The Krishna Janmashtami celebrations will begin at midnight on Friday, September 4, and continue into the early hours of September 5.This year, the Panchang combination is very significant for Krishna devotees, as Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra coincide for much of the festival day.The Ashtami Tithi begins at 2:25 AM on September 4 and ends at 12:13 AM on September 5. The Rohini Nakshatra ends at 11:04 PM on this night and begins at 12:29 AM on September 4.
Janmashtami 2026 Exact Date
The main Krishna Janmashtami vrat is on September 4, 2026.Nishita Puja is performed after midnight, and there is some confusion about it in many Indian cities. But the festival is still on Friday, while Dahi Handi will be observed on Saturday, September 5.According to tradition, the birth of Lord Krishna is associated with Krishna Paksha Ashtami, Rohini Nakshatra and the midnight hour. In the 2026 Panchang, these elements are in an unusual proximity.
Janmashtami 2026 Midnight Puja Muhurat
Nishita Kaal is the Vedic midnight period during which the most important worship is performed.The Nishita Puja in New Delhi will take place from 11:57 PM on September 4 to 12:43 AM on September 5, so devotees will get about 45 minutes to do the main Krishna Janma rituals.Other major city timings include:Noida: 11:57 PM to 12:42 AMMumbai: 12:14 AM to 1:01 AMBengaluru: 11:55 PM to 12:42 AMHyderabad: 11:52 PM to 12:38 AMChennai: 11:45 PM to 12:31 AMKolkata: 11:13 PM to 11:59 PMDuring this time, devotees are allowed to perform Krishna Abhishek, dress Laddu Gopal, offer bhog, sing bhajans, and do aarti.
Janmashtami 2026 Fasting Rules
The traditional Janmashtami fast begins after Sankalpa in the morning of September 4.The vrat is observed by devotees without eating grains and cereals. According to family tradition, one can eat fruits, milk, curd, nuts, makhana, sabudana and permitted fasting foods. The traditional guidance also advises devotees to refrain from eating grains until the fast is officially broken the following day.Some people observe Nirjala fasting while others prefer phalahar. The safety of fasting should be determined by factors such as health, age, medicines, pregnancy, and personal physical needs.
When Is Janmashtami 2026 Parana?
In Parana, two traditions are seen.In contemporary practice, devotees can break their fast after completing Nishita Puja. This term refers to the period after around 12:43 AM on September 5 in New Delhi.Those following the Dharma Shastra wait until the next morning, when Ashtami and Rohini are over. The Parana for New Delhi is after 6:01 AM on September 5.So the simple difference is that Janmashtami is celebrated on September 4; Krishna Janma Puja is performed around midnight, and Parana depends on the devotee’s fasting custom.