Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Date, puja timings, fasting dos and don’ts, and mantras

As Janmashtami approaches, devotees of Lord Krishna are eagerly preparing for the grand celebration of his birth. To adorn their homes, they purchase an array of decorative items, including balloons, flowers, and festive decorations. A special swing and outfit for Laddoo Gopal Ji are also part of the preparations. On the eve of Janmashtami, everyone ensures that all arrangements are in place to honour the occasion. This year marks Shri Krishna's 5251st birthday, with Janmashtami being celebrated on August 26, 2024.

Janmashtami 2024 date & time

Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. This usually occurs in August or September as per the Gregorian calendar.

In 2024, Krishna Janmashtami falls on Monday, August 26th. The puja muhurat (auspicious time for worship) begins at midnight and extends into the early hours of the following day. Devotees stay awake through the night to celebrate, as it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, and they eagerly welcome his divine arrival.

Janmashtami 2024 timings

Puja steps for Krishna Janmashtami

1. Begin your day by rising early and taking a holy bath before starting the puja.
2. Clean your home thoroughly, along with the photos and idols of all the deities.
3. Bathe Laddoo Gopal Ji and Lord Krishna. Decorate the swing with a soft, cushioned sheet, and gently place Laddoo Gopal Ji on it.
4. Dress Laddoo Gopal Ji in a beautiful outfit, adorn him with flowers, bangles, a mukut (crown), mor pankh (peacock feather), tulsi mala, and a chanda tilak on his forehead. Offer him food, water, and tulsi leaves.
5. Prepare various types of bhog prasad.
6. Once all the bhog prasad is ready, offer it to the Lord and spend the day chanting his name and reciting mantras.
7. As the birthday celebrations commence in the evening, prepare a thali with an assortment of fruits, dry fruits, kamal gatta, paan supari, meetha paan, akshat, roli, a variety of flowers including lotus, panchamrit, panjeeri, and homemade sweets.
8. Dress Baal Krishna in his attire and celebrate his birthday at midnight with devotion and enthusiasm.
9. Offer bhog and recite the aarti.
10. Visit the temple to seek Lord Krishna's blessings and partake in the prasad.
11. Those observing a fast may break it during parana time by consuming sattvik foods such as fruits, dairy products, and sweets.

Mantras you can chant

• OM Krishnaya Namah
• Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
• OM Shri Krishna Sharanam Mamah
• Krishnaye Vasudveaye Haraye Parmatmane Pranatah Kleshnashaye Govindaye Namo Namah
  

During the celebrations, devotees observe fasts, perform puja (worship), sing bhajans (devotional songs), and participate in various cultural activities. Many temples and households are beautifully decorated, often featuring a small cradle for Lord Krishna, adorned with flowers and vibrant cloth.

Fasting during Krishna Janmashtami is marked by strict dietary restrictions for many devotees. Some abstain from consuming grains, while others avoid certain foods like onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian dishes.

SEE ALSO:
8 iconic Krishna temples to visit on Janmashtami
Janmashtami 2024: 8 spots to celebrate lord Krishna’s birth