Following the month of Sawan, the month of Bhadrapada brings the most cherished festival for followers of the Sanatan tradition—Shri Krishna Janmashtami. It is also known as Krishna Ashtami. It is believed that Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, descended to Earth on this very day. This year, this sacred festival—marking Lord Krishna's birthday—will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026. The *Ashtami Tithi* (eighth day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada falls on this day.

**Birth at Midnight**
According to the scriptures, Lord Krishna was born at midnight (12:00 AM) in a prison in Mathura. *Bal Gopal* (the infant Krishna) was born to Mother Devaki and Father Vasudeva within the confines of that prison. For this reason, there is a tradition of performing special worship at midnight on Janmashtami. Devotees bathe the idol of *Laddu Gopal* with milk, *Gangajal* (holy water from the Ganges), and *Panchamrit*. They then adorn the deity with new clothes, a peacock-feather crown, and a flute, and place the idol on a swing. Temples organize *bhajans* (devotional songs), *kirtans* (congregational chanting), and *jhankis* (tableaux depicting scenes from Krishna's life).

**What is the difference: Krishna Ashtami vs. Krishna Janmashtami?**
Dr. Kunal Kumar Jha, the Proctor of Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, provided specific insights regarding the difference between Krishna Ashtami and Krishna Janmashtami. He explains that this year, both Krishna Ashtami and the Krishna birth celebration (*Janmotsav*) fall on the same day—September 4, 2026.

He noted that there are two types of traditions in the Mithila region. Some elderly people and Vaishnavas observe the Krishna Ashtami fast, which is determined based on the *Udaya Tithi* (the *tithi* prevailing at sunrise). Meanwhile, householders observe the Krishna Janmashtami fast, which is celebrated based on the actual birth anniversary.

**Fast and Birth Celebration on the Same Day in Mithilanchal This Year**
This time, a rare alignment of the *Ashtami Tithi* and the *Rohini Nakshatra* (constellation) is occurring. Lord Krishna was born at midnight during the *Rohini Nakshatra* and *Ashtami Tithi*. Therefore, the *Jayanti Pujan* (birth anniversary worship) will be performed at midnight on September 4. In other words, this year in Mithilanchal, both the fast and the birth celebration will be observed with devotion on the same day. Krishna Janmashtami is not merely a festival; it is a symbol of love, devotion, and the triumph of righteousness. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy across the entire country.

As for the Mithilanchal region, the observance of the fast and the celebration of the birth anniversary will coincide this year. On the night of September 4, as the melody of the flute resonates and the birth of Bal Gopal is celebrated in every household, the entire region of Mithilanchal will be immersed in an atmosphere of devotion.

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