Krishna Janmashtami, the celebration of the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is one of the most revered festivals in India, observed with great devotion and enthusiasm. In 2024, Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 26. The festival marks the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapad, according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
The story of Lord Krishna’s birth is deeply intertwined with themes of divine intervention and the triumph of good over evil. Born to Devaki and Vasudev in a prison cell in Mathura, Lord Krishna was destined to overthrow the tyrannical reign of his maternal uncle, Demon King Kansa. A prophecy had foretold that one of Devaki’s children would kill Kansa, leading him to imprison Devaki and Vasudev and mercilessly kill their first seven sons.
However, when Lord Krishna, the eighth son, was born, a series of miraculous events ensured his safety. Vasudev, under divine guidance, carried the newborn Krishna across the raging Yamuna River to Vrindavan, where he was lovingly adopted by Yashoda and Nanda. The festival of Janmashtami is a celebration of this divine birth and the beginning of Lord Krishna’s journey to vanquish evil.
Devotees across India observe Janmashtami with various rituals, including fasting, visiting temples, and participating in joyous celebrations like Dahi Handi. The festivities are especially grand in Mathura and Vrindavan, the places associated with Lord Krishna’s childhood.
According to Drik Panchang, the Ashtami tithi will begin at 3:39 am on August 26 and will end at 2:19 am on August 27. Devotees typically fast throughout the day, breaking it only after sunrise the next day, following the traditional rituals of worship.