September 4, 2026 • Friday
Ashtami, Krishna Paksha, Bhadrapada Month
Date
September 4, 2026
Tithi
Ashtami, Krishna Paksha, Bhadrapada Month
Muhurat
Nishita Puja (Midnight) Muhurat: 12:01 AM – 12:46 AM on September 5 (IST)
Janmashtami 2026 falls on September 4th (Friday) on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna — the 8th avatar of Lord Vishnu — at midnight in Mathura. Devotees fast the entire day and break their fast only after midnight puja at the exact birth moment. Dahi Handi (human pyramid to break a pot of curd) is celebrated the next day across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Devotees observe nirjala or fruit-only fast. Temple visits, Krishna bhajans, and Bhagavata readings throughout the day.
At midnight, Krishna's birth is celebrated with puja, abhishek of the infant Krishna idol, blowing of conch, and distribution of panchamrit.
Human pyramids formed to break a pot of curd hung at height. Celebrates young Krishna's love for butter and curd.
Janmashtami 2026 falls on September 4th, Friday. The midnight birth celebration is at approximately 12:01 AM on September 5th.
Lord Krishna is said to have been born at midnight (Nishita kaal). In 2026, the Nishita puja muhurat is 12:01 AM to 12:46 AM on September 5th IST.
During Janmashtami fast you can eat fruits, milk, curd, makhana (fox nuts), sabudana (sago), singhara atta items, dry fruits, and rock salt. Avoid grains, pulses, and regular salt.
Dahi Handi is celebrated on September 5, 2026 — the day after Janmashtami, corresponding to the Navami tithi.
Traditionally, the fast is broken after the midnight puja (Nishita puja) — after offering panchamrit and completing the abhishek. You can take panchamrit as prasad and eat light fruits. A full meal is had after sunrise on September 5th.
Ask Pandit Shivananda for puja guidance and spiritual advice.