Harshvardhan Mishra
[2082–2083] Vikrama Samvata
Masik Krishna Janmashtami Vrat is one of the most spiritually significant monthly observances dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This sacred fast is observed every lunar month on Krishna Paksha Ashtami Tithi, allowing devotees to stay continuously connected with Krishna Bhakti throughout the year.
Unlike the annual Krishna Janmashtami that celebrates the divine birth of Lord Krishna in the month of Bhadrapada, Masik Krishna Janmashtami is observed twelve times a year (thirteen times in case of Adhik Maas). It emphasizes regular remembrance, devotion, self-discipline, and spiritual purification.
What Is Masik Krishna Janmashtami?
Masik Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Masik Krishnashtami or Masik Janmashtami, is a monthly vrat observed to please Lord Krishna and seek His divine grace. It is especially popular among followers of the Vaishnava Sampradaya, though common devotees across India also observe it for spiritual growth, mental peace, and removal of obstacles.
The vrat focuses on:
- Constant remembrance of Lord Krishna
- Bhakti (devotion) through fasting and worship
- Inner purification and spiritual elevation
Spiritual Importance of Masik Krishna Janmashtami Vrat
Hindu scriptures place great importance on this vrat. References are found in sacred texts such as:
- Skanda Purana
- Padma Purana
- Narada Purana
- Vratraja
- Hari Bhakti Vilasa
According to Hari Bhakti Vilasa, Masik Krishna Janmashtami is an essential observance for Vaishnava devotees. Scriptures state that those who observe this vrat with sincerity and devotion attain Punya Loka and ultimately reach Parama Dhama, the eternal abode of Lord Krishna.
This vrat is believed to:
- Destroy accumulated sins
- Remove worldly sufferings
- Increase devotion and divine consciousness
- Lead the soul toward moksha (liberation)
2026 Masik Krishna Janmashtami Vrat Dates & Timings
(As per New Delhi, India – Local Time)
January 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: January 10, 2026 (Saturday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 08:23 AM, Jan 10
- Ends: 10:20 AM, Jan 11
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:02 AM – 12:56 AM (Jan 11)
February 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: February 9, 2026 (Monday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 05:01 AM, Feb 09
- Ends: 07:27 AM, Feb 10
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:09 AM – 01:01 AM (Feb 10)
March 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: March 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 01:54 AM, Mar 11
- Ends: 04:19 AM, Mar 12
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:06 AM – 12:55 AM (Mar 12)
April 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: April 9, 2026 (Thursday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 09:19 PM, Apr 09
- Ends: 11:15 PM, Apr 10
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:00 AM – 12:45 AM (Apr 10)
May 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: May 9, 2026 (Saturday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 02:02 PM, May 09
- Ends: 03:06 PM, May 10
- Nishita Puja Time: 11:56 PM – 12:38 AM (May 10)
June 2026 (Adhik Maas)
Adhik Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: June 8, 2026 (Monday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 03:24 AM, Jun 08
- Ends: 03:23 AM, Jun 09
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:00 AM – 12:40 AM (Jun 09)
July 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: July 7, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 01:24 PM, Jul 07
- Ends: 12:21 PM, Jul 08
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:06 AM – 12:46 AM (Jul 08)
August 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: August 5, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 08:42 PM, Aug 05
- Ends: 06:52 PM, Aug 06
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:06 AM – 12:48 AM (Aug 06)
September 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami (Main Krishna Janmashtami Month)
- Date: September 4, 2026 (Friday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 02:25 AM, Sep 04
- Ends: 12:13 AM, Sep 05
- Nishita Puja Time: 11:57 PM – 12:43 AM (Sep 05)
October 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: October 3, 2026 (Saturday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 07:59 AM, Oct 03
- Ends: 05:51 AM, Oct 04
- Nishita Puja Time: 11:46 PM – 12:35 AM (Oct 04)
November 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: November 1, 2026 (Sunday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 02:51 PM, Nov 01
- Ends: 01:10 PM, Nov 02
- Nishita Puja Time: 11:39 PM – 12:31 AM (Nov 02)
December 2026
Masik Krishna Janmashtami
- Date: December 1, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 12:11 AM, Dec 01
- Ends: 11:13 PM, Dec 01
- Nishita Puja Time: 11:43 PM – 12:38 AM (Dec 02)
Masik Krishna Janmashtami (Pausha Month)
- Date: December 30, 2026 (Wednesday)
- Ashtami Tithi:
- Begins: 12:36 PM, Dec 30
- Ends: 12:32 PM, Dec 31
- Nishita Puja Time: 11:56 PM – 12:51 AM (Dec 31)
Masik Krishna Janmashtami Vrat Rituals (Vidhi)
On the day of Masik Krishna Janmashtami, devotees follow a disciplined spiritual routine:
- Morning Rituals
- Wake up early and take a holy bath
- Wear clean or traditional clothes
- Take a Sankalpa (vow) to observe the vrat
- Fasting Rules
- Observe Nirjala, Phalahar, or Satvik fast as per capacity
- Avoid grains, onion, garlic, and tamasic food
- Evening & Midnight Puja
- Clean the puja place and install the idol or image of Lord Krishna
- Offer Panchamrita, Makhan-Mishri, Tulsi leaves, milk, fruits, incense, diya, and flowers
- Perform puja during Nishita Kaal (midnight)
- Night Vigil (Jagran)
- Recite Srimad Bhagavatam or Bhagavad Gita
- Sing bhajans and kirtans
- Meditate on Lord Krishna’s divine leelas
Benefits of Observing Masik Krishna Janmashtami
Devotees believe that regular observance of this vrat results in:
- Removal of karmic obstacles
- Increase in devotion and faith
- Attainment of inner peace and purity
- Blessings for family harmony and prosperity
- Gradual progress toward spiritual liberation
Conclusion
Masik Krishna Janmashtami Vrat is a powerful monthly spiritual practice that keeps devotees constantly aligned with the divine consciousness of Lord Krishna. Observing this vrat with sincerity, devotion, and discipline not only fulfills worldly desires but also leads the soul toward higher spiritual realms and ultimate liberation.
By following the 2026 Masik Krishna Janmashtami dates and rituals, devotees can ensure a year filled with Krishna Bhakti, divine grace, and spiritual fulfillment.
