The Ultimate Janmashtami 2024 Checklist: What to Do and What to Avoid for a Sacred Celebration

Janmashtami, a pivotal festival in Hinduism, is celebrated with immense devotion to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. According to the Vedic calendar, Krishna Janmashtami (Janmashtami 2024) falls on the Ashtami tithi, the eighth day of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) in the Bhadrapada month. This year, the festival will be observed on August 26.

🌹Sri Krishna Janmashtami Puja coming up on Monday, Aug 26th 2024🌹Are you ready ? 😍Celebrations include-⭐️Live Darshan by SWAMIJI on Sri Krishna Janmashtami @11:30am Pacific 🌸Sri Krishna Janmashtami puja at temple @7:30pm Pacific #Celebrations #Krishna #Janamashtami pic.twitter.com/ybAql2zpMp

— KAILASA- San Jose Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple (@KailaasaSJ) August 21, 2024

Significance of Janmashtami

The festival of Janmashtami holds profound importance within Hinduism, revered for its spiritual and cultural significance. It commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, who is venerated as a divine embodiment of love, wisdom, and righteousness. On this auspicious day, devotees engage in fasting, devotional singing, and elaborate worship rituals to honour Lord Krishna. The observance is believed to bring prosperity, fulfilment of desires, and spiritual upliftment.

Key Dates and Times

For Janmashtami 2024, the Ashtami tithi will begin on August 25, 2024, at 3:39 PM and conclude on August 26, 2024, at 2:19 AM. Consequently, Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 26. Devotees should be mindful of these timings to perform their rituals and worship during the most auspicious moments.

*2⃣7⃣Days to go for the best of all festivals🤩, Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2024*_Let us welcome Krishna🦚 in our life with his 64 Transcendental & Divine qualities✨_*37/64*▪️ *SARANAGATA PALAKAH*_He is the protector of surrendered souls✨_ pic.twitter.com/uvTFOPOHHF

— Yash Tewatia (@yash_tewatia01) August 16, 2024

Mistakes to Avoid on Krishna Janmashtami

To ensure a spiritually fulfilling observance, it is crucial to adhere to certain guidelines and avoid common mistakes:

Avoid Tamasic Foods: On Janmashtami, it is essential to abstain from consuming tamasic foods such as meat, eggs, and alcohol, as these are considered inauspicious and detrimental to the spiritual atmosphere of the day.

Hair Care for Women: Women should avoid leaving their hair loose on this sacred occasion. It is recommended to keep hair neatly tied or covered as a mark of reverence.

Respect for Cows: Disturbing or harming cows on Janmashtami is considered disrespectful to Lord Krishna, who is closely associated with these animals. Ensure to treat them with kindness and care.

Clothing Choices: Steer clear of wearing black clothing, as it is traditionally viewed as inauspicious for this festival. Opt for bright, vibrant colours that reflect the joyous spirit of the occasion.

Tulsi Leaves: Do not pluck Tulsi leaves on Janmashtami. Tulsi, being a sacred plant, should be respected and its leaves should not be disturbed during this time.

Mantras for Janmashtami

Devotees often recite specific mantras to invoke the blessings of Lord Krishna. Here are a couple of powerful mantras to chant:

Kal bajegi masti ki dhun! 'Aaya Govinda Murli Bajane' aa raha hai—stay tuned!.#AayaGovindaMurliBajane #NewMusic #SongOutTomorrow #Janmashtami2024 pic.twitter.com/Aglts9XLow

— Ultra Music (@ultramusichindi) August 22, 2024

Krishnaaya Vasudevaaya Haraye Paramaatmane | Pranata Kleshanaashaya Govindaaya Namah Namah ||

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare | Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare ||

- PTC PUNJABI