Odisha is immersed in devotional fervour as devotees across the state celebrate Janmashtami 2026, marking the birth of Lord Krishna.
Observed on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadraba or Bhadrapad, Janmashtami is being celebrated with special puja, devotional programmes and midnight rituals at temples across Odisha and other parts of India.
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna, regarded as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born at midnight under the Rohini Nakshatra. Devotees observe the festival with prayers and fasting before celebrating the divine birth.
Puri Srimandir darshan restricted on Janmashtami
Special rituals have been arranged at the Puri Srimandir for Janmashtami.
Public darshan at the temple will remain closed from 7 pm until midnight, following the evening Dhupa Bhoga Chheka and continuing until the completion of the Shri Krishna Janma ritual.
The restriction has been put in place to facilitate the special rituals associated with Lord Krishna’s birth and ensure their smooth conduct.
Devotees visiting Puri on the occasion are therefore required to take note of the restricted darshan hours.
Special Janmashtami arrangements in Bhubaneswar
In Bhubaneswar, the ISKCON temple has made elaborate preparations for the festival.
The temple has been decorated for Janmashtami, while arrangements have been made to manage the expected gathering of devotees. Special religious programmes and rituals are being held as devotees come together to celebrate Krishna’s birth.
Why is Janmashtami celebrated?
The word Janmashtami is derived from “Janma”, meaning birth, and “Ashtami”, referring to the eighth lunar day.
The festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who according to Hindu tradition was born in Mathura to Devaki and Vasudeva.
Mathura, considered Krishna’s birthplace, and Vrindavan, associated with his childhood, witness some of the biggest Janmashtami celebrations. Thousands of devotees visit the two cities during the festival.
Across India, devotees mark the occasion through fasting, bhajans, prayers, temple visits and midnight celebrations.
Dahi Handi: The day after Janmashtami
The celebrations continue in many parts of the country with Dahi Handi, a tradition associated with Krishna’s childhood love for butter and curd.
During the ritual, participants form a human pyramid to reach and break an earthen pot filled with curd and other milk products.
The tradition is linked to stories of young Krishna stealing butter and curd from neighbouring homes. According to popular belief, residents would hang pots containing milk products high from the ceiling to keep them away from Krishna.
Dahi Handi is celebrated as a playful remembrance of those childhood stories and has become a major attraction of Janmashtami festivities in several parts of India.
As Odisha celebrates Janmashtami with prayers and religious rituals, temples across the state are witnessing a festive atmosphere, with devotees preparing to mark Lord Krishna’s birth at midnight.
