Pradosham Dates 2019 Calendar – Pradosham is the period of about 3 hours around the sunset time of a Triyodashi Tithi, the 13th lunar day of both the waxing phase and the waning phase of the Moon. This generally comes two times a month and 24 times a year and is considered extremely auspicious for worshipping Lord Shiva.

Pradosham Tithi (Calendar) 2019 – Date, Time & Month

Days and Dates	Tithi and Paksha	Timings
January 3, 2019, Thursday	Pausha, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 02:10 AM, Jan 03 Ends – 03:21 AM, Jan 04
January 19, 2019, Saturday	Pausha, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 08:22 PM, Jan 18 Ends – 05:34 PM, Jan 19
February 2, 2019, Saturday	Magha, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 06:59 PM, Feb 01 Ends – 09:19 PM, Feb 02
February 17, 2019, Sunday	Magha, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 08:10 AM, Feb 17 Ends – 04:50 AM, Feb 18
March 3, 2019, Sunday	Phalguna, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 01:45 PM, Mar 03 Ends – 04:29 PM, Mar 04
March 18, 2019, Monday	Phalguna, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 05:43 PM, Mar 18 Ends – 02:18 PM, Mar 19
April 2, 2019, Tuesday	Chaitra, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 08:39 AM, Apr 02 Ends – 10:56 AM, Apr 03
April 17, 2019, Wednesday	Chaitra, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 01:26 AM, Apr 17 Ends – 10:24 PM, Apr 17
May 2, 2019, Thursday	Vaishakha, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 02:05 AM, May 02 Ends – 03:21 AM, May 03
May 16, 2019, Thursday	Vaishakha, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 08:15 AM, May 16 Ends – 06:05 AM, May 17
May 31, 2019, Friday	Jyeshtha, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 05:17 PM, May 31 Ends – 05:16 PM, Jun 01
June 14, 2019, Friday	Jyeshtha, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 03:30 PM, Jun 14 Ends – 02:33 PM, Jun 15
June 30, 2019, Sunday	Ashadha, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 06:11 AM, Jun 30 Ends – 04:56 AM, Jul 01
July 14, 2019, Sunday	Ashadha, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 12:29 AM, Jul 14 Ends – 12:55 AM, Jul 15
July 29, 2019, Monday	Shravana, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 05:09 PM, Jul 29 Ends – 02:49 PM, Jul 30
August 12, 2019, Monday	Shravana, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 12:07 PM, Aug 12 Ends – 01:46 PM, Aug 13
August 28, 2019, Wednesday	Bhadrapada, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 02:36 AM, Aug 28 Ends – 11:28 PM, Aug 28
September 11, 2019, Wednesday	Bhadrapada, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 02:42 AM, Sep 11 Ends – 05:06 AM, Sep 12
September 26, 2019, Thursday	Ashwina, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 11:03 AM, Sep 26 Ends – 07:32 AM, Sep 27
October 11, 2019, Friday	Ashwina, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 07:52 PM, Oct 10 Ends – 10:20 PM, Oct 11
October 25, 2019, Friday	Kartika, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 07:08 PM, Oct 25 Ends – 03:46 PM, Oct 26
November 9, 2019, Saturday	Kartika, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 02:39 PM, Nov 09 Ends – 04:33 PM, Nov 10
November 24, 2019, Sunday	Margashirsha, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 03:43 AM, Nov 24 Ends – 01:06 AM, Nov 25
December 9, 2019, Monday	Margashirsha, Shukla Trayodashi	Begins – 09:54 AM, Dec 09 Ends – 10:44 AM, Dec 10
December 23, 2019, Monday	Pausha, Krishna Trayodashi	Begins – 01:42 PM, Dec 23 Ends – 12:19 PM, Dec 24

Note: All timings are represented in 12-hour format as per the local time of New Delhi, India.

More Information

What is Pradosham?

Pradosham Vrat or Pradosh Vrat falls twice a month on a Trayodashi tithi according to the Hindu calendar. There are 24 Pradosham dates in 2019.

What is the significance of Pradosham?

• Pradosham’s literal translation is divided into two parts, “Pra” which means “removal” and “Dosham” which means “sins”.
• It is believed that observing a fast during Pradosham helps in getting rid of all the sins committed in the lifetime.
• This time of 96 minutes of Pradosham is said to be extremely auspicious to worship Lord Shiva.
• Out of all the Pradoshams, Shani Pradosham (which falls on a Saturday) and Soma Pradosham (which falls on a Monday) are considered to be extremely important.
• Maha Pradosham is the most auspicious of all the 24 vrat, as it falls right before Mahashivratri (usually in the month of February or March).

