Shri Krishna Janmashtami Puja is performed to celebrate the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Devotees clean and decorate the puja area, place Baby Krishna’s idol or picture, and observe a fast until midnight. The ritual includes bathing the idol with *panchamrit*, dressing it in new clothes, adorning with flowers, and offering butter, mishri, fruits, and Tulsi leaves. Bhajans, kirtans, and chanting of “Hare Krishna” fill the atmosphere with devotion. At midnight, Krishna’s birth is welcomed with conch blowing and cradle rocking. The puja brings joy, spiritual blessings, protection, and removes negativity, filling life with divine love.
Preparation to do Before Janmashtami Puja
- Clean the house and puja area - purity of space is important.
- Set up the altar – place a picture or idol of Baby Krishna (Laddu Gopal) on a clean cloth or swing (*jhula*).
- Decorate with flowers, lights, and rangoli.
**1. Arrange **puja samagri**:
* Idol/picture of Lord Krishna
* Fresh flowers & garlands.
* Tulsi leaves
* Butter, curd, milk, honey, sugar (for *panchamrit*)
* Fruits, sweets, makhan-mishri
* Incense sticks, diya (lamp), camphor
* Flute, peacock feathers (optional)
* Red/yellow cloth for covering the deity
* Aarti thali with ghee diya
**2. Fasting & Purification**
* Devotees usually observe **fast** until midnight (Krishna’s birth time).
* Take a **bath** before starting the puja in the evening.
* Wear **clean/traditional clothes** (yellow or white is auspicious).
## **3. Puja Steps**
**Step 1 – Sankalp (Resolve)**
* Sit facing east or north.
* Light the lamp.
*Take water in your hand, pray to Lord Krishna, and state your intention to perform Janmashtami Puja for blessings, peace, and prosperity.
**Step 2 – Invocation (Dhyana & Avahana)**
* Meditate on Baby Krishna’s form.
* Chant: > **ॐ कृष्णाय नमः** (*Om Krishnaya Namah*)
> **ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय** (*Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya*)
**Step 3 – Abhishek (Holy Bath)**
* Bathe the idol with **panchamrit** (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar), then with clean water.
* Wipe gently and dress the idol in new clothes.
* Decorate with flowers, ornaments, peacock feather, and tilak.
**Step 4 – Offering (Naivedya)**
* Offer butter, mishri, fruits, and sweets to Lord Krishna.
* Always include **Tulsi leaves** in offerings (Krishna loves Tulsi).
**Step 5 – Bhajans & Kirtan**
* Sing Krishna bhajans or chant **Hare Krishna Maha Mantra**:
> **Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
> Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare**
**Step 6 – Aarti**
* Perform aarti with a ghee lamp while ringing a bell.
* Offer flowers and bow down.
**4. Special Midnight Ritual *** At **12:00 midnight**, mark Krishna’s birth:
* Blow a conch (*shankh*).
* Rock the cradle/jhula of Baby Krishna.
* Distribute *prasad* to family and guests.
* Break your fast after the ritual.
**5. Significance**
* This puja is believed to bring **joy, prosperity, and removal of obstacles**.
* Chanting Krishna’s name purifies the mind and fills life with divine bliss.
