Festival guide

Krishna Janmashtami

कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी

Birthday of Lord Krishna, celebrated at midnight.

At a glance

How is Krishna Janmashtami dated?

Krishna Janmashtami is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi nakshatra Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

Also known as: Janmashtami, Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami.

Yearly reference

Krishna Janmashtami dates by year

Choose a year for the exact Gregorian date, Hindu date, observance rule, and related calendar links.

Why this date?

Falls on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami (8th day of dark fortnight), with the observance centered on the midnight nishita period. Rohini nakshatra is an important traditional consideration in some Panchangs, so regional variants can differ, typically in August-September.

Learn how Hindu calendar dates are calculated

Krishna Janmashtami tithi and Panchang details

Date determined by

Tithi and nakshatra

Category

Major festival

Nakshatra

Mrigashira

Dietary practice

Fasting

Significance

Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura prison to Devaki and Vasudeva.

Traditions and Regions

Traditions

Midnight celebrationDahi HandiFastingBhajan singing

Observed in

Pan-India

Common questions

How is Krishna Janmashtami dated?

Krishna Janmashtami is an annual Hindu observance whose Gregorian date can change each year. Samvat calculates each year's date from its tithi nakshatra Panchang rule; choose a year for the exact date and tithi.

What is the tithi for Krishna Janmashtami?

The Hindu date is calculated separately each year from the tithi, paksha, and Hindu month for Krishna Janmashtami. Choose a year above to see the details.

Can the date differ by city?

Yes. Panchang values depend on sunrise, sunset, moonrise, and timezone. Samvat's public festival page uses an India-baseline calculation; local observance can differ by city, sampradaya, or family tradition.