What to do on Pradosham?

• On this day, devotees wake up early in the morning, usually before sunrise.
• After bathing, devotees are advised to wear a rudraksha mala, if possible.
• They then offer prayers to Lord Shiva by performing abhishekam with vibhuti, sandalwood, panchamrit, bilva leaves, and milk.
• The devotees also observe a vrat (fast) throughout the day.

Various temples, such as the famous jyotirlingas of Kashi Vishwanath and Bhimashankar Temple offer special poojas to Lord Shiva on the days of Pradosham.

What is the fasting procedure on Pradosham?

• Devotees observe a fast from sunrise to sunset on the day of Pradosham.
• During sunrise, devotees bath and perform pooja and pray to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• The fast is broken post-sunset after the devotee takes bath and offers pooja to Lord Shiva.
• Devotees are allowed to consume light fruits during the fast.
• Some devotees chant “Om Namah Shivaya” 108 times before breaking the vrat.

What are the benefits of Pradosham Vrat?

• Observing Pradosham helps remove all your sins.
• Fasting on this day helps attain moksha.
• It also helps realise yourself and understand the value of your karma.
• Scientifically, fasting helps detoxify and cleanses the body.

Purnima Dates 2019 Calendar – There are 12 Purnima days this year in 2019. The name and timings of each Purnima day is given below as per the Hindu calendar. It marks the division between two Pakshas (lunar fortnights). People observe Purnima Vrat and perform Puja on this day.

Purnima Tithi (Calendar) 2019 – Date, Time & Month

2019 Purnima Dates	Day	Purnima Observed	Significance
21 January 2019	Monday	Paush Purnima	It is believed that taking a bath in holy rivers of India is auspicious on this day.
19 February 2019	Tuesday	Magha Purnima	It is an auspicious day on which good deeds give mutiple benefits.
21 March 2019	Thursday	Phalguna Purnima	The popular festival of Holi is celebrated on the day of Phalguna Purnima.
19 April 2019	Friday	Chaitra Purnima	The day of Chaitra Purnima is marked as the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.
18 May 2019	Saturday	Vaishakh Purnima	It is an auspicious day for Hindus as well as for Buddhists. The day marks as the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha.
17 June 2019	Monday	Jyeshtha Purnima	The 3 day festival of Vat Savitri ends on the day of Jyeshtha Purnima.
16 July 2019	Tuesday	Ashadha Purnima	Ashadha Purnima is also celebrated as Guru Purnima which is a festival dedicated to our teachers.
15 August 2019	Thursday	Shravana Purnima	The festival of Kajri Purnima and Raksha Bandhan is celebrated on this day.
14 September 2019	Saturday	Bhadrapada Purnima	Bhadrapada Purnima marks the beginning of the Pitru Paksha (Shraddha).
13 October 2019	Sunday	Ashwini Purnima	This is considered as the day when the moon light is regarded as the elixir (Amrit).
12 November 2019	Tuesday	Kartika Purnima	Kartik Purnima is celebrated as the day on which Lord Shiva killed the demon Tripurasura.
12 December 2019	Thursday	Margashirsha Purnima	It marks the day on which Lord Dattatreya was born.

Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour format as per the local time of New Delhi, India.

More Information

What is Purnima?

Purnima is the full moon day. According to the Hindu Calendar, Purnima is the day on which full Moon occurs. There are 12 Purnima dates in 2019.

What is Full Moon Day?

A full moon day is a day when we can see the entire lit part of the Moon. Poornima occurs when the Sun, Moon, and the Earth are all aligned in a straight line and all the light of the Sun is reflected by the Moon. The full moon marks the division between two Pakshas (lunar fortnights).

What are the two Pakshas in a lunar cycle?

• Shukla Paksha – The day of Purnima marks the end of the Shukla Paksha. Shukla Paksha is also known as brighter fortnight or waxing phase of the Moon.
• Krishna Paksha – The next following day after Purnima marks the beginning of the Krishna Paksha cycle. Krishna Paksha is also known as darker fortnight or waning phase of the Moon.

Significance of Purnima Dates

• Purnima is considered as a very auspicious day.
• The day of Purnima is generally chosen to commence new activities so as to get good results.
• Many people observe fast and perform puja on Purnima dates occurring as per Hindu calendar.
• On a full moon day, the brightest full moon symbolises the removal of darkness and brightness around us.
• It is regarded as a day during which energy is especially high. This energy is said to be positive and divine.

