Janmashtami 2026: Fasting, prayers and rituals to honour Lord Krishna

Mahesh Bang

Acclaimed astrologer and Sunday Tribune Herald columnist Mahesh Bang.

Image: File

Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna, celebrated with great enthusiasm by Hindus around the world. This year, it will be celebrated over two days, September 3 and 4.

According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada, which falls between August and September in the Hindu calendar. Lord Krishna is believed to have been born in Mathura more than 5,000 years ago, during the Dwapara Yuga.

Astrologically, Janmashtami occurs when the Moon is transiting the Rohini Nakshatra (star) in the Taurus zodiac sign. The Moon is considered exalted and particularly strong in Taurus.

According to Hinduism, some nights are considered especially powerful for connecting with divine cosmic energy. Janmashtami is regarded as one of the Maharatris, or extremely powerful nights. It is believed that performing japa (repetition of sacred mantras) and worshipping God in any form on such a night brings immeasurable spiritual benefit.

Other nights traditionally regarded as Maharatris for spiritual practice include Shivaratri, Holi, Diwali, Hanuman Jayanti, Sharad Purnima and Navratri.

Rituals and Astrological Recommendations

The main custom associated with Janmashtami is fasting. Devotees may choose a form of fasting according to their ability, beliefs and temple programmes. Devout followers may observe the fast on both days or on one day.

• **Grainless and saltless fasting:**Many devotees observe a grainless and saltless fast, consuming only fruit, salad, milk and water until 6pm. Thereafter, they observe a strict fast, abstaining from food and drink until midnight. After the midnight aarti, they break their fast by offering a sweet dish to Lord Krishna and then partaking in the meal.
• **Strict fasting:**Some devotees observe a very strict fast, consuming neither food nor water from morning until midnight. After performing aarti, they break their fast with fruit, sweets and water, while continuing to avoid grains and salt.
• **Breaking the fast the following day:**Some devotees break their fast only after sunrise the following day, when Ashtami or Rohini Nakshatra has ended.
• **Offer milk-based sweets:**It is considered auspicious to offer the deity a sweet dish made from milk. If possible, devotees can offer mishri (Indian sugar candy).
• **Offer Tulsi leaves:**Offer Tulsi leaves to the deity, as they are considered especially sacred and dear to Lord Krishna.
• **Chant a sacred mantra:**Chant- **“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”**at least 108 times.
• **Pray at home:**If you are unable to attend a temple at midnight, perform aarti and ring a bell at home.
• **Recite the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra:**One of the most powerful mantras of this age is:- Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.- The mantra contains 16 syllables. Its benefits are considered countless. When chanted with devotion, it is believed to uplift the spirit and help dispel negativity. - Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is believed to have been an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Krishna and is traditionally said to have chanted this mantra day and night. According to one traditional account, while travelling and chanting through a forest inhabited by wild animals, the animals became attracted to the sound of his chanting and grew peaceful. They did not harm him or one another. This story illustrates the spiritual power traditionally attributed to the mantra.
• **An ancient practice:**According to an ancient practice, chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra twice silently when taking the first bite of a meal is believed to make food easier to digest and help satisfy the appetite. The mantra has 16 syllables, and chanting it twice corresponds symbolically to the 32 teeth in the human mouth. This practice is traditionally associated with receiving the best nourishment from food.
• **Read the Bhagavad Gita:**Ensure that you read at least a few pages of the- Bhagavad Gitaon this day. The scripture is revered for strengthening the mind, improving karma and deepening bhakti (devotion).
• **Prayer for children:**The worship of Krishna is traditionally regarded as an astrological remedy for those experiencing difficulty conceiving a child.
• **Guidance and choice:**Lord Krishna guides us towards countless opportunities while leaving the responsibility of making the right decision to us.
• **Increase spiritual practice:**Engage in bhajans, kirtans, meditation and chanting. Visit temples and recite the 108 names of Lord Krishna.
• **Worship according to your faith:**Whatever your faith, worship of the Almighty is believed to bring spiritual and astrological benefits. Janmashtami is regarded as an especially auspicious occasion because of the favourable position of the Moon. Observing a fast on Janmashtami is also traditionally believed to bring manifold benefits.
• **Seek Krishna as Jagadguru:**If, in this day and age, you find it difficult to find a saintly guru, pray to Lord Krishna. Sri Krishna is regarded as Jagadguru — the teacher of all teachers and the Guru of all Gurus — expressed in the saying,- **“Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.”**There is considered to be no guru equal to him. Through devotion and bhakti, it is believed that one can naturally acquire spiritual knowledge.

By following these practices with sincerity and devotion, devotees believe they can invite prosperity, strength and peace into their lives and create positive change in their destiny. When Krishna is in your heart, happiness will follow.

May all be blessed by Lord Krishna.

Jai Shree Krishna!