Janmashtami 2026 | गोकुळाष्टमी (कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी) २०२६
About Janmashtami(उत्सव माहिती)
Janmashtami 2026, also known as Gokulaष्टमी in Maharashtra, falls on Friday, September 4. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, born at midnight in Mathura. The festival is observed with fasting, prayers, devotional singing, and the grand Dahi Handi celebrations on the following day.
History: Krishna was born in a prison cell to Devaki and Vasudeva to end the tyrannical rule of King Kansa. He was secretly transported across the Yamuna river to Gokul, where he was raised by Yashoda and Nanda. His childhood exploits in Gokul inspired the festive practices observed today.
Significance: The festival celebrates the victory of righteousness over evil. In Maharashtra, Gokulashtami is highly popular, culminating in the thrilling Dahi Handi custom where groups of youth (Govindas) form human pyramids to break a clay pot of curd hung high above the streets.
Rituals & How to Celebrate
Vrata (Fasting): Devotees fast from sunrise until midnight, the hour of Krishna's birth.
Midnight Puja: Bathing the baby Krishna idol (Ladoo Gopal) with milk, honey, and water, followed by worship.
Jhulan: Rocking the decorated swing containing the baby Krishna idol.
Dahi Handi: Forming human pyramids to break curd pots hung high in neighborhoods.
Traditional Foods & Bhog
Gopalkala (a savory mixture of beaten rice, curd, cucumber, green chilies, and coconut)
Panchamrit (ritual mixture of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee)
Shrikhand (sweet strained yogurt pudding)
Kheer (sweet milk and rice pudding offered at midnight)
Festival Calendar
Sep4
Janmashtami
२३ श्रावण • गोकुळाष्टमी (कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी)
Fri
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Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Info
FestivalJanmashtami
Date—
DayThursday
Tithiत्रयोदशी
Marathi Date१३ पौष १९४७
Pakshaशुक्ल पक्ष
Panchang Details
Sunrise6:30 AM
Sunset5:20 PM
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Yogaप्रीती
Karanaनाग