Krishna Janmashtami is one of the big festivals that is celebrated by millions of people around the world and is also a very spiritually important festival. Today is the special day when devotees gather together to celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
When is Krishna Janmashtami and “Why is Janmashtami celebrated at midnight? Why the Lord Krishna’s incidence is extraordinary and the way devotees celebrate this auspicious day?
In the following article, we will look at the date of Krishna Janmashtami, the significance of this occasion, the fast done on this day and 7 important things you need to know about the holy occasion of Lord Krishna’s birthday.
What is the date of Lord Krishna Janmashtami in 2027?
So, if you are wondering what is the time period of Krishna Janmashtami in 2027, as per Vaishnava Calendar, New Delhi, India, it will be 25 August 2027 on Wednesday.
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami Tithi) of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada month. The traditional story goes that Lord Krishna incarnated at midnight, hence the special prayers and festivities held during Nishita Kaal.
Important timings in New Delhi:
- The Janmashtami of the Lord Krishna is celebrated on Wednesday, 25 August 2027.
- Ashta Mi Ekadhi Stater: 24 August, 8:24 PM
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 7:19 PM, 25 August
- Nishita Puja Muhurat: 12:01 AM to 12:45 AM, 26 August
The timings are for New Delhi Panchang. While celebrating any festival, always check the Panchang at your place as the dates and timings may differ based on location and tradition.
2. What is the reason behind the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami?
The birthday of Lord Krishna is called Krishna Janmashtami and it is a celebration of the appearance of Lord Krishna in this world. Lord Krishna was born in Mathura as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki as per the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
In that period, there was a cruel king Kansa who ruled over Mathura. It was prophesied that Devaki’s eighth son would be the reason for Kansa’s death. Devaki and Vasudeva were consequently imprisoned by Kansa and their children were killed in fear of this prediction.
But when Lord Krishna appeared, Lord Krishna’s plan made it possible for Vasudeva to safely cross the Yamuna River with Lord Krishna to reach Gokul and raising him up with Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yashoda.
Krishna did not look like a normal boy, but the Supreme Lord Himself.
The Bhagavad Gita gives an explanation as to why He appeared (4.7-8):
When religion is going down, and irreligion is increasing, then I come down Myself.
This is one of the main reasons why Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with utmost devotion among the devotees.
3. On which day Lord Krishna was born?
In the present-day city of Uttar Pradesh, India, Lord Krishna manifested himself in the ancient holy city of Mathura.
The Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam tells of His appearing in the prison of Kansa, the King, whose parents Vasudeva and Devaki were prisoners there.
Then when Krishna appeared, Vasudeva took Him to Gokul and handed Him over to Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda.
Mathura, Vrindavan and Gokul are sacred places in the lives of the devotees of Krishna today. The sacred areas are very associated with Krishna’s childhood amusements.
These are the places where thousands of devotees visit during Janmashtami to take part in kirtans, temple function and special darshan.
4. What do the devotees do on Krishna Janmashtami?
Having known when Krishna Janmashtami is, let’s now see how this beautiful festival is celebrated.
The celebration isn’t just about decorating the temples, creating tasty food. It is just to remind of Krishna and to cultivate affection, devotion for Krishna.
Some common devotional activities include:
- Fasting: The devotees perform a fast as per their religious belief and health.
- Kirtan: Devotees sing devotional songs, Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
- Abhishek: different auspicious things are used to bathe the Deity of Lord Krishna.
- **Reading Bhagavad Gita:**Devotees read Krishna’s teachings and instructions.
- Special prayers and celebrations are held around the time of Krishna’s divine appearance known as midnight celebration.
- Temple Decorations: Temples are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights and devotional arrangements.
Janmashtami is celebrated in ISKCON Temples with elaborate kirtans, abhishek, Bhagavad Gita teaching and offering for Krishna.
5. What are the rules of fasting in Krishna Janmashtami?
There is a significant importance of fasting during Krishna Janmashtami. People do this fast as a love, devotion and remembrance of Lord Krishna.
