Krishna Janmashtami 2024: Date, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Samagri, and Important Rituals
Krishna Janmashtami, one of the most revered festivals in Hindu culture, will be celebrated on August 26, 2024. This auspicious day marks the 5251st birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival is observed annually on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Shraavana or Bhadrapad, according to the Hindu calendar.
Here’s everything you need to know about Krishna Janmashtami 2024, including the shubh muhurat, city-wise timings, puja samagri, and important rituals to observe.
Krishna Janmashtami 2024 Shubh Muhurat and Timings:
This year, the most auspicious time (shubh muhurat) for performing Krishna Janmashtami puja and rituals is detailed below. Devotees celebrate with great enthusiasm by performing midnight prayers and other rituals to honor Lord Krishna’s birth.
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:01 am to 12:45 am, August 27
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 3:39 am, August 26
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 2:19 am, August 27
- Midnight Shubh Muhurat: 12:23 am, August 27
- Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 3:55 pm, August 26
- Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 3:38 pm, August 27
- Parana Muhurat (Time to Break Fast): After 3:38 pm, August 27
- Rohini Nakshatra End Time on Parana Day: 3:38 pm (Note: On Parana day, Ashtami will be over before sunrise)
- Parana Time (as per modern traditions): 12:45 am, August 27
- Chandrodaya Time: 11:20 pm, August 26
Krishna Janmashtami 2024 Puja Samagri:
To perform the Krishna Janmashtami puja, devotees need to gather the following items (puja samagri):
- Deity and Decorations: Place a picture or idol of Lord Krishna on a banana leaf. Decorate with a flute, earrings, bangles, garlands, tika, anklets, nada (waistband), kajal, peacock feathers, a turban, fan, swing, and throne for the idol.
- Flowers and Incense: Rose, red lotus flowers, incense sticks, agarbatti.
- Spiritual Essentials: Kumkum, abir, gulal, kesar, kapur, sindoor, Chandan, yagyopavit (sacred thread), akshat (unbroken rice), paan leaves, supari (betel nut), pushmala (flower garlands), haldi (turmeric), cotton, tulsi mala (holy basil garland), kamal gatta (lotus seeds), Ganga Jal (holy water from the Ganges), honey, dhaniya (coriander seeds), panch meva (five types of dry fruits), sugar, cow ghee, cow milk, rituphal (seasonal fruits), and cardamom.
- Bhog Preparation: To prepare the bhog (offering), you will need dry fruits, melon seeds, and gond (edible gum).
Important Rituals for Krishna Janmashtami 2024:
Krishna Janmashtami is marked by several important rituals that devotees perform to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna:
1. Fasting: Devotees observe a fast for the well-being and blessings of Lord Krishna. Two types of fasts are commonly observed:
- Nirjala Vrat: A strict fast where one does not eat or drink water until midnight.
- Phalahar Fast: A less stringent fast where one can consume fruits, milk, and water.
2. Midnight Celebrations: The fast is traditionally broken at midnight, the time believed to be Lord Krishna’s birth. Devotees chant mantras, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and recite scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita or Krishna Leela to commemorate the occasion.
3. Puja and Decoration: Devotees take a ritual bath, wear traditional attire, and decorate the idol of Lord Krishna with new clothes and jewelry. Offerings of flowers, sweets, and other items are made to the deity.
4. Chanting and Bhajans: Devotional songs and mantras are sung throughout the night to honor Lord Krishna. Many also read or listen to stories of Krishna’s life, known as Krishna Leela.
By following these rituals with devotion, you can fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Krishna Janmashtami and seek Lord Krishna’s blessings for peace, prosperity, and happiness.
Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami 2024 with devotion and joy, marking the divine birth of Lord Krishna with love and reverence. Radhey Radhey !!
