The sacred festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, dedicated to the worship of Lord Shri Krishna, will be celebrated tomorrow, Friday, September 4, 2026. This year, the occasion coincides with the *Ashtami Tithi* (eighth day of the dark fortnight) and the *Rohini Nakshatra*. Since Lord Shri Krishna was born at midnight, there is a tradition of performing special worship and celebrating the birth anniversary during the *Nishith Kaal* (midnight period) on Janmashtami.

The Janmashtami fast holds special significance in Hinduism. According to religious beliefs, observing this fast with devotion and adherence to rituals invokes the grace of Lord Shri Krishna. It is believed that through fasting and worship, one can seek happiness, peace, and positivity in life.

**Janmashtami on September 4**
According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026. The *Ashtami Tithi* prevails on September 4 and concludes after midnight on September 5; therefore, the birth celebration of Lord Shri Krishna will take place on the night of September 4. The day also features the *Rohini Nakshatra* alignment, which is considered particularly auspicious due to its association with the story of Lord Shri Krishna's birth.

**Special Significance of the *Sankalp* (Solemn Vow)**
According to astrologer Pandit Dheeraj Sharma, the *Sankalp* holds great importance in any fast. Devotees observing the Janmashtami fast can make a *Sankalp*—a solemn vow—before Lord Shri Krishna according to their faith before commencing the worship. While making this vow, devotees can pray to the Lord to fulfill their wishes and grant them the strength to successfully complete the fast. Subsequently, it is considered auspicious to chant the mantra ‘Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya’ throughout the day while remembering Lord Shri Krishna.

**How ​​to Perform the Night Worship on Janmashtami**
The worship on the night of Janmashtami is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna. To begin, clean the house and the place of worship, and beautifully adorn the idol of Lord Shri Krishna in his infant form (*Bal Swaroop*) or the *Laddu Gopal* idol. The worshipper should bathe and wear clean clothes. Next, the idol of Lord Shri Krishna is bathed with *Panchamrit* (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar). Following this, the idol is bathed with clean water, and offerings of sandalwood paste, *Akshat* (unbroken rice grains), flowers, and *Tulsi* leaves are made. Adorn the deity with new clothes and jewelry. Following this, offerings (*bhog*)—such as *makhan-mishri* (butter and rock sugar), *panchamrit*, fruits, sweets, and *panjiri*—may be presented according to one's devotion. Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna and singing *bhajans* and *kirtans* are also integral parts of the worship ritual.

**Celebrate Lord Krishna’s Birth During *Nishith Kaal***
Midnight holds special significance on Janmashtami, as religious belief holds that Lord Krishna was born at this time. Consequently, devotees celebrate the Lord's birth anniversary during the *Nishith Kaal* (the auspicious midnight period). According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Nishith* worship time falls between 12:03 AM and 12:49 AM on the night of September 5. Slight variations of a few minutes in the timing of *Nishith Kaal* may occur depending on the specific location's sunset and sunrise times.

**Tradition of Breaking the Fast After the Nighttime *Aarti***
After the celebration of Lord Krishna's birth and the *Aarti*, devotees break their fast in accordance with their family and religious customs. The *bhog* offered to the deity earlier is consumed as *prasad* when breaking the fast. According to religious belief, observing the Janmashtami fast and performing worship with faith and devotion invokes the grace of Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees pray to the Lord for happiness, peace, and prosperity for their families and for the well-being of all.

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