Janmashtami 2017: Puja Vidhi, Tithi and Timings

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An avatar of Lord Vishnu, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev, while they were held captive in a jail by the king of Mathura- Kansa - in the Dwapar Yuga according to the sacred scriptures.

Born in the Hindu month of Shravana on Ashtami Tithi as Rohini Nakshatra prevailed, Krishna is the one who taught the fundamental essence of life to mankind through Geetopadesam to Arjuna in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Hence, Krishna is an iconic universal figure who epitomises compassion, greatness and righteousness.  

This year, devotees on August 14th, will celebrate his 5244th birth anniversary.

A number of people observe fast as a gesture of devotion while many others indulge in festivities by singing songs in praise of the divine.

According to the Hindu calendar, the timings and the date often varies and is not usually aligned with the Gregorian calendar.

Here’s taking a look at the Tithi to have a better understanding of the exact moment when the Janmasthami day begins.

Janmashtami 2017 Tithi

According to Drikpanchang.com, Ashtami Tithi Begins at 7:45 PM on Aug 14 and end at 5:39 PM on the next day.

Janmashtami 2017 Puja Timings

Since Krishna was born at midnight, the Puja also commences at that time. Traditionally referred to as the Nishita Kala, the puja timing this year begins at 12.20 AM on August 15 and ends at 1.05 AM. According to Drikpanchang, the midnight moment will be at 12:43 AM.

Janmashtami 2017 Puja Vidhi

(Please note the vidhi changes from region to region. You may follow the below mentioned vidhi or invite a priest to perform the Puja according to the Vedic rituals).

• Courteously place the idol of Sri Krishna on a cradle (if you don’t have a cradle, you can place on a wooden plank neatly covered with a fresh piece of yellow or red cloth).
• Now, close your eyes and do Dhyanam.
• Then invoke Lord Krishna in the idol by inviting him and asking him to accept your humble offerings.
• Then offer water to clean his feet followed by Abhishekam.
• Take a fresh piece of cloth and wipe the idol and then offer mouli or clothes to the Lord.
• After Vastra (clothes) offer janeyu or the sacred thread to the lord.
• Then you can offer Chandan for Gandha (frangrance).
• Offer jewellery to Lord Krishna because he loves dressing up.
• Then offer Pushpa (flowers) and worship him.
• Seek his blessings and chant his name with devotion.
• Then offer dhoop and deepam and naivedhya (food preperations) followed by a Tamboolam (paan, supari, fruits and money).
• Conclude the Puja by singing the Aarti.

Devotees who are observing fast can break it on August 15 after 5:39 PM (Parana Time).