Janmashtami 2027

Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The holiday falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

Good to know

Janmashtami is an official public holiday in many Indian states, leading to the closure of schools, government offices, and commercial banks in those jurisdictions. Public transport continues to run, though major cities like Mumbai and Mathura may experience road diversions for street processions and Dahi Handi events.

History

According to Hindu scriptures such as the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura inside a prison cell where his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva, were held captive by the tyrannical ruler King Kansa. Kansa, Devaki’s brother, had imprisoned them after a divine prophecy foretold that Devaki’s eighth child would bring about his demise. To protect the newborn, Vasudeva miraculously crossed the flooded Yamuna River at midnight to transport Krishna to the village of Gokul, placing him in the care of his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda.

Krishna spent his early childhood in Gokul and Vrindavan, engaging in miraculous feats and playful activities (leelas) that endeared him to local cowherds and villagers. Over centuries, the commemoration of his birth grew into a widespread annual celebration across India, symbolising the victory of righteousness (dharma) over injustice and tyranny.

How it is observed

Devotees observe Janmashtami through day-long fasting, singing devotional songs (bhajans and kirtans), and reciting passages from sacred texts until midnight: the hour believed to mark Krishna’s birth. At midnight, idols of baby Krishna (Laddoo Gopal) are symbolically bathed in milk and honey, dressed in new garments, and placed in decorated cradles. Devotees then break their fast with prasad, including fresh butter (makhan), panjiri, and sweet delicacies. Homes are decorated with elaborate rangoli and small painted footprints pointing inward to represent baby Krishna entering the household. The following day features 'Dahi Handi' festivities, where teams of young people (Govindas) build multi-tiered human pyramids to reach and break suspended earthen pots filled with curd and butter. In places like Mathura and Vrindavan, traditional dance-dramas depicting Krishna's childhood, known as Raslila, draw large crowds of pilgrims.

Facts

• The state government of Maharashtra officially recognised Dahi Handi as an adventure sport, providing government schemes and insurance coverage for participating Govindas.
• Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, the regions central to Krishna's birth and childhood, feature over 400 temples that host grand festivities spanning up to ten days.
• Devotees often prepare 56 distinct food items, collectively known as Chhappan Bhog, as an offering to Lord Krishna after midnight on Janmashtami.
• The precise time of Krishna's birth is traditionally calculated by the alignment of the Ashtami tithi (eighth lunar day) and the Rohini nakshatra (lunar mansion).

Questions about Janmashtami

When is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?

Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning moon fortnight) during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (or Shravana in certain regional calendar systems), falling between August and September.

Why is butter offered to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami?

According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna was exceptionally fond of fresh butter as a child in Gokul and frequently stole it from hanging pots, earning him the loving nickname 'Makhan Chor' (butter thief).

What is Dahi Handi and when does it take place?

Dahi Handi is a festive sport celebrated primarily on the day after Janmashtami, where teams of young people form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with curd or butter suspended high above the ground.

Source: DoPT O.M. dated 03.07.2025 (2026) and 16.07.2026 (2027)