Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Significance And Rituals

Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, is a revered Hindu festival observed by millions of Krishna devotees around the world.

The festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the supreme being responsible for the creation, protection, and transformation of the universe. On this auspicious day, devotees flock to temples to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Lord Krishna, affectionately called by names such as Laddoo Gopal, Kanha, Bal Gopal, and Govinda, is especially honored in the cities of Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, where the grandest Janmashtami celebrations take place. These locations hold deep significance as they are closely associated with Krishna’s birth and childhood.

Date and Timings for Krishna Janmashtami 2024

This year, Krishna Janmashtami, also referred to as Krishnashtami, Ashtami Rohini, and Srikrishna Jayanti, will be celebrated on Monday, August 26. The festival occurs annually on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapad.

The Janmashtami festivities traditionally begin on the evening before the main day, with devotees chanting bhajans and kirtans. The shubh muhurat for the puja starts at 12:01 AM on August 27 and concludes at 12:45 AM, offering a 45-minute window for worship.

The Ashtami Tithi will commence at 3:39 AM on August 26 and will end at 2:19 AM on August 27. The exact Midnight Moment, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is expected at 12:23 AM on August 27.

Rituals and Customs of Krishna Janmashtami

One of the most popular rituals during Krishna Janmashtami, particularly in Maharashtra, is the Dahi Handi celebration. A pot filled with curd and other offerings is suspended high in the air, and teams of participants form human pyramids to break it, reenacting Lord Krishna’s childhood mischief of stealing butter.

Another cherished custom involves placing an idol of Lord Krishna on a beautifully decorated swing and gently rocking it. This symbolizes Krishna’s playful nature and his joyous interactions with his devotees.

The Significance of Krishna Janmashtami

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva to vanquish Kansa, the demon king of Mathura, who was Krishna’s uncle and Devaki’s brother. Kansa, fearing a prophecy that foretold his downfall at the hands of Devaki’s eighth son, imprisoned his sister and her husband, intending to kill their children.

However, upon Krishna’s birth, Vasudeva secretly transported him across the Yamuna River to Gokul, where Krishna was raised by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.

Krishna Janmashtami not only commemorates his birth but also his eventual triumph over King Kansa, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.