But fasting isn’t just about not eating. The deeper the purpose is that it takes more time to remember Krishna and devote to Him.
Depending on their ability and custom, devotees might fast various types:
- Nirjala fast (fasting).
- Fasting with water.
- Eating fruits and allowed fasting items (phalahar).
- Observing Vaishnava fasts.
Janmashtami fasting rules are that people seldom fast on grains or beans. The fast is observed as per their traditional Parana rules.
Individuals with medical conditions, children and the elderly devotees should follow proper guidance instead of making themselves do extreme fasting.
6. What is the Spiritual Significance of the Janmashtami Day of Lord Krishna?
Krishna’s birth is transcendental, and one of the most crucial aspects of Krishna Janmashtami is that Krishna’s birth is beyond the physical.
The ordinary living beings have come into the world due to their karmas, whereas the Supreme Lord has come into the world because of His spiritual power.
Lord Krishna tells us in Bhagavad Gita 4.9:
One who understands My transcendental nature and activities, when he departs this body, does not re-enter the material world, but goes to My eternal abode.
This verse tells us that it’s far more than just the story of Krishna’s birth that we need to know, but also an understanding of Krishna.
As we hear about Krishna, read His teachings and practice His service, we slowly connect with Him.
This is the reason Janmashtami is an auspicious occasion to reinforce our spiritual life and to recite the name of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
7. What are the lessons that can be learnt from the appearance of Lord Krishna?
Krishna Janmashtami also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of Krishna’s life.
These are seven lessons that we can learn from His appearance and teachings:
- Have the attitude of trust in tough situations: Even when Krishna’s parents were jailed, He appeared. When times get tough, this is a reminder that God has not forgotten us.
- Value of truth: Kansa is a cruel and power-misusing person. The incidents in Krishna’s pastimes give us the lesson about righteousness.
- Cultivate devotion: Devotion is pleasing to Krishna more than material wealth or display.
- Remember God: Spiritual life starts when we try to remember Krishna in our day to day lives.
- Do duty: Krishna says that we have to do our duty with sincerity and spiritual awareness.
- Train the mind: The Bhagavad Gita provides instructions on how to discipline the mind, how to control the mind, how to train the mind with knowledge and devotion.
- Surrender to Krishna: Krishna’s supreme advice to give up to Him is in the Bhagavad Gita 18.66.
The lessons make Krishna Janmashtami more meaningful not only for one day but for our lives.
10 Most Asked Questions On Janmashtami Of Sri Krishna
In which year will be Krishna Janmashtami 2027?
The Vaishnava calendar states that Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on Wednesday, 25 August 2027 in the city of New Delhi, India.
What is the significance of the midnight celebration of Janmashtami of Lord Krishna?
At midnight, Lord Krishna came to Mathura. Thus special prayers and celebrations are offered during Nishita Kaal (midnight) time.
Is Lord Krishna’s birth day Ashtami Tithi?
Yes. The scriptures say that Lord Krishna came in his eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada.
Why is it that devotees fast during the Janmashtami of Lord Krishna?
Devotees fast to show their devotion, to control their senses and spend more time in remembrance of Lord Krishna and more in service of Lord Krishna.
In which place was Lord Krishna born?
Lord Krishna was born in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India in the prison of King Kansa.
How to celebrate Janmashtami at Home?
You can celebrate by making prayers, chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra, reading Bhagavad Gita, making an offering to Krishna and join in with the midnight celebration.
Conclusion
Now you know the time of Krishna Janmashtami, why it is celebrated and what is the significance of the festival in spiritual terms.
But Janmashtami is not only a celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna once a year. It encourages us to make Krishna real in our life, to follow His teachings, to be devotees of Krishna, to remember Krishna sincerely.
The human life is to know one’s relation with Krishna and to rekindle their love for Krishna as in the beginning, as Srila Prabhupada explained.
So, take some time to read Bhagavad Gita As It Is, chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and learn more about the Supreme Personality of Godhead this Janmashtami.
Hare Krishna!
