Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated across the country on Friday, September 4. According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Ashtami Tithi* (eighth lunar day) begins at 2:25 AM on the night of September 3 and concludes at 12:13 AM on the night of September 4. Meanwhile, the *Rohini Nakshatra* (lunar mansion) begins at 12:29 AM on the night of September 3 and continues until 11:04 PM on the night of September 4. This means the auspicious alignment of the *Rohini Nakshatra* will persist from sunrise (*Udaya Tithi*) through the night on the day of Janmashtami. Consequently, the Janmashtami fast and the birth anniversary celebrations will be observed on September 4.

According to the Vedic *Panchang* and Hindu calculations, the 5,253rd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna (Shri Krishna Janmashtami) is being celebrated in the year 2026. In the *Dvapara Yuga*, Lord Krishna was born at midnight during the *Ashtami Tithi* and *Rohini Nakshatra*; a similar celestial alignment is occurring this year. Often, while *Ashtami Tithi* coincides with Janmashtami, the alignment with *Rohini Nakshatra* does not occur; however, this year, both coincide on the same day. This makes this Janmashtami particularly special. All major sects, including the *Smartas* (householders) and *Vaishnavas*, will celebrate Janmashtami on September 4.

**Alignment of *Ashtami Tithi* and *Rohini Nakshatra***

The simultaneous occurrence of *Ashtami Tithi* and *Rohini Nakshatra*—lasting from sunrise until 11:04 PM—at the time of the Janmashtami midnight celebration is considered highly auspicious and spiritually rewarding. In recent years, while the Moon has been in the *Vrishabha Rashi* (Taurus) on the *Ashtami* of *Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha*, the alignment with *Rohini Nakshatra* did not occur. This year, however, key astrological elements—*Ashtami Tithi*, *Rohini Nakshatra*, and the Moon in *Vrishabha Rashi*—are converging. Religious beliefs emphasize the special significance of worshipping Lord Krishna during such an auspicious alignment.

**Auspicious Timing (*Shubh Muhurat*)**

The auspicious time for the Shri Krishna birth anniversary worship is from 11:57 PM on September 4 to 12:43 AM on September 5. Devotees can perform the birth celebration and worship rituals for *Laddu Gopal* during this approximately 46-minute window. According to the *Panchang* (Hindu almanac), the *Paran* (breaking of the fast) for Janmashtami can be performed after sunrise on September 5, specifically after 6:00 AM. However, in some regions, modern tradition dictates that the fast be broken only after the *Janmotsav* (birth celebration) concludes. Therefore, those observing the fast should break it in accordance with their specific local traditions.

**Lord Balarama's Birth Anniversary to be Celebrated on September 2**

The birth anniversary of Lord Balarama—Lord Krishna's elder brother and an incarnation of Sheshnag—is celebrated on the *Shashthi Tithi* (sixth day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Bhadrapada. The *Hal-Shashthi* fast, observed to pray for the longevity, good health, and happy lives of one's children, will be kept on Wednesday, September 2. 

This festival is also known by names such as Hal Chhath, Harchhath, and Lalahi Chhath.

On *Hal-Shashthi*, mothers observe a fast for the long life and well-being of their children. In many places, women observe a *Nirjala* fast (abstaining from both food and water), while in accordance with local customs, the diet during the fast includes *Tinni* rice, *Mahua*, and produce that grows in unploughed land or in water.

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