Janmashtami 2021: Date, Significance, Covid-19 Guidelines In Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP, Delhi

Krishna Janmashtami is the annual celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna. As per the Hindu lunisolar calendar, it is commemorated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in Shraavana or Bhadrapad months. Krishna Janmashtami 2021 is being celebrated on August 30 this year. This day is celebrated as Gokulashtami, while the following day is commemorated as Dahi Handi in various parts of the country. Krishna Puja for Janmashtami is held during the midnight hour when Lord Krishna is said to be born, also known as NishitaKaal. Many devotees observe a stringent fast throughout the celebration. One common practice on this day is decorating Lord Krishna’s idol as a baby on a cradle and showering it with water, milk and performing other abhishekam once Lord Krishna is born. Various trained groups focus on breaking a clay pot filled with freshly churned butter or makhan. However, amid the Covid-19 crises, many states have issued guidelines before the festival began.