What we can do on Purnima Dates?

• Each Purnima day has its own significance. All the 12 Purnima dates have something special to celebrate as per the calendar.
• Purnima is considered a very auspicious day to start any new stuff or business. While, on the contrary, such things are avoided on Amavasya days.
• Doing any Pooja on the day of Poornima is very beneficial as it gives multifold benefits.
• Poornima days are one of the favourite days of Devi. People perform Devi Puja on this day.
• Satyanarayana Puja is also generally performed on Purnima.

How to worship on Purnima?

• The fasting on the day of Purnima is known as Purnima Vratam. The fast can immensely benefit the devotees.
• Most of the devotees observe fast throughout the day.
• Devotees pray to supreme Lord Vishnu for his blessings. 
• Purnima is also an ideal day to do the Satyanarayan Puja at homes.

Purnima Fasting Procedure

• On this day, the devotee should wake up early in the morning.
• After doing the necessary cleaning, devotees take a bath before sunrise.
• Devotees worship Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu on this day.
• Devotees can keep fast throughout the day. However, one meal is allowed if the devotee prefers.
• The meal should be free from salt, cereals or pulses.
• The fasting starts with the sunrise and can be ended just after watching the moon.

Benefits of Purnima Fasting

• The Puja and fasting on Purnima benefits in achieving prosperity and illumination in life.
• According to science, the gravitational forces of the earth are maximum on a full moon day. This helps humans in achieving stability in life.
• It also provides enhanced energy and a balance between the body and soul.

What are the other terms for Purnima?

In North India, the full moon days are known as Purnima or Poornima. However, in South India, the full moon days are known as Pournami or Pournima. Purnima is also known as Poonam in Gujarat and Punnami and Purnamasi in various other places.

Is Purnima an auspicious day?

Purnima is considered as a very auspicious day. The day of Purnima is generally chosen to commence new activities so as to get good results.

Amavasya Dates 2019 Calendar – There are 14 Amavasya nights this year in 2019. The name and timings of each Amavasya is given below as per the Hindu calendar. It marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. People observe Amavasya Vrat and perform Amavasya Puja on this day.

Amavasya Tithi (Calendar) 2019 – Date, Time & Month

2019 Amavasya Dates	Name	Timings
January 5, 2019, Saturday	Margashirsha, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 04:58 AM, Jan 05 Ends – 06:58 AM, Jan 06
February 4, 2019, Monday	Pausha, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 11:52 PM, Feb 03 Ends – 02:33 AM, Feb 05
March 6, 2019, Wednesday	Magha, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 07:07 PM, Mar 05 Ends – 09:34 PM, Mar 06
April 4, 2019, Thursday	Phalguna, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 12:51 PM, Apr 04 Ends – 02:20 PM, Apr 05
May 4, 2019, Saturday	Chaitra, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 04:04 AM, May 04 Ends – 04:15 AM, May 05
June 3, 2019, Monday	Vaishakha, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 04:40 PM, Jun 02 Ends – 03:32 PM, Jun 03
July 2, 2019, Tuesday	Jyeshtha, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 03:06 AM, Jul 02 Ends – 12:46 AM, Jul 03
July 31, 2019, Wednesday	Ashadha, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 11:57 AM, Jul 31 Ends – 08:41 AM, Aug 01
August 30, 2019, Friday	Shravana, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 07:55 PM, Aug 29 Ends – 04:07 PM, Aug 30
September 28, 2019, Saturday	Bhadrapada, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 03:46 AM, Sep 28 Ends – 11:56 PM, Sep 28
October 27, 2019, Sunday	Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 12:23 PM, Oct 27 Ends – 09:08 AM, Oct 28
November 26, 2019, Tuesday	Darsha Amavasya, Kartika, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 10:40 PM, Nov 25 Ends – 08:35 PM, Nov 26
December 25, 2019, Wednesday	Margashirsha, Krishna Amavasya	Begins – 11:17 AM, Dec 25 Ends – 10:43 AM, Dec 26

Notes: All timings are represented in 12-hour format as per the local time of New Delhi, India.

More Information

What is Amavasya?

Amavasya is the new moon day (or no moon day) as per Hindu calendar. There are 12 Amavasya dates in 2019.

What is New Moon Day?

