Janmashtami 2026: This year, Shri Krishna Janmashtami falls on Friday, September 4. The festival will be celebrated at night, following a day-long fast. In addition to the monthly Kalashtami, there are five other fasts and festivals coinciding with Janmashtami. A beautiful convergence of Lakshmi Puja also occurs on this occasion. Observing the fast and performing worship on this day is believed to increase wealth and prosperity; furthermore, the Janmashtami fast offers a propitious opportunity for couples wishing to conceive a child. Couples without children can take advantage of this occasion.

Five Other Fasts on Janmashtami
Janmashtami coincides with Adyakali Jayanti, Vindhyavasini Jayanti, Agastya Arghya, monthly Kalashtami, and the Friday fast.

Janmashtami Fast: The Janmashtami fast is observed on the *Ashtami* (eighth day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, the *Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami* *tithi* (lunar day) begins at 2:25 AM on September 4 and continues until 12:13 AM on September 5. Based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the lunar day prevailing at sunrise), the Janmashtami fast will be observed on September 4. The birth of Bal Gopal (infant Krishna) will take place at midnight on September 4, and the main celebration will be held at that time.

Monthly Kalashtami: The monthly Kalashtami fast is observed on the *Ashtami* of the *Krishna Paksha* every month. Consequently, the monthly Kalashtami of Bhadrapada falls on the same day as Janmashtami. Lord Kaal Bhairav ​​is worshipped on this day. The auspicious time (*Muhurat*) for worship falls during *Nishita Kaal* (midnight). The *Nishita Muhurat* will last from 11:57 PM until 12:43 AM on September 5. Chanting mantras and performing rituals during this time helps alleviate ailments, afflictions, and suffering; it dispels the fear of untimely death and eliminates negativity associated with *Tantra-Mantra*.

Kali Jayanti: Goddess Kali is the first of the ten *Mahavidyas* (Great Wisdom Goddesses). Kali Jayanti is celebrated on *Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami*. The *Devi Bhagavata Purana* states that the ten *Mahavidyas* are manifestations of Goddess Kali's benevolent and fierce forms. Mother Kali appears in both crimson (red) and dark (black) hues. The crimson-hued form is known as Sundari, while the dark-hued form is known as Dakshina Kali. This Goddess has a complexion resembling *kajal* (kohl); hence, she is named Kali. This year, the birth anniversary of Goddess Kali will be celebrated alongside Janmashtami, and she too will be worshipped during the *Nishita Muhurat* (the auspicious period around midnight).

Vindhyavasini Jayanti: Vindhyavasini Jayanti is celebrated on the day of Janmashtami. Goddess Vindhyavasini manifested on the *Ashtami* (eighth day) of the dark fortnight of the *Bhadrapada* month. As she eternally resides on the Vindhyachal mountain, she is known as Vindhyavasini. Goddess Vindhyavasini is the primordial *Mahashakti* (Supreme Power). She holds a place among the twelve *Siddhi-vidya* goddesses and is worshipped in that form. Those who worship her are liberated from all manner of ailments, suffering, grief, and crises.

Agastya Arghya: There is a tradition of offering *Arghya* (a ritual offering of water) to Sage Agastya on Shri Krishna Janmashtami—the *Ashtami* of the dark fortnight of *Bhadrapada*. Sage Agastya is mentioned in the eras of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. On September 4, the auspicious time for offering *Agastya Arghya* is from 4:58 AM to 6:00 AM. You will have a window of one hour and two minutes for this ritual on that day. A person who offers *Arghya* to Sage Agastya attains *Parabrahma* (the Supreme Reality) after death.

Friday Lakshmi Puja: Lord Vishnu’s *Krishna-avatar* (incarnation as Krishna) took place on the *Ashtami* of the dark fortnight of *Bhadrapada*, which falls on September 4 this year. That day also marks the Friday fast and Lakshmi Puja. On the occasion of Janmashtami, you can worship Goddess Lakshmi to increase your wealth and prosperity. Lakshmi Puja is performed during the *Pradosh Kaal*—that is, after sunset. On that day, sunset will occur at 6:39 PM.

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