The festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami—marking the appearance of Lord Shri Krishna—will be celebrated this year on Friday, September 4, 2026. There is great enthusiasm among devotees for this festival, which is observed on the *Ashtami* (eighth day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. On this day, special worship and prayers dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna will be performed in both temples and homes. At midnight, special rituals and *Aarti* will be conducted to celebrate the Lord's birth. According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), a special celestial alignment involving the *Rohini Nakshatra* is also occurring this year on Janmashtami.

According to religious beliefs, Janmashtami is a celebration of Lord Shri Krishna's birth. For this reason, devotees observe a fast on this day and spend the time worshipping, singing *bhajans* and *kirtans*, and chanting the Lord's name. Many devotees break their fast after performing worship rituals following the midnight celebration of the Lord's birth. However, alongside the physical act of fasting, great importance is also placed on maintaining purity of mind and conduct on this day.

**A mistake those fasting must avoid**
According to Pandit Harimohan Sharma, a spiritual guru from Karauli, observing a fast on Janmashtami entails more than just abstaining from food; it is essential to exercise restraint over one's mind, speech, and thoughts. He stated that anyone fasting out of devotion to Lord Shri Krishna should specifically avoid criticizing, speaking ill of, or insulting others on this day. He noted that in daily life, we often—knowingly or unknowingly—speak negatively about others, but such behavior should be avoided on a holy festival like Janmashtami. Devotees should contemplate Lord Shri Krishna while keeping their minds calm and pure.

**Chant the name of Shri Krishna throughout the day**
According to Pandit Harimohan Sharma, the most important thing for devotees observing the Janmashtami fast is to keep their focus on Lord Shri Krishna throughout the day. During spare moments, one should chant the Lord's name and engage in *bhajans* and *kirtans*. He emphasized that devotion to the Lord is not limited merely to the materials used for worship or the act of fasting. Remembering the Divine with a pure mind, sacred sentiments, and virtuous conduct is a vital aspect of devotion. Therefore, on the day of Janmashtami, alongside worshipping Lord Krishna, one should also pay attention to one's behavior. Avoid harboring ill will towards anyone, refrain from speaking ill of others, and try to control your anger.

**Sri Krishna Janmotsav to be celebrated on the night of September 4**
According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 4, 2026, this year. The festival is considered particularly significant this time due to the auspicious conjunction of the *Ashtami Tithi* (eighth lunar day) and the *Rohini Nakshatra* (lunar mansion). As per the almanac, the *Ashtami Tithi* will continue until the night of September 4, and the *Rohini Nakshatra* will also prevail on that day.

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