Krishna Janmashtami, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, will be observed on Friday, September 4, 2026, across most parts of India. However, devotees may come across September 5 as the festival date in some calendars because the traditional midnight celebrations extend into the early hours of the following day.

According to the panchang, the Ashtami Tithi will begin at 2:25 am on September 4 and end at 12:13 am on September 5. The Rohini Nakshatra will begin at 12:29 am on September 4 and continue until 11:04 pm on September 4.

The main Janmashtami celebration is associated with the Nishita Kaal, or midnight period, when devotees traditionally commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Since this period can extend across midnight, some celebrations and rituals continue into September 5.

Janmashtami 2026 Puja Timings

The Nishita Puja timing varies depending on the location. In New Delhi, the puja muhurat is expected to be around 11:57 pm on September 4 to 12:43 am on September 5. In Kolkata, the Nishita period is expected to fall between 11:13 pm and 11:59 pm on September 4.

Devotees observing a fast are advised to follow the fasting and parana timings prescribed by their local panchang, as sunrise, sunset and midnight timings differ from one city to another.

Why are some calendars showing September 5?

The confusion over September 4 and September 5 is mainly linked to the midnight nature of the festival. Lord Krishna's birth is traditionally celebrated around midnight during Nishita Kaal. In 2026, the relevant Ashtami Tithi begins on September 4 and ends shortly after midnight on September 5.

Therefore, September 4 remains the main Janmashtami date, while the midnight worship may continue into September 5.

In several places, September 5 will also be associated with post-Janmashtami celebrations such as Nandotsav and Dahi Handi. In Mathura and Vrindavan, the celebrations can effectively extend over both days, with Krishna's birth being observed on September 4 and Nandotsav on September 5.

Janmashtami 2026: Key Dates and Timings

Janmashtami: Friday, September 4, 2026

Ashtami Tithi begins: 2:25 am, September 4

Ashtami Tithi ends: 12:13 am, September 5

Rohini Nakshatra begins: 12:29 am, September 4

Rohini Nakshatra ends: 11:04 pm, September 4

Nishita Puja: Around midnight between September 4 and 5

Dahi Handi: Saturday, September 5, in many places

For devotees planning temple visits, fasting or special prayers, it is advisable to check the latest schedule issued by the concerned temple, as darshan timings, entry arrangements and rituals may vary during Janmashtami.

Thus, for those wondering whether Krishna Janmashtami 2026 falls on September 4 or September 5, the main date is September 4. The midnight birth celebration, however, continues into the early hours of September 5 in many locations.