Janmashtami

5248th Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna, Janmashtami  in UK for 2021

Krishna Janmashtami In UK – on Monday, August 30, 2021
Nishita Puja Time – 12:41 AM to 01:22 AM, Aug 31
Duration – 00 Hours 41 Mins
Dahi Handi – on Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Parana as per Dharma Shastra
Parana Time – after 06:12 AM, Aug 31
On Parana Day Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra got over before Sunrise
Parana as per modern tradition in society
Parana Time – after 01:22 AM, Aug 31

Krishna Janmashtami also called Gokulashtami is a grand festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. It is observed as the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival is celebrated on the Ashtami of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) or the 8th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapad. Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, and just Janmashtami. In Gujarat, Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Satam Atham and in South India especially in Kerala Krishna Janmashtami is observed as Ashtami Rohini. People celebrate Janmashtami In UK with joy. Indian priests can provide details and muhurta for any hindu festival. To know more about this Hindu festival, you can contact our Hindu priest Ketul Joshi.

Devotees, who observe fast on Janmashtami, should have only a single meal a day before Janmashtami. On fasting day, devotees take Sankalpa to observe a day-long fast and to break it on the next day when both Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi are over. Some devotees break the fast when either Rohini Nakshatra or Ashtami Tithi is over. Sankalpa is taken after finishing morning rituals and the day-long fasting begins with Sankalpa.

The main deity which is worshipped during Janmashtami is Lord Krishna. As Janmashtami is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the toddler form of Lord Krishna, which are known as Bal Gopal and Laddu Gopal, are worshipped on the day of Krishna Janmashtami.

Apart from young Lord Krishna, the biological parents of Lord Krishna  Vasudeva and Devaki, the foster parents of Lord Krishna  Nanda and Yashoda, and the siblings of Lord Krishna, Balabhadra (Lord Balarama) and Subhadra are also worshipped during Janmashtami Puja.

The time to perform Krishna Puja is during Nishita Kaal which is midnight as per Vedic time-keeping. Devotees perform detailed ritualistic Puja during midnight and it involves all sixteen steps which are part of Shodashopachara (षोडशोपचार) Puja Vidhi. Please check Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi which lists all Puja steps for Janmashtami along with Vedic Mantra to perform the Puja.

At most places, Janmashtami is celebrated for 2 days.
First day as a Krishna Janmashtami and second day as a Dahi Handi.

Krishna  Janmashtami Origin & Significance

Janmashtami is getting observed since the birth era of Lord Krishna. Janmashtami is the 5200+ years old ritualistic celebration of the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna.

Krishna Janmashtami is a significant event in most Krishna temples. The cities and towns which are related to Lord Krishna, Janmashtami is a household celebration. In the historic cities, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka Krishna Janmashtami are celebrated as the birth anniversary of a family member.

Fasting Rules on Krishna Janmashtami

No grains should be consumed during Janmashtami fasting until the fast is broken on the next day after Sunrise. All rules followed during Ekadashi fasting should be followed during Janmashtami fasting also.

Depending on the end timing of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra fasting on Krishna Janmashtami might continue for two complete days. Devotees who are not able to follow two days of fasting might break the fast on the next day after Sunrise.  Parana which means breaking the fast should be done at an appropriate time. For Krishna Janmashtami fasting, Parana is done on the next day after Sunrise when Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra are over. If Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra do not get over before Sunset then fast can be broken during the daytime when either Ashtami Tithi or Rohini Nakshatra is over. When neither Ashtami Tithi nor Rohini Nakshatra is over before Sunset or even Hindu Midnight (also known as Nishita Time) one should wait to get them over before breaking the fast.

On the fasting day, devotees take Sankalpa after finishing morning rituals and perform Krishna Puja during Nishita Kaal which is midnight as per Vedic time-keeping. Devotees worship Bal Krishna during midnight. They also visit the Krishna temple. Lord Krishna gave ritualistic bath during Janmashtami.

The devotees wash baby Krishan’s idol with Pancha Amrit, decorate it with new clothes and ornaments, offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to the god and worship him in the cradle. Some devotees cook sweet dishes specially made of milk products and offer to Lord Krishna as a “Prasad”.

Dahi Handi

Dahi Handi is a famous sportive event. Dahi Handi is celebrated on the next day of Krishna Janmashtami. Dahi translates to the curd and Handi translates to the earthen pot used to process and keep the milk products. Dahi Handi celebration is also known as Gopalakala in Maharashtra, India.

