Krishna Janmashtami 2027

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Devotees of Lord Krishna: Men and women of all ages observe this fast to seek the blessings, love, and grace of Lord Krishna.
• Families: Households celebrate the birth of the Lord with prayers, fasting, and devotion for peace, happiness, and prosperity in the home.
• Women Desiring Children: Couples who wish for a child pray to Bal Gopal (the child Krishna) for the blessing of offspring (Santan Prapti).

When Should This Be Performed?

• Fasting: The fast is kept through the day and observed until the birth puja at night. Some families keep it without water or grain, while others take fruits and milk.
• Birth Puja: The main Janmashtami puja is done at Nishita Kaal (around midnight), the hour of Krishna's birth. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Breaking the Fast: Smarta families break the fast after the midnight puja, while Vaishnava families (including ISKCON) break it the next morning after sunrise, with the Parana (breaking of the fast) timing for your city on this page.

About the Festival

Krishna Janmashtami is a joyously celebrated observance across India, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It takes place on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada (Shravana in the amanta calendar).

The Vrat Katha (Story of Krishna's Birth)

Once upon a time, in the city of Mathura, there ruled a cruel king named Kansa. He loved his sister Devaki dearly, and on the day of her wedding to Vasudeva, he drove the wedding chariot himself. As they rode along, a voice from the sky said: "O Kansa, the eighth child of Devaki will be the cause of your death."

In fear, Kansa threw Devaki and Vasudeva into prison and killed each of their children as soon as they were born. When the time came for the eighth child, Devaki prayed with all her heart to Lord Vishnu, and Vasudeva prayed with her. The Lord appeared before them and assured them: "Do not fear. I shall be born as your son. Take me to Gokul, to the house of Nanda, and bring back the daughter born there."

At the stroke of midnight on the Ashtami night, Lord Krishna was born. The prison doors opened by themselves, the guards fell into deep sleep, and Vasudeva carried the infant in a basket across the Yamuna, which parted to make way for him. He placed Krishna beside Yashoda and Nanda in Gokul, and returned to the prison with the newborn girl.

Pleased with their faith and patience, the Lord grew up in Gokul, filled the lives of all who loved him with joy, and ended the tyranny of Kansa. Since that day, devotees have celebrated Janmashtami with fasting, devotion, and joy.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the midnight puja:

• Idol / Image: A Laddu Gopal idol or a picture of Bal Krishna, and a small cradle (Jhula or Palna)
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Chandan (sandalwood paste), Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and incense sticks
• Abhishek Items: Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, Ghee, and sugar), Ganga Jal, and clean water
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Makhan-Mishri (white butter and sugar crystals), Panjiri, fruits, and Tulsi leaves
• Devotional Accessories: New clothes and ornaments for the idol, a peacock feather (Mor Pankh), a flute (Bansuri), flowers, and Kalava

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably yellow or white).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Krishna, today I observe this fast with full devotion. Bless me and my family with your grace, love, and protection."
3. Observe the fast throughout the day, and keep your mind on Lord Krishna by singing bhajans and listening to his stories.

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Evening)

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) of your home or the place of worship.
2. Place the Laddu Gopal idol or picture on a Chowki covered with a clean yellow or red cloth, and decorate the cradle with flowers.
3. Keep the Abhishek items, new clothes, and Naivedya ready near the altar before the midnight puja.

Step 3: Performing the Midnight Rituals (Nishita Kaal)

1. Abhishek: Bathe the idol with Panchamrit, then with Ganga Jal and clean water, as the Janmotsav begins at midnight.
2. Dressing the Deity: Dress Lord Krishna in new clothes and ornaments, and place the peacock feather and flute beside him.
3. Applying Tilak: Apply Chandan, Roli, and Akshat, and offer flowers and Tulsi leaves.
4. Offering Naivedya: Offer Makhan-Mishri, Panjiri, and fruits to the Lord.

Step 4: Reciting the Vrat Katha

1. Hold a few grains of rice and a few flower petals in your right hand.
2. Sit respectfully in front of the altar and recite or listen to the Krishna Janmashtami Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion.
3. After completing the story, sprinkle the held grains near the Lord's feet.

Step 5: Aarti and Cradle Rocking

1. Light the Ghee Diya and perform the Krishna Aarti while singing devotional hymns and ringing the bell.
2. Place the idol in the cradle and gently rock it, welcoming Lord Krishna's birth with devotional songs.
3. Offer the Naivedya with folded hands, and pray for the happiness and wellbeing of your family.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the prasad among your family members and children.
3. Break your fast with the prasad and a simple sattvic meal, after the midnight puja or the next morning, as your family tradition follows.