Krishna Janmashtami in 2023 was celebrated primarily on September 6, with festivities extending into September 7. The Ashtami Tithi (the eighth day of the dark fortnight) began in the afternoon of September 6 and ended on the afternoon of September 7. Devotees observed the main celebrations, including fasting and prayers, on September 6, while the midnight moment of Krishna's birth and the auspicious Nishita Puja took place late on September 6 into early September 7. The Dahi Handi event, a popular tradition during Janmashtami, was held on September 7, 2023.
In summary:
- Janmashtami 2023 date: September 6, 2023
- Ashtami Tithi start: 3:37 PM on September 6, 2023
- Ashtami Tithi end: 4:14 PM on September 7, 2023
- Midnight moment (Krishna's birth): 12:20 AM on September 7, 2023
- Nishita Puja (auspicious time): 11:57 PM, September 6 to 12:42 AM, September 7
- Dahi Handi celebration: September 7, 2023
This explains why Janmashtami celebrations can span two days due to lunar calendar timings.