Dahi Handi’s celebration commemorates the way of living of Lord Krishna. In His childhood, young Krishna was very fond of the curd and the butter. While growing up the fondness of curd and the butter increased and young Krishna became notorious for stealing it.

When Krishna and His troop started eyeing neighborhood homes to quench their thirst for milk products, female folks in the entire neighborhood became cautious and started hanging milk products from the ceiling like a chandelier. The idea was to take advantage of the short height of young Krishna and His troop and keep Dahi Handis out of reach of small hands.

To defeat the idea of female cowherds, Krishna devised the idea of forming a human pyramid. The human pyramid was used as the ladder to climb up and reach the Handi. Since then it has become part of Indian folklore. Every year during Janmashtami this event from the life of Lord Krishna is played by the young troop of boys.

To make the task challenging Handi is kept several floors high at the open ground or the street crossing. Dahi Handi could be up to several floors high in the sky. Women folks who represent female cowherds from the tale of Lord Krishna thwart any attempts to create a human pyramid by throwing the water or some slippery liquid on the pyramid formation.

In some regions, Dahi Handi is getting emerged as a competitive sport. Hundreds of teams participate every year in the event. Celebrities are invited to promote the event.

With time the whole event has its own slogan Govinda Aala Re!

Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi

We are giving detailed Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi which is observed on Krishna Janmashtami day. The given Puja Vidhi includes all sixteen steps which are part of Shodashopachara (षोडशोपचार) Krishna Janmashtami Puja Vidhi.

1. Dhyanam (ध्यानम्)

Puja should begin with the meditation of Lord Krishna. Dhyana should be done in front of the already installed Lord Krishna statue in front of you. Following Mantra should be chanted while meditating on Lord Shri Krishna.
Shri Krishna Abhishek
Om Tamadbhutam Balakam Ambujekshanam Chaturbhuja Shankha Gadadyudhayudam।
Shri Vatsa Lakshmam Gala Shobhi Kaustubham Pitambaram Sandra Payoda Saubhagam॥
Maharha Vaidhurya Kiritakundala Tvisha Parishvakta Sahasrakundalam।Uddhama Kanchanagada Kanganadibhir Virochamanam Vasudeva Ekshata॥Dhyayet Chaturbhujam Krishnam, Shankha Chakra Gadadharam।Pitambaradharam Devam Mala Kaustubhabhushitam॥
Om Shri Krishnaya Namah।
Dhyanat Dhyanam Samarpayami॥

2. Avahanam (आवाहनं)

After Dhyana of Lord Krishna, one should chant the following Mantra in front of the Murti, by showing Aavahan Mudra (Aavahan Mudra is formed by joining both palms and folding both thumbs inwards).
Om Sahasrashirsha Purushah Sahasrakshah Sahasrapat।
Sa Bhumim Vishvato Vritva Atyatishthaddashangulam॥
Agachchha Devadevesha Tejorashe Jagatpate।
Kriyamanam Maya Pujam, Grihana Surasattame॥
Avahayami Deva Tvam Vasudeva Kulodbhavam।
Pratimayam Suvarnadinirmitayam Yathavidhi॥
Krishnam Cha Balabadhram Cha Vasudevam Cha Devakim।
Nandagopa Yashodam Cha Subhadram Tatra Pujayet॥
Atma Devanam Bhuvanasya Garbho Yathavasham Charati Deveshah।
Ghosha Idasya Shrnvire Na Rupam Tasmai Vatayahavisha Vidhema॥
Shri Kleem Krishnaya Namah, Saparivara Sahita,
Shri Balakrishnam Avahayami॥

3. Asanam (आसनं)

After Lord Krishna has been invoked, take five flowers in Anjali (by joining palm of both hands) and leave them in front of the Murti to offer a seat to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Purusha Evedagam Sarvam Yadbhutam Yachchha Bhavyam।
Utamritatvasyeshanah Yadannenatirohati॥
Rajadhiraja Rajendra Balakrishna Mahipate।
Ratna Simhasanam Tubhyam Dasyami Svikuru Prabho॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Asanam Samarpayami॥

4. Padya (पाद्य)

After offering a seat to Lord Krishna offer Him water to wash the feet while chanting following Mantra.
Etavanasya Mahima Ato Jyayaganshcha Purushah।
Padoasya Vishva Bhutani Tripadasyamritam Divi॥
Achyutananda Govinda Pranatarti Vinashana।
Pahi Mam Pundarikaksha Prasida Purushottama॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Padoyo Padyam Samarpayami॥

