Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Know The Pooja Muhurat and Vrat Vidhi
Celebrating the Birth of Lord Krishna
Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, or Srijayanti, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is revered for his qualities of compassion, protection, and love. According to ancient scriptures, Krishna was born on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Shraavana or Bhadrapad.
Celebration Date and Rituals
This year marks the 5251st birthday of Lord Krishna. According to Drik Panchang, Janmashtami will be celebrated on Monday, August 26, 2024. The Dahi Handi event, another festive celebration, will take place the following day, on August 27, 2024.
Since Krishna was born at midnight, his birthday is traditionally celebrated at this time. Devotees fast during the day and prepare special offerings (bhog) for Krishna. The evening is filled with bhajans (devotional songs), and devotees stay awake until midnight to celebrate Krishna's birth with great enthusiasm. The most auspicious time for puja, called Nishita Puja, will begin at 12:01 AM and end at 12:46 AM on August 27, 2024. The Ashtami Tithi starts at 03:39 AM on August 26 and ends at 02:19 AM on August 27.
Here are some key timings for the festival, as per Drik Panchang:
- Rohini Nakshatra: Starts at 03:55 PM on August 26 and ends at 03:38 PM on August 27.
- Parana Time: 12:11 AM on August 27.
- Nishita Puja Time: 11:26 PM on August 26 to 12:11 AM on August 27.
- Dahi Handi Celebration: August 27, 2024.
Fasting and Rituals
Janmashtami is celebrated with great joy across India, particularly in Mathura and Vrindavan, where the festivities are most vibrant. Devotees fast on this day as an act of devotion and to purify the soul. Fasting can be done in two ways: Nirjal Vrat (without water or food) and Phalhar Vrat (where devotees can consume fruits, milk, and water). Grains, vegetables, pulses, salt, onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food are avoided. Common permissible foods include fresh fruits, dairy products, root vegetables like potatoes, nuts, and seeds.
On Janmashtami, devotees break their fast at midnight, symbolizing Krishna's birth, after offering prasad or bhog to his idol.
Significance of Krishna's Birth
Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev in a prison in Mathura. His uncle, King Kansa, ruled the city with cruelty and fear. A prophecy foretold that Kansa would be killed by Devaki’s son, prompting him to imprison Devaki and Vasudev and kill their first six children. However, the seventh child, Balram, was saved by divine intervention, and Krishna, the eighth child, was miraculously born and saved. Vasudev carried Krishna across the Yamuna River to Nanda and Yashoda, who raised him in safety.
Krishna’s life and teachings, especially those in the Bhagavad Gita, continue to inspire people with messages of love, duty, and righteousness. Janmashtami is a celebration of these eternal principles and the victory of good over evil.
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