Janmashtami 2024: Step-By-Step Guide To Performing Krishna Puja; Shubh Muhurat And Rituals

Janmashtami also known as Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, and Shrikrishna Jayanti is a celebrated Hindu festival to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Date And Shubh Muhurat

This year, Janmashtami falls on August 26. The Nishith Puja Muhurat begins from 12:30 am to 12:45 am, and the Janmashtami Parana Muhurat is after 5:56 pm on August 27th. On Janmashtami, devotees begin fast on Ashtami (the eighth day of every lunar month in the Hindu calendar), completed by breaking the fast on Navami (the ninth day of the lunar fortnight (Paksha) in the Hindu calendar.).

Significance

Devotees observe Janmashtami to foster the relationship with Lord Krishna. It is also significant because Khirshna is said to symbolize the victory over good over evil. It's a day to gain profound spiritual insights. 

Rituals

• Begin to observe the day by performing puja at midnight, the exact time of Lord Krishna’s birth.
• On this day devotees often dress in new clothes to worship the idol of Lord Krishna.
• Chant Lord Krishna’s name.
• Sing devotional songs.
• Break open a clay pot filled with butter and curd in remembrance of Krishna’s childhood activity.
• Reenact the Ras Lila, a representation of Lord Krishna’s life.
• Observe fasting on Janmashtami. 
• Prepare a puja thali with items like incense, flowers and sweets to offer Lord Krishna.
• Offer prasad like milk, curd, butter or sweets.
• Perform aarti to Lord Krishna with an earthen lamp or camphor.
• Break the fast the next day, after sunrise, with a meal or prasad.