5. Arghya (अर्घ्य)

After Padya’s offering, offer water to Shri Krishna for head Abhishekam while chanting following Mantra.
Tripadurdhva Udaitpurushah Padoasyehabhavatpunah।
Tato Vishvangvyakramat Sashananashane Abhi॥
Paripurna Parananda Namo Namo Krishnaya Vedhase।
Grihanarghyam Maya Dattam Krishna Vishnorjanardana॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Arghyam Samarpayami॥

6. Achamaniyam (आचमनीयं)

After Arghya’s offering, offer water to Shri Krishna for Achamana (water for sipping) while chanting following Mantra.
Tasmadviradajayata Virajo Adhi Purushah।
Sa Jato Atyarichyata Pashchadbhumimatho Purah॥
Namah Satyaya Shuddhaya Nityaya Jnana Rupine।
Grihanachamanam Krishna Sarva Lokaika Nayaka॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Achamaniyam Samarpayami॥

7. Snanam (स्नानं)

After Achamana, offer water to Shri Krishna for the bath while chanting following Mantra.
Yatpurushena Havisha Deva Yajnamatanvata।
Vasanto Asyasidajyam Grishma Idhmashsharaddhavih॥
Brahmandodara Madhyasthaistithaishcha Raghunandana।
Snapayishyamyaham Bhaktya Tvam Grihana Janardana॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Malapakarsha Snanam Samarpayami॥

8. Vastra (वस्त्र)

Now offer Moli (मोली) as new clothes to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Om Tam Yajnam Barhishi Praukshan Purusham Jatamagratah।
Tena Deva Ayajanta Sadhya Rishayashcha Ye॥
Om Upaitu Mam Devasakhah Kirtishcha Manina Saha।
Pradurbhutoasmi Rashtresminkirtimriddhim Dadatu Me॥
Tapta Kanchana Samkasham Pitambaram Idam Hare।
Samgrihana Jagannatha Balakrishna Namoastute॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Vastrayugmam Samarpayami॥

9. Yajnopavita (यज्ञोपवीत)

After Vastra’s offering, offer Yajnopavita to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Tasmadyajnatsarvahutah Sambhritam Prishadajyam।
Pashuganstaganshchakre Vayavyan Aranyan Gramyashchaye॥
Kshutpipasamalam Jyeshthamalakshmim Nashayamyaham।
Abhutimasamriddhim Cha Sarvam Nirnudame Grihat॥
Shri Balakrishna Devesha Shridharananta Raghava।
Brahmasutramchottariyam Grihana Yadunandana॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Yajnopavitam Samarpayami॥

10. Gandha (गन्ध)

After Yajnopavita offering, offer scent to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Tasmadyajnatsarvahutah Richah Samani Jajnire।
Chhandansi Jajnire Tasmat Yajustasmadajayata॥
Gandhadwaram Duradharsham Nityapushtam Karishinim।
Ishwarim Sarvabhutanam Tamihopahvaye Shriyam॥
Kumkumagaru Kasturi Karpuram Chandanam Tata।
Tubhyam Dasyami Rajendra Shri Krishna Svikuru Prabho॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Gandham Samarpayami॥

11. Abharanam Hastabhushan (आभरणं हस्तभूषण)

Now offer jewellery(Abhushana) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Grihana Nanabharanani Krishnaya Nirmitani।
Lalata Kanthottama Karna Hasta Nitamba Hastamguli Bhushanani॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Abharanani Samarpayami॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Hastabhushanam Samarpayami॥

12. Nana Parimala Dravya (नाना परिमल द्रव्य)

Now offer various fragrance stuff to Lord Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Om Ahiriva Bhogaih Paryeti Bahum Jayaya Hetim Paribadhamanah।
Hastaghno Vishva Vayunani Vidvanpumanpumamsam Pari Patu Vishvatah॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Nana Parimala Dravyam Samarpayami॥

13. Pushpa (पुष्प)

Now offer flowers to Lord Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Malyadini Sugandhini, Malyatadini Vaiprabho।
Maya Hritani Pujartham, Pushpani Pratigrihyatam॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Pushpani Samarpayami॥

