When is Janmashtami 2024 ? Shubh Mahurat, Pooja, Detailed Mantra, Know here everything

Janmashtami, one of the most significant Hindu festivals, marks the birth of Lord Krishna. This auspicious day is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by Krishna devotees across the globe. Observed on the Ashtami Tithi, or the 8th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, this year’s Gokulashtami falls on August 26, 2024. Devotees observe a fast from dawn until midnight, participating in various rituals to honour the birth of Lord Krishna.

Gokulashtami 2024: Shubh Muhurat

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: August 26, 2024 – 3:39 AM
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: August 27, 2024 – 2:19 AM
• Midnight Shubh Muhurat: 12:23 AM, August 27
• Parana Muhurat (Breaking Fast): After 3:38 PM, August 27

Chhappan Bhog on Janmashtami

Chhappan Bhog, meaning “56 offerings,” is a traditional offering prepared on Janmashtami to honour Lord Krishna. According to legend, when Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill to protect the villagers from torrential rain, he fasted for seven days. After the ordeal, the villagers prepared 56 different dishes to offer to him, symbolising their gratitude and devotion. This tradition continues today, where devotees prepare and present these 56 items as a special offering on Gokulashtami.

Essential Puja Samagri for Janmashtami

To perform the Krishna Janmashtami puja at home, you will need the following items:

• For the Puja Setup: Banana leaf (for placing Krishna’s portrait), agarbatti, kumkum, kapur, sindoor, Chandan, akshat, paan leaves, supari, pushpmala, haldi, cotton, tulsi mala, kamal gatta, Ganga Jal, honey, dhaniya, panch meva, sugar, cow ghee, cow milk, rituphal, cardamom.
• Decorative Items: Flute, earrings, bangles, garland, tika, anklets, nada, kajal, peacock feathers, a hat, and a swing for Baal Gopal.

Celebrating Janmashtami at Home

Start your Janmashtami celebrations by waking up early and taking a holy bath. Clean your home, especially the puja room or the area where you’ll set up the altar. Bathe Lord Krishna and Laddoo Gopal Ji using water, Gangajal, and Panchamrit, then dress them in beautiful attire and adorn them with a garland of roses or mogra flowers. Place them on a decorated swing with Mor Pankh (peacock feathers) around them. Light a diya with desi cow ghee and offer tulsi leaves, an essential offering to please Lord Krishna.

Traditional Offerings and Prayers

Prepare a variety of sweets and savoury items such as coconut barfi, khoya barfi, peda, panjeeri, makhane kheer, and panchamrit. Offer these along with dry fruits, seasonal fruits, and meetha paan. Adorn Lord Krishna with a chandan tilak and offer kamal gatta, symbolising Maa Laxmi’s blessings. If available, a green tulsi mala is preferable, but you can also use tulsi beads.

Chanting and Midnight Celebrations

Throughout the day, chant various Vedic mantras dedicated to Lord Krishna, such as Vishnu Sahasranama. Spend the day immersed in devotion, and at midnight, the moment of Krishna’s birth, offer prayers, sing devotional songs, perform aarti, and distribute prasad among family members. After the celebrations, those observing the fast can break it with sattvik food.

Devotees observing a fast can break it after the Parana time on the following day. However, some devotees observe the fast until the Nishita Kaal Puja. Parana time at night would be 12:59 am on August 27, as per one famous astrologer.

Mantras to Chant on Janmashtami

1. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
2. Krishnaya Vasudevaya Haraye Parmatmane Pranatah Kleshnashaya Govindaya Namo Namah
3. Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Embrace the divine spirit of Janmashtami 2024 by following these rituals and celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with love and devotion in your heart.

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