Janmashtami is a special festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. It is also called Krishna Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Sree Jayanthi in different places.
This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 15 and 16. August 16 is a public holiday for the festival. People all over India will celebrate the 5252nd birthday of Lord Krishna with joy and devotion. Let’s understand why fasting is an important part of this festival.
Why Do People Fast on Janmashtami?
Many people fast on Janmashtami to feel closer to Lord Krishna. Fasting means not eating food for a certain time to show respect and connect with the divine power of Krishna. This fast also helps people purify their mind and body and move away from everyday worldly pleasures.
The idea of fasting during this festival comes from stories in the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. Important characters like Maharaj Pareekshit and Bheeshma Dev chose to fast in their last days to become more spiritually aware.
Usually, people eat their last meal the day before Janmashtami and then break their fast the next day, after the special time when both Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami Tithi (lunar day) are over.
Important Timings for Janmashtami Fasting:
- Ashtami Tithi (lunar day) starts at 11:49 PM on August 15
- Ashtami Tithi ends at 9:34 PM on August 16
On the fasting day, people take a vow called Sankalpa to fast the whole day. During this fast, no grains should be eaten until it is broken the next day after sunrise. The rules for Janmashtami fasting are similar to those followed during the Ekadashi fast.
When to Break the Fast?
According to Dharma Shastra, the fast can be broken after 9:34 PM on August 16.
Special Puja Time
The main prayer, called Krishna Puja, is done at midnight, which is called Nishita Kaal in Vedic time. This special puja will happen on August 16 from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM.