14. Atha Angapuja (अथ अङ्गपूजा)

Now worship those Gods who are body parts of Shri Krishna itself. For that take Gandha, Akshata, and Pushpa in the left hand and leave them near Lord Krishna Murti with the right hand while chanting following Mantra(s).
Om Shri Krishnaya Namah। Padau Pujayami॥
Om Rajivalochanaya Namah। Gulphau Pujayami॥
Om Narakantakaya Namah। Januni Pujayami॥
Om Vachaspataye Namah। Janghai Pujayami॥
Om Vishvarupaya Namah। Urun Pujayami॥
Om Balabhadranujaya Namah। Guhyam Pujayami॥
Om Vishvamurtaye Namah। Jaghanam Pujayami॥
Om Gopijana Priyaya Namah। Katim Pujayami॥
Om Paramatmane Namah। Udaram Pujayami॥
Om Shrikantaya Namah। Hridayam Pujayami॥
Om Yajnine Namah। Parshvau Pujayami॥
Om Trivikramaya Namah। Prishthadeham Pujayami॥
Om Padmanabhaya Namah। Skandhau Pujayami॥
Om Sarvastradharine Namah। Bahun Pujayami॥
Om Kamalanathaya Namah। Hastan Pujayami॥
Om Vasudevaya Namah। Kantham Pujayami॥
Om Sanatanaya Namah। Vadanam Pujayami॥
Om Vasudevatmajaya Namah। Nasikam Pujayami॥
Om Punyaya Namah। Shrotre Pujayami॥
Om Shrishaya Namah। Netrani Pujayami॥
Om Nandagopapriyaya Namah। Bhravau Pujayami॥
Om Devakinandanaya Namah। Bhrumadhyam Pujayami॥
Om Shakatasuramardhanaya Namah। Lalatam Pujayami॥
Om Shri Krishnaya Namah। Shirah Pujayami॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Sarvangani Pujayami॥

15. Dhupam (धूपं)

Now offer Dhupa to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Vanaspatyudbhavo Divyo Gandhadyo Gandha Uttamah।
Balakrishna Mahipalo Dhupoyam Pratigrihyatam॥
Yatpurusham Vyadadhuh Katidha Vyakalpayan।
Mukham Kimasya Kau Bahu Kavuru Padavuchyete॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Dhupam Aghrapayami॥

16. Deepam (दीपं)

Now offer Deep to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Sajyam Trivarti Samyuktam Vahnina Yojitum Maya।
Grihana Mangalam Deepam, Trailokya Timirapaham॥
Bhaktya Deepam Prayashchami Devaya Paramatmane।
Trahi Mam Narakat Ghorat Deepam Jyotirnamostute॥
Brahmanosya Mukhamasit Bahu Rajanyah Kritah।
Uru Tadasya Yadvaishyah Padbhyam Shudro Ajayata॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Deepam Darshayami॥

17. Naivedya (नैवेद्य)

Now offer Naivedya to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Om Krishnaya Vidmahe Balabhadraya Dhimahi।
Tanno Vishnu Prachodayat॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah॥
Nirvishi Karanarthe Tarksha Mudra।
Amriti Karanarthe Dhenu Mudra।
Pavitri Karanarthe Shankha Mudra।
Sanrakshanarthe Chakra Mudra।
Vipulamaya Karanarthe Meru Mudra।
Om Satyantavartena Parishinchami।
Bhoh! Swamin Bhojanartham Agachchhadi Vijnapya।
Sauvarne Sthalivairye Manigana Khachite Goghritam
Supakvam Bhakshyam Bhojyam Cha Lehyanapi
Sakalamaham Joshyamna Nidhaya Nana Shakairupetam
Samadhu Dadhi Ghritam Kshira Paniya Yuktam
Tambulam Chapi Shri Krishnam Pratidivasamaham Manasa Chintayami॥
Adya Tishthati Yatkinchit Kalpitashchaparamgrihe
Pakvannam Cha Paniyam Yathopaskara Samyutam
Yathakalam Manushyarthe Mokshyamanam Shariribhih
Tatsarvam Krishnapujastu Prayatam Me Janardana
Sudharasam Suvipulam Aposhanamidam
Tava Grihana Kalashanitam Yatheshtamupabhujjyatam॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Amritopastaranamasi Svaha।
Om Pranatmane Narayanaya Svaha।
Om Apanatmane Vasudevaya Svaha।
Om Vyanatmane Sankarshanaya Svaha।
Om Udanatmane Pradyumnaya Svaha।
Om Samanatmane Aniruddhaya Svaha।
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Naivedyam Grihyatam Deva Bhakti Me Achalam Kuruh।
Ipsitam Me Varam Dehi Ihatra Cha Param Gatim॥
Shri Krishna Namastubhyam Maha Naivedyam Uttamam।
Sangrihana Surashreshtha Bhakti Mukti Pradayakam॥
Om Chandrama Manaso Jatah Chakshoh Suryo Ajayata।
Mukhadindrashchagnishcha Pranadvayurajayata॥
Om Ardram Pushkarinim Pushtim Suvarnam Hemamalinim।
Suryam Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah। Naivedyam Samarpayami॥
Sarvatra Amritopidhanyamasi Svaha।
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Uttaraposhanam Samarpayami॥

