When Is Krishna Ashtami? The Date, The Why, And What To Do Next
Quick answer (India, IST)
- Next Krishna Ashtami/Janmashtami (Vaishnav observance): Friday, September 4, 2026.
- Smarta/householder observance (followed by many families): Thursday, September 3, 2026 (often a day earlier by the sunrise rule).
- This year’s past date (2025, for context): Saturday, August 16, 2025 in most of India, after initial confusion between Aug 15/16.
Why two dates? Janmashtami is kept on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Shravan/Bhadrapada, with some traditions prioritising Udaya tithi (sunrise rule) and others combining Ashtami with Rohini Nakshatra hence Smarta vs Vaishnav differences.
What “Krishna Ashtami” means (in one minute)
“Krishna Ashtami” (aka Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini) is the celebration of Shri Krishna’s birth on the 8th lunar day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). Different regional calendars call the month Shravana or Bhadrapada; on the Gregorian calendar it falls in Aug-Sep.
India dates at a glance
| Year | Smarta (householder) | Hinduism / Vaishnav / Swaminarayan / ISKCON (Ashtami + Rohini) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Thu, Sept 3, 2026 | Fri, Sept 4, 2026 | Dahi Handi/Nandotsav is the next day locally. |
| 2025 | Fri/Sat Aug 15-16, 2025 (varied locally) | Sat, Aug 16, 2025 (widely observed) | Timing clarification resolved in favour of Aug 16 in most states. |
Tip: Puja happens at midnight (Nishita Kaal) locally; for exact muhurat and paran times, always check a city-specific panchang the week of the festival. (Rules differ by locality and sampradaya.)
Why the dates shift
- It’s lunar: Janmashtami tracks the Ashtami tithi (not a fixed solar date).
- Two calculation styles:
- Smarta (many households): follows Udaya tithi the date on which Ashtami prevails at sunrise.
- Vaishnav: prefers Ashtami with Rohini Nakshatra, so observance may fall a day later.
What to do on the day (short checklist)
- Fasting till midnight (or till Ashtami/Rohini ends, depending on tradition).
- Nishita puja around midnight; paran (fast break) next morning per local panchang.
- Next day: Nandotsav/Dahi Handi celebrations in many regions.
FAQs
Is Krishna Ashtami the same as Janmashtami?
Yes | regional names vary (Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, Ashtami Rohini), but they denote the same festival.
Why was there confusion in 2025?
Ashtami spanned the night of Aug 15-16, and different rules (sunrise vs Rohini) produced two possible dates; most major outlets and temples in India observed Aug 16, 2025.
What about 2026 which date should I keep?
If you follow Swaminarayan / ISKCON / Vaishnav guidance, keep Friday, Sept 4, 2026. If your family follows Smarta rules, keep Thursday, Sept 3, 2026. Always confirm with your local temple or regional panchang the week of the festival.