Lord Krishna is revered as the avatar of Lord Vishnu, who incarnates to restore cosmic order. This auspicious festival is celebrated with great fervor and devotion. If you’re wondering about the exact date, rituals, and significance of Janmashtami 2024, here’s everything you need to know.

When is Krishna Janmashtami 2024?

Krishna Janmashtami 2024 will be celebrated on August 26. On this day, homes are adorned with decorative displays, devotional songs and hymns are sung, and devotees observe fasts. At midnight, when it is believed that Lord Krishna was born, the Krishna idol is ceremoniously bathed and adorned.

Janmashtami Celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan

In Mathura and Vrindavan, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami is a particularly vibrant and special celebration. On August 26, 2024, devotees from all over the country gather to witness the grand festivities. The streets are filled with people eager to have a glimpse of Banke Bihari, and the atmosphere is electric with spiritual fervor.

How to Observe Janmashtami Vrat (Fasting Ritual)

Observing the Janmashtami fast involves several steps:

1. Preparation Before the Fast: One day before Janmashtami, on the day of Saptami, abstain from tamasic foods such as garlic, onions, eggplant, and radishes. Switch to a sattvic diet and practice Brahmacharya (celibacy) to prepare for the fast.

2. On the Day of Janmashtami:

   • Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta (pre-dawn) and take a bath.
   • Wear clean, traditional clothes.
   • Observe a fast with fruits and water, or take a water-only fast if preferred.
   • Engage in Krishna bhakti (devotion) throughout the day.
   • At midnight, celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth with special prayers, offerings, and food (bhog).
   • Conclude the fast the following day after the prescribed time.

Janmashtami 2024 Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Timing)

To observe the rituals accurately, here are the key timings:

• Krishna Ashtami Tithi Begins: August 26, 2024, at 03:39 AM
• Krishna Ashtami Tithi Ends: August 27, 2024, at 02:19 AM
• Rohini Nakshatra Begins: August 26, 2024, at 03:55 PM
• Rohini Nakshatra Ends: August 27, 2024, at 01:38 PM
• Time for Krishna Puja: August 27, 2024, from 12:06 AM to 12:51 AM
• Midnight Moment of Birth: August 27, 2024, at 12:28 AM
• Chandrodaya (Moonrise): August 26, 2024, at 11:41 PM
• End of Fast (Paran): August 27, 2024, after 03:38 PM