A new moon day is a day on which Moon cannot be seen from Earth. The moon is invisible to us here on Earth because, at this time, the moon is directly between the earth and the sun. The new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle.

Significance of Amavasya Dates

• It is a significant day as many rituals are performed only on Amavasya Tithi.
• Many people observe fast and perform puja on Amavasya dates occurring as per Hindu calendar.
• People usually keep Maun Vrat (fast of keeping silence) on Amavasya.
• Amavasya falling on weekday Monday is known as Somvati Amavasya and Amavasya falling on weekday Saturday is known as Shani Amavasya.

What we can do on Amavasya Dates?

• Amavasya days are also considered good to perform Shraddha rituals to appease ancestors.
• Offering food to your ancestors on Amavasya is also considered highly auspicious.
• Amavasya day is also an appropriate day to perform Kaal Sarpa Dosha puja.
• Kali Puja is also performed on Amavasya to get rid of all evil powers.

How to worship on Amavasya?

• Amavasya fast observed on this day can immensely benefit the devotees.
• Most of the devotees observe fast throughout the day.
• Devotees pray to supreme Lord Vishnu for his blessings. 
• Observing this fast will please Lord Shankar and Lord Vishnu.
• Devotees can also offer prayers and food offerings to their ancestors on this day.

Amavasya Fasting Procedure

• On this day, the devotee should wake up early in the morning.
• After doing the necessary cleaning, devotees take a bath before sunrise.
• Devotees worship Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu on this day and read Amavasya Vrat Katha.
• They keep fast on this day and live the entire day without eating.

Benefits of Amavasya Fasting

• It helps to achieve peacefulness and calmness.
• This fast decreases all kind of health issues.
• It also reduces acidity and strengthens your body completely.

Is Amavasya an auspicious day?

• Amavasya is considered as an inauspicious day and hence not suitable for any auspicious work.
• However, the festival of Diwali, which is a very auspicious festival, falls on Amavasya night only.

In most of the parts of India, New Moon day is considered inauspicious, but for the people of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the auspicious and holy days of the year.

Ganesh Chaturthi Date for 2019 in India – Monday, September 2, 2019

Ganesh Chaturthi is a popular Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. This festival is observed during Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month which usually occurs in August or September in the English calendar. The festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi lasts after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi, also known as Ganesha Visarjan day.

Ganesha Puja Muhurat 2019

Ganesh Puja is preferred during Madhyahana timings as it is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahana Kala. The Puja Muhurat given below are as per the local time of New Delhi, India, IST.

Ganesha Chaturthi Date	2nd September 2019
Ganapati Sthapana and Puja Muhurat	Madhyahan (Noon) – 11 AM to 1:30 PM
Ganeshotsav Celebration	2nd September to 11th September (10 Days)
Ganesha Visarjan Date	12th September 2019
Ganesha Visarjan Timings	Morning Muhurat – 6:08 AM to 7:40 AM and 10:45 AM to 03:22 PM

How to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi?

• The festival starts with the installation of Ganesha idols at home or in pandals.
• Families decorate the place where Murti is to be installed with various flowers and lights. The pandals also have elaborate decoration and lighting.
• For the next 10 days, people worship Ganesha in the morning and evening along with the chanting of Vedic hymns and prayers.
• The worship ends after singing of an aarti in favour of Ganesha.
• Lord Ganesh is offered with different prasadam every day which is later distributed to the community and worshippers.
• The Ganeshotsav, festivity of Ganesh Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi which is also known as Ganesh Visarjan day.
• On the last day, Ganesh idol is carried in a public procession with religious hymns and chanting.
• The clay idol is later immersed in a river or sea where it dissolves completely.
• It is believed that after getting dissolved Ganesha is believed to return to Mount Kailash to his parents Parvati and Shiva.

Ganesh Visarjan 2019

• The day of Anant Chaturdashi is considered as the most significant day to perform Ganesha Visarjan. Anant Chaturdashi is observed 11th day after the Ganesh Chaturthi.
• However, many families do the Visarjan before that day too.
• Ganesh Visarjan can be done same day, after one and a half-day, 3rd day, 5th day, 7th day and 11th day after Ganesh Chaturthi.
• It is important to note that Ganesha Visarjan can be done only during the odd number of days e.g. 3rd day, 5th day, 7th day and 11th day.

