Krishna Janmashtami 2020: Check out the date, puja timings and importance

Ktishna Janmashtami 2020, the birth of Lord Krishna, is celebrated in various parts of the country with great enthusiasm. However, this year again there is confusion among people about the date of Krishna Janmashtami like last year. In some parts of the country, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 11, while in some other parts, Janmashtami festival will be celebrated on August 12. Actually, it is believed that Lord Krishna was born on the Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Sharavan or Bhadrapad, which is on 11 August this year. 

Importance of Janmashtami: The festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with pomp across the country. This festival has special significance in Hinduism and is considered one of the major festivals of Hindus. This annual Hindu festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.  The festival is celebrated in different ways in all the states of the country. 

On this day, everyone, from children to the elderly, observe fast through the day and sing devotional songs of Lord Krishna. On the auspicious occasion, people enact dance-dramas based on the life of Krishna according to Bhagavata Purana.

Krishna puja is usually conducted at midnight. The ritualistic puja includes 16 steps which are part of the Shodashopachara puja vidhi. 

Here are the pooja timings of Janmashtami 2020, according to drikpanchang.com:

Janmashtami tithi- August 11 (Ashtami tithi will begin on 09:06 am on August 11 and end at 11:16 am on August 12)

Nishita (midnight) puja time – August 12, 12:21 am to 01:06 am

Dahi handi – August 12