Sri Krishna Janmashtami Puja Timings Revealed

Sri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated across the country with devotion and religious fervour. In 2026, Krishna Janmashtami will be observed on Friday, the 4th of this month. The festival marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Devotees perform special prayers, bhajans and kirtans on this auspicious occasion. Here are the puja timings and fasting guidelines for Janmashtami.

Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra:

According to the Telugu Panchangam, the Ashtami tithi will begin at 2:25 am on the 4th of this month and end at 12:13 am on the 5th of this month. The Rohini Nakshatra will continue until 11:04 pm on the 4th. Devotees believe that Lord Krishna was born under the Rohini Nakshatra.

Puja Muhurat:

The midnight period holds special significance during Janmashtami as Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight. The Nishita Kaal puja muhurat will be from 11:57 pm to 12:43 am on the 4th of this month. Devotees perform special prayers to Bal Krishna during this period and celebrate his birth with devotion.

Why Midnight Puja Is Important:

Midnight worship is considered particularly important on Janmashtami. According to religious belief, Lord Krishna was born during the Nishita Kaal. Devotees therefore sing bhajans and kirtans and offer prayers at midnight. Placing the idol of Bal Krishna in a cradle and gently rocking it after the puja is also an important tradition.

Janmashtami Puja Rituals:

Homes and temples are specially decorated for Janmashtami. The idol of Bal Krishna is beautifully adorned and worshipped with flowers, fruits, butter, milk and other offerings. Dressing children as Krishna and Radha is another popular highlight of the celebrations.

Fasting Rules:

Devotees traditionally observe a fast throughout Janmashtami, based on the belief that Lord Krishna was born at midnight. The fast is usually broken after performing the midnight puja. This year, devotees may break their fast after 12:43 am on the 5th of this month, according to the stated timings. However, some regions follow the practice of breaking the fast after sunrise. Devotees are therefore advised to follow their local Panchangam and family traditions.