Pooja Materials for Ganesh Chaturthi

• Ganesh Murti (from local artisans)
• Flowers
• Durva Grass
• Karanji
• Modak
• Coconut
• Jaggery
• Red Hibiscus
• Roli and Rice
• Deepak
• Sweets

Ganesh Chaturthi Prasad & Offerings

• Modak – The traditional offering and main prasad of Ganesh Chaturthi is Modak. It is believed to be the favourite food of Lord Ganesh. Modak are sweet dumplings made of rice, wheat flour, grated coconut, jaggery and various dry fruits.
  • Different Names of Modak
  • Marathi and Konkani – Modak
  • Telugu – Modakam or Kudumu
  • Kannada – Kadubu
  • Tamil – Kozhukattai or Modagam
  • Malayalam – Kozhakatta
• Karanji – Another popular sweet dish of Ganesh Chaturthi is the Karanji. It is similar to Modak in composition and taste but it is made in a semicircular shape. The Karanji is also called as Nevri in Goa.
• Panchakajjaya – It is an offering made to Lord Ganesha in various parts of Karnataka. This sweet is made of coconut, roasted Bengal gram powder, sugar, ghee, and sesame.
• Naivedya – In some areas, Lord Ganesha is also offered with Vundrallu (rice-flour balls), Panakam (cardamom flavoured drink), Vadapappu (moong lentils) and Chalividi (a jaggery mixture). These offerings are collectively known as Naivedya.

Who is Lord Ganesha?

• In Hinduism, Ganesha is believed to be the supreme deity.
• Lord Ganesha is widely honoured as the remover of obstacles and the patron of various arts and sciences.
• Lord Ganesha is also worshipped at first place before starting any auspicious rites and ceremonies.
• Ganpati is a Vedic term which literally means “Guardian of all the multitudes.”

What is the significance of Ganesh Chaturthi?

• The festival celebrates Lord Ganesha as the God of New Beginnings and the Remover of Obstacles.
• Ganesh Chaturthi is observed throughout India, especially in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
• It is also observed in Nepal and various foreign places.
• In Mumbai alone, around 2,00,000 Ganesh idols are immersed annually.

What is the history of Ganesh Chaturthi?

In history, the earliest mention of Ganapati is found in the Rigveda. However, it is unknown when the Ganesha Chaturthi festival was first observed. It became a major social and public event with its sponsorship by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

After the coming of British Rule, Ganesha festival lost its popularity and was limited to a private family celebration at home. Later, it was again brought back to its glory by the Indian freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. He was the first to install big idols of Ganesha in pavilions in Bombay Presidency.

Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration in India

• Navyachi Pancham, Goa – Navyachi Pancham is a harvest festival celebrated the next day of Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa. People bring freshly harvested paddy to home from the fields and then a puja is conducted. In Goa, Ganesh Chaturthi is known as Chavath Parab or Parva. On this day, women observe fast and worship Parvati and Shiva.

• Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh – At this temple, located at Kanipakam, an annual Brahmotsavam will be celebrated for 21 days starting from Ganesh Chaturthi day. Lord Vinayaka will be taken in a procession on different Vahanams on these days.

• Gowri Habba, Karnataka – The popular Gowri festival in Karnataka is celebrated one day before Ganesha Chaturthi. This festival is devoted to Goddess Gowri or Gauri, who is revered as the mother of Lord Ganesha.

• Pillayar Chaturthi, Tamil Nadu – In Tamil Nadu, this festival is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Pillayar Chaturthi. It falls on the fourth day after the new moon of Avani month. The idols here are usually made of clay, coconuts and other organic products. Idol is then worshipped for several days and later immersed in the Bay of Bengal.

• Lamboodhara Piranalu, Kerala – In Kerala, the festival is also known as Lamboodhara Piranalu, which falls in the month of Chingam. In the city of Thiruvananthapuram, a procession starts from Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple to Shankumugham Beach. Devotees carry tall statues of Ganesha and later immersed it in the sea.

Eco-friendly Ganesh Visarjan

In 2004, the Madras High Court banned the immersion of Ganesh idols in water bodies since it produces chemicals that pollute the seawater. Also, the sale of Ganesha idols made of plaster-of-Paris has been banned in various parts of India. The decisions were taken to protect the environment.

Eco-Friendly Process used for Ganesh Visarjan – People are encouraged to buy traditional clay idols of Ganesh. People are also suggested to let the clay idol dissolve in a barrel of water at home. After a few days, the dissolved clay can be spread in the garden.

Krishna Janmashtami Date for 2019 in India – Saturday, August 24, 2019

Krishna Janmashtami is a popular Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. He was considered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This festival is observed on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Shravana Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) and usually occurs in August – September every year.

