🙏 Yogeshwara Lord Sri Krishna

Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami

🗓️ Shravana / Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (Aug/Sept)

The story behind Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami

Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the midnight appearance of Yogeshwara Lord Sri Krishna, the 8th avatar of Vishnu, in Mathura. Lord Krishna delivered the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and demonstrated supreme divine play (Leela). His appearance marks the destruction of tyrannical unrighteousness (Kamsa) and the flowering of divine ecstasy.

Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami Puja Vidhi

  1. 1

    Nirjala / Phalahaar Vrat

    Observe a devotional fast throughout the day, engaging in Kirtan and remembrance of Krishna Leela.

  2. 2

    Midnight Abhishek (Janma Muhurta)

    At exactly midnight (when Krishna appeared), bathe the baby Krishna (Laddoo Gopal) idol with Panchamrit and warm water.

  3. 3

    Shringar & Cradle (Palna)

    Adorn Lord Krishna with new yellow garments, peacock feather, flute, and place Him in a swinging cradle.

  4. 4

    Makhan & Panjiri Bhog

    Offer fresh white butter (Makhan), mishri, coriander panjiri, and tulsi leaves as special birthday Naivedya.

Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami Mantra

हरे कृष्ण हरे कृष्ण कृष्ण कृष्ण हरे हरे। हरे राम हरे राम राम राम हरे हरे॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय॥

Meaning

O divine energy of Lord Krishna, O Lord Krishna, please engage me in Your devotional service.

How to chant

Chant the Mahamantra joyfully during the midnight Abhishek and cradle rocking.

When is Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami?

YearDate
2025Krishna Janmashtami (Smarta)Friday, 15 August 2025
2025Krishna Janmashtami (Vaishnava)Friday, 15 August 2025
2026Krishna Janmashtami (Vaishnava)Friday, 4 September 2026
2026Krishna Janmashtami (Smarta)Friday, 4 September 2026
2027Krishna Janmashtami (Vaishnava)Tuesday, 24 August 2027
2027Krishna Janmashtami (Smarta)Tuesday, 24 August 2027
2028Krishna Janmashtami (Vaishnava)Sunday, 13 August 2028
2028Krishna Janmashtami (Smarta)Sunday, 13 August 2028
2029Krishna Janmashtami (Vaishnava)Friday, 31 August 2029
2029Krishna Janmashtami (Smarta)Friday, 31 August 2029

Dates are computed with the Drik (observational) method from real solar and lunar positions, using sunrise-to-sunrise Tithi assignment for New Delhi.

Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami's date is calculated from the Sun's position rather than from local sunrise or sunset, and this calculation does not yet adjust for your location. Some communities observe it a day earlier or later depending on local convention — check with your local temple or community for the date observed where you are.

These dates follow the panchang convention computed for each city's own coordinates — they are not a universal verdict. Some temples and communities shift observance to a weekend regardless of the computed date, and published panchang authorities recommend using your own city's panchang rather than a single worldwide date. Confirm with your local temple or community before treating a date as final.

Festivals around Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami

All Hindu festivals →See the full Vedic calendar →Today's Panchang & muhurtas →

Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami FAQs

Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami falls on 4 September 2026, based on Kaala's Drik Panchang calculation for the corresponding Tithi.

Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami is dated according to the lunar Tithi, not the fixed Gregorian calendar, so its Gregorian date shifts from year to year while its position in the lunar calendar stays consistent.

The astronomical event Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami marks happens at the same instant everywhere in the world, but which calendar day that instant falls on locally depends on each city's own timing — so cities in different countries can observe Krishna Janmashtami / Gokulashtami a day apart.