Krishna ExperienceJanmashtami 2027 date
Krishna Janmashtami 2027 is on Wednesday, 25 August. Devotees fast through the day and the main worship happens at midnight on the night of the 25th, the hour Krishna was born. Nandotsav, the celebration of Nanda Baba in Gokul, follows on 26 August. For the exact nishita (midnight) puja time in your city, check a local panchang.
Some years the Smarta and Vaishnava (ISKCON) calendars fall on different days. In 2027 both observe 25 August.
Read the story of the birthThe prophecy, the prison, and the river that parted.Janmashtami in Mathura
The heart of the festival is the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi complex, built at the traditional birthplace. At midnight the deity is bathed (abhishek) in milk, curd, ghee, honey and Yamuna water, conch shells blow, and the newborn is laid in a jewelled cradle. Entry is heavily controlled; phones and bags are usually not allowed inside. The Dwarkadhish temple and the ghats of the old city are also packed.
Janmashtami in Vrindavan
- Banke Bihari holds its only mangala aarti of the year, in the small hours after midnight. It is the most crowded moment in the temple's calendar; in 2022 a crowd crush during this aarti killed two devotees, so go only if you are fit and prepared.
- ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir keeps kirtan and an all-day festival going until the midnight abhishek, with a feast afterwards.
- Radha Raman, Radha Vallabh and the old temples hold their midnight celebrations by tradition, and the whole town stays awake.
Nandotsav and Dahi Handi
The next day, Braj celebrates Nanda's joy: in Gokul and Nandgaon, people throw curd and turmeric water and sing Nand ke anand bhayo, jai Kanhaiya lal ki. In much of India, especially Maharashtra, young men form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high: Dahi Handi, in memory of the butter thief.
How to celebrate at home
- Fast through the day. Many devotees keep a full fast or eat only fruit and milk; others avoid grains. Break the fast after the midnight worship.
- Decorate a jhula (a small swing or cradle) for Bal Gopal, with flowers and a peacock feather.
- Bathe the deity at midnight with milk, curd, honey, ghee and water (panchamrit), dress him in new clothes, and offer butter, makhan-mishri, panjiri and fruit.
- Read or tell the story of his birth, and sing his names. Turn on the kirtan at the top of this page.
Planning a trip
Vrindavan and Mathura hotels fill months ahead. The roads are jammed on the night itself. Stay within walking distance of the temple you want to attend, and expect to wait hours. Read our Vrindavan travel guide.
Questions people ask
When is Janmashtami in 2027?
Wednesday 25 August 2027, with the main worship at midnight.
When was Janmashtami in 2026?
Friday 4 September 2026.
What do people eat during the Janmashtami fast?
It varies: many fast fully until midnight, others take fruit and milk. Grains are usually avoided. The fast is broken with prasad after the midnight worship.
Why is Janmashtami celebrated at midnight?
Because Krishna was born at midnight in Kansa’s prison in Mathura.