Puja Timings 2019

Muhurat	Timings
Birth Anniversary	5,246th Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna
Janmashtami Date	Saturday, August 24 2019
Puja Time	12:01 AM to 12:46 AM, Aug 25
Puja Duration	45 Mins
Dahi Handi Date	Sunday, August 25 2019

Story of Krishna Janmashtami

According to the stories, on one day, King Kansa got a prophecy that the son of his sister Devaki will become the reason of his death. As a result, he put both Devaki and his husband behind the prison bars. Kansa killed all of Devaki’s son. But the day when Krishna born, all of the servants outside prison bars went unconscious and prison gates opened out of miracle. Hence, his father Vasudeva took Krishna across the Yamuna, to his foster parents in Gokul, named Nanda and Yashoda.

Janmashtami is celebrated on the day when Krishna is believed to have been born as per Hindu tradition. The birth took place in Mathura at midnight.

How to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami?

• People keep fasts for the whole day on Janmashtami.
• All famous Krishna temples organize the recitation of Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita.
• People also decorate their homes with toys and playful items for Lord Krishna to play after birth.
• Women also draw tiny footprints outside their house doors, which represents Krishna’s steps coming into their homes.
• In the evening, people also visit various Krishna and Vishnu temples.
• Dance-drama enactments of the life of Krishna in the form of Rasa Lila and Krishna Lila are performed.
• People sing devotional songs showing love for Krishna through the midnight by keeping a night vigil (Ratri Jagaran).
• At exact 12 AM in the night, Krishna is believed to have taken birth.
• After Krishna’s midnight hour birth, the idol of baby Krishna is washed and properly clothed.
• This idol is then worshipped after placing it in a cradle or small swing.
• Devotees then break their fast, by sharing food and sweets with each other.

Significance of Krishna Janmashtami

• According to Hindu belief, Lord Krishna took birth on this earth when the world was getting overwhelmed with evil. God himself took the human form to save the world and lead people back to the right path.
• Lord Vishnu has incarnated several times to ensure the preservation of mankind and Krishna was his 8th incarnation.
• Krishna has inspired many followers in his lifetime. His teachings have traveled all across the world.
• The main significance of Janmashtami is to encourage good order and to discourage bad will.
• Krishna Jayanti also celebrates togetherness. This holy occasion brings people together.

Celebration in India

Dahi Handi – Mumbai, Maharashtra

A very famous Janmashtami tradition (popularly known as Gokulashtami) in Mumbai is Dahi Handi. It is celebrated one day after Krishna Janmashtami.

“Dahi Handi” means “earthen pot of yogurt”. The festival was inspired by the childhood stories of Lord Krishna. According to it, he used to steal yogurt and butter when he was a child. People started hiding their supplies higher from ground level. However, Krishna, famous for his mischievousness, try all creative ideas to break those high hanging pots.

In Maharashtra, this Krishna legend is enacted by teams of youths and boys called as “Govindas.” Different teams compete with each other to break the high hanging pots in the first place for prize money that will be rewarded. For this, they climb one over another and form a human pyramid to break the pot. Girls surround these boys to cheer them through dancing and singing. It is a must-watch public event.

Makhan Handi – Gujarat & Rajasthan

Dwarka town of Gujarat is believed to be the place where Krishna established his kingdom. People here celebrate the festival with a tradition similar to Dahi Handi, called Makhan Handi (pot with freshly churned butter). They also perform folk dances and sing bhajans. Visiting the very famous Dwarkadhish Temple at Gujarat is considered auspicious on this day.

Birthplace of Lord Krishna – Mathura & Vrindavan

Janmashtami is the largest festival in the Braj region of North India, especially in Mathura, where Lord Krishna was born and in Vrindavan, where he grew up. Krishna temples are decorated and lighten up and they attract numerous visitors on that day.

In the northern states, Janmashtami is also celebrated with the “Rasa Lila” tradition. It is a kind of dance and drama event wherein Krishna related compositions are sung and the childhood acts of Krishna and love affairs of Radha-Krishna are enacted.

Rasa Lila – Manipur & Assam

Raslila performances (also known as Rasleela or Manipuri Ras) is a famous annual tradition around Janmashtami in North-eastern states. It is a major festival celebrated with fasts, vigil, and Krishna prayers in Manipur. Manipur people also developed their Manipuri dance form (a classical dance form) inspired by dance, drama and love acts of Radha-Krishna called Raslila.