Janmashtami 2024: Check date, puja vidhi, auspicious timings and more

The festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated annually on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. As per religious texts, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Shri Krishna on this date during the Dvapara Yuga. Since then, Janmashtami is observed each year on this day. This year, the festival will take place in the last week of August 2024. 
 

When is Janmashtami 2024?

As per the Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha begins at 03:39 am on Monday, August 26, and continues until 02:20 am the next night. According to the religious texts, Lord Shri Krishna was born at midnight on Ashtami Tithi. 

Janmashtami 2024 Auspicious Timings

Several auspicious yogas will occur on Monday, August 26th, making this year's Janmashtami even more special. On this day, Harshan, Susthira, Vardhaman, and Sarvarthasiddhi yogas will be formed. Moreover, Shash Yoga, one of the Panchmahapurusha yogas, will take place on this day, making it particularly significant for worship.

The main Janmashtami puja will take place during the night of Monday, August 26th. The auspicious time for this puja is from 12:01 am to 12:45 am, giving devotees a full 45 minutes for worship. Rohini Nakshatra will continue until 03:38 pm the following day, Tuesday, August 27th. It will be auspicious to break the fast only after this time.

Janmashtami Puja Vidhi

•    On the morning of August 26, wake up early, bathe, and take a vow of fasting and worship, holding water and rice in your hands.

•    Throughout the day, follow fasting rules. Avoid anger and refrain from using harsh language.

•    Before beginning the puja, gather all the necessary materials and prepare a clean space in the house for the ritual.

•    Before the auspicious timing, properly decorate the cradle and place a picture or statue of Bal Gopal (baby Krishna) in it.

•    Start the worship at the auspicious time. Begin by applying Tilak to the deity with Kumkum and lighting a lamp with pure ghee.

•    Then, offer the worship materials one by one, including Abir, Gulal, coconut, flowers, fruits, and more.
 

•    During the worship, chant the mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Namah."

•    Offer food to the deity according to your preference, ensuring basil leaves are included in the offering. Perform Aarti with your family.

•    At an auspicious time, offer donations to express gratitude. Conclude your fast by consuming Prasad and then having a meal.

Observing the Janmashtami fast and worshiping in this manner, with the blessings of Shri Krishna, will bring happiness and prosperity to your family.