The festival of Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated joyously by devotees each year to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. However, there is some confusion regarding the accurate date for Krishna Janmashtami 2023 celebrations this year.
Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi in the month of Bhadrapada as per the Hindu lunar calendar. But the tithi and other elements are causing the festival to be kept on two days. Let us understand the cause of the date confusion and the exact dates for celebrating Krishna Janmashtami 2023.
Why is Krishna Janmashtami 2023 on Two Days?
As per Drik Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra timings are creating the double date situation for Krishna Janmashtami 2023:
- Ashtami Tithi begins – on September 6, 2023, 3:37 pm
- Ashtami Tithi ends – on September 7, 2023, 4:14 pm
- Rohini Nakshatra begins – September 6, 2023 at 9:20 am
- Rohini Nakshatra ends – September 7, 2023 at 10:25 am
As you can see, Ashtami and Rohini are timed during the night between September 6 and 7. Hence, while puja is done on September 6, celebrations spill over to September 7.
Confirmed Krishna Janmashtami 2023 Dates
Given the Ashtami and Rohini timings, Krishna Janmashtami 2023 will be celebrated over two days:
Krishna Janmashtami – September 6, 2023, This is when devotees will observe the formal puja and festivities
Dahi Handi – September 7, 2023, The popular Dahi Handi ritual and other festivities will spillover to this day
Auspicious Timings for Krishna Janmashtami 2023
Here are the Shubh Muhurat timings for Krishna puja on Janmashtami:
- Nishita Puja Muhurat – 12:17 AM to 12:58 AM, Sep 7
- Duration – 0 Hours 41 Mins
- Parana Time – after 04:14 PM, Sep 7
So the ideal time to do Krishna puja rituals is from September 6 till midnight into September 7.
How Krishna Janmashtami 2023 is Celebrated
- Temples are decorated ornately to mark Krishna Janmashtami across India.
- Processions with the infant Krishna idol are taken out in cities like Mathura and Vrindavan.
- People dress up little boys as Krishna and celebrate as Laddu Gopal.
- Puja is performed during midnight at homes by decorating the cradle and swinging the Laddu Gopal idol.
- Janmashtami fasts and feasts are observed by devotees.
- The dahi-handi ritual involves teams forming human pyramids to break the curd pot hung high.
Puja Vidhi for Krishna Janmashtami 2023
- As per Hindu traditions, devotees are advised to observe fast and perform puja on Janmashtami in the following manner:
- Take a holy bath early in the morning and prepare the puja area before sunrise on Janmashtami.
- Decorate a small ornate cradle and room to recreate infant Krishna’s birthplace. Add Jhakis, garlands, flowers, etc.
- Draw auspicious symbols like Swastik, Shubh Labh, and om on walls for positive vibrations.
- Place the idol of Goddess Devki next to baby Krishna’s portrait in the cradle.
- Bathe the Laddu Gopal murti with devotion and offer flowers, fruits, makhan, coconut, etc.
- At midnight, swing the cradle while doing aarti, chanting mantras, and playing the conch.
- After Krishna puja, distribute prasad in the form of bhog to all present.
- To conclude their fasts, devotees must feed brahmins on Navami day and seek their blessings.
- Following the vidhi sincerely will bless Krishna devotees on the occasion.
The Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
- Commemorates the birth of the dark-hued Lord Krishna, one of the most revered gods in the Hindu faith
- Krishna embodies playfulness, compassion, and profound wisdom, as epitomized through his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita
- Celebrates Krishna’s acts as a divine child, his youthful exploits, and his role as Arjuna’s mentor and guide
- Marks Krishna’s 5250th birth anniversary in the year 2023 as per the Vedic calendar
- Carries spiritual and cultural importance seen in the grand temple celebrations and community rituals
- Passing on the legends, teachings, and values connected with Krishna to future generations
This article has helped provide clarity on the dual dates for celebrating Krishna Janmashtami 2023. The festivities begin on September 6 with the main puja at midnight, spilling over to September 7 for rituals like Dahi Handi. For devotees worldwide, Krishna Janmashtami marks a joyous occasion to commemorate the birth of the dark-hued Lord with teachings immortalized in the Bhagavad Gita. The festival carries immense spiritual and cultural significance.