18. Tambulam (तांबूलं)

Now offer Tambula (Paan with betel nuts) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Pugiphalam Satambulam Nagavalli Dalairyutam।
Tambulam Grihyatam Krishna Yela Lavanga Samyuktam॥
Om Shri Balakrishnayanamah।
Pugiphala Tambulam Samarpayami॥

19. Dakshina (दक्षिणा)

Now offer Dakshina (gift) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Hiranya Garbha Garbhastha Hemabija Vibhavasoh।
Ananta Punya Phalada Athah Shantim Prayachchha Me॥
Om Shri Balakrishnayanamah।
Suvarna Pushpa Dakshinam Samarpayami॥

20. Maha Nirajan (महा नीराजन)

Now offer Nirajan (Aarti) to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Om Shriyai Jatah Shriya Aniriyaya Shriyam Vayo Jaritribhyo Dadati
Shriyam Vasana Amritattvamayan Bhavanti Satya Sa Mithamitadrau
Shriya Evainam Tat Shriyamadadhati Santatamricha Vashatkrityam
Santatyai Sandhiyate Prajaya Pashubhih Ya Evam Veda॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Mahanirajanam Deepam Samarpayami॥

21. Pradakshina (प्रदक्षिणा)

Now offer symbolic Pradakshina (circumambulate from left to right of Shri Krishna) with flowers while chanting following Mantra.
Om Nabhya Asidantariksham Shirshno Dyauh Samavartata।
Padabhyam Bhumirdishah Shrotrat Tatha Lokan Akalpayan॥
Ardram Yahkarinim Yashtim Pingalam Padmamalinim।
Chandram Hiranmayim Lakshmim Jatavedo Ma Avaha॥
Yani Kani Cha Papani Janmantara Kritani Cha।
Tani Tani Vinashyanti Pradakshine Pade Pade॥
Anyatha Sharanam Nasti Tvameva Sharnam Mama।
Tasmat Karunya Bhavena Raksha Rakhsa Ramapate॥
Om Shri Balakrishnayanamah।
Pradakshinan Samarpayami॥

22. Namaskar (नमस्कार)

Now pay homage to Shri Krishna while chanting following Mantra.
Namo Brahmanya Devaya Gobrahmanahitaya Cha।
Jagadishaya Krishnaya Govindaya Namo Namah॥
Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Paramatmane।
Pranatakleshanashaya Govindaya Namo Namah॥
Namastubhyam Jagannatha Devakitanaya Prabho
Vasudevatmajananda Yashodanandavardhana
Govinda Gokuladara Gopikanta Namostute
Saptasyasan Paridhayah Trissapta Samidhah Kritah।
Deva Yadyajnam Tanvanah Abadhnanpurusham Pashum॥
Tam Ma Avaha Jatavedo Lakshmimanapagaminim।
Yasyam Hiranyam Vindeyam Gamashvam Purushanaham॥
Namah Sarva Hitartaya Jagadadhara Hetave।
Sashtangoyam Pranamaste Prayatnena Maya Kritah॥
Urusa Shirasa Drishtva Manasa Vachasa Tatha।
Padbhyam Karabhyam Janubhyam Pranamoshtangam Uchyate॥
Shatyenapi Namaskaran Kurvatah Shrangapanaye।
Shata Janmarchitam Papam Tatkshanadeva Nashyati॥
Om Shri Balakrishnaya Namah।
Namaskaran Samarpayami॥

23. Kshamapan (क्षमापन)

After Namaskar, seek pardon from Shri Krishna for any known-unknown mistakes done during Puja while chanting following Mantra.
Aparadha Sahasrani Kriyante Aharnisham Maya।
Dasoayamiti Mam Matva Kshamasva Purushottama॥
Yantu Deva Ganah Sarve Pujam Adaya Parthivim।
Ishta Kamyartha Siddhyartham Punaragamanaya Cha॥
॥Shri Krishnarpanamastu॥