The date, fasting rules, puja and significance of Krishna Ashtami are given here.
Ever wonder why millions of devotees fast, pray, kirtan and celebrate at midnight at the time of Krishna Ashtami? It is a sacred time to remember the Divine manifestation of Lord Krishna and an opportunity for us to get closer to God.
If you are looking for the date of Krishna Ashtami, the meaning of the day, the rules of fasting or how to perform the worship of Lord Krishna, this guide will help you to understand it easily.
Let’s delve into the meaning of this auspicious event.
What Is the Date of Krishna Ashtami 2027?
According to the New Delhi calendar published by Drik Panchang, Krishna Janmashtami 2027 will be celebrated on Wednesday, 25 August 2027.
It is observed on the eighth lunar day (Ashtami Tithi) of Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha.
Important details:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Festival | Krishna Janmashtami |
| Date | 25 August 2027 |
| Day | Wednesday |
| Tithi | Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami |
| Nishita Puja | 12:01 AM – 12:45 AM, 26 August |
Some dates and times may differ by region and/or religious custom. Please read the temple calendar for the day before making an observance decision.
What Is Krishna Ashtami?
A thorough comprehension of Krishna Ashtami requires a knowledge of its significance.
Ashtami means the eighth day of lunar fortnight. The dark or waning phase of the Moon is called Krishna Paksha, which starts after Purnima (Full Moon).
For this reason, the eighth lunar day of Krishna Paksha is called Krishna Ashtami.
This tithi is seen in each lunar month. But the most popular festival that is celebrated during Krishna Ashtami is Krishna Janmashtami, which celebrates the appearance of Lord Krishna on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami.
Difference Between Krishna Ashtami and Janmashtami
These two words are often used interchangeably, but there is a slight difference between the two.
- Krishna Ashtami is a lunar tithi which falls every month in Krishna Paksha.
- The special annual festival to celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna is called Krishna Janmashtami.
- It is celebrated on the auspicious Ashtami Tithi of the month of Bhadrapada.
Why Is Krishna Ashtami Celebrated? (Religious Significance)
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam records the incident of Lord Krishna appearing to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura.
The kingdom was then under the rule of the cruel king Kamsa who imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband Vasudeva because of a prophecy that Devaki’s eighth son would destroy him.
When Lord Krishna appeared, the doors of the prison opened up and Vasudeva took the divine child to Gokul across the river Yamuna.
However, Krishna’s birth was not just another child being born. It was the manifestation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
What Does Bhagavad Gita 4.7–8 Teach Us?
Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita 4.7–8:
[Insert the authentic Bhagavad Gita verse and translation here.]
This is a lesson for us that the Lord is able to shelter His devotees, reinstate religious values and destroy evil.
What Are the Rules for Observing Krishna Ashtami Vrat?
It is very important to observe a fast during Krishna Janmashtami. But fasting is not only the fast from food. Its deeper meaning is to remember Krishna and participate in devotional activities.
Common Fasting Practices
Some of the common practices are:
- Get up early, take a bath and pray to Lord Krishna.
- Follow the spiritual and physical practice of fasting as you are able.
- Do not eat grains and prohibited foods based on the fasting guidelines you use.
- Practice Hare Krishna Mahamantra for some time.
- Read Bhagavad Gita or Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
- Participate in bhajans, kirtan and temple celebrations.
- Offer food to Krishna and honour prasadam at the appropriate time.
The devotees should practice sampradaya fasts and parana according to their sampradaya. If you are susceptible to health issues, consider a different method of fasting – don’t make yourself feel unwell.
How to Perform Krishna Ashtami Puja at Home?
No luxury can be seen in worshiping Krishna. It is important to be sincere and devoted.
Simple Krishna Ashtami Puja Vidhi
These are some simple things that can be done:
- Clean your house and make a small altar for Lord Krishna.
- Decorate the altar with flowers and offer Tulsi leaves.
- Cook fresh vegetarian food and serve it to Krishna with devotion.
- Recite Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
- Read or hear about the pastimes of Krishna from Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
- Join in kirtan and aarti at nighttime.
- Attend a midnight celebration at a Krishna temple.
Importance of Devotion in Krishna Worship
Krishna teaches in Bhagavad Gita 9.26 that He accepts even a leaf, flower, fruit or water when offered with love and devotion.
It brings to mind that devotion is greater than the price of an offering.
What Lessons Can We Learn from Lord Krishna on This Auspicious Day?
The essence of celebrating Krishna Janmashtami is not restricted to fasting, temple decoration or rituals. It’s also a chance to learn about Krishna and use His teachings in our lives.
Important Teachings of Lord Krishna
Lord Krishna teaches us to:
- Do our work and not be attached to the fruits of it.
- Develop genuine devotion towards the Supreme Lord.
- Control our mind and senses by spiritual exercises.
- Be gentle and humble towards others.
- Accept Krishna and have faith in Krishna’s protection.
Again and again, Srila Prabhupada has repeated that the purpose of human life is to restore our lost connection with Krishna.
It has become more meaningful to celebrate Krishna’s appearance if we try to implement His teachings in our daily lives too.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. In What Year Will Krishna Ashtami Fall?
As per Drik Panchang, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on 25 August 2027 in New Delhi. See the regional variations in the local Panchang.
2. Does Krishna Ashtami Occur Every Month?
Yes. The day of Krishna Ashtami occurs in each lunar month during Krishna Paksha. But the annual festival celebrating the appearance of Lord Krishna is called Krishna Janmashtami.
3. Is Krishna Ashtami the Same as Janmashtami?
Not exactly. Krishna Ashtami is a lunar tithi (day), and Janmashtami is an annual festival celebrating the appearance of Lord Krishna on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami.
4. Is It Allowed to Consume Food During Krishna Ashtami Fasting?
Fasting practices differ. Some devotees follow a complete fast and others follow a suitable fruit-based diet or another fasting diet according to their tradition and health.
5. What Is the Most Important Thing to Do on Krishna Janmashtami?
Some of the most important activities to remember Krishna include chanting, listening to His pastimes, reading His scriptures and performing devotional service.
Conclusion
It’s a time to remind yourself of the divine appearance of Lord Krishna and why He gave His teachings.
Let’s make a good effort to practice devotion and recite the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and read the Bhagavad Gita, rather than celebrating this through only external rituals.
After all, the best part of celebrating the appearance of Krishna is to make Him a part of our daily lives.
Hare Krishna!
