Janmashtami is a major festival when people come together to celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna with great devotion and joy. This year, the auspicious festival is observed on Sunday, August 26. Marked with vibrant traditions and rituals, this festival is observed on Ashtami Tithi or the eighth day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. As everyone prepares to honor the custodian of the universe, it is important to keep the do’s and don’ts in mind, especially for those who are fasting on this auspicious day. Scroll down to know more about the rules and regulations that ensure a blessed and fulfilling festival. (Read also: Janmashtami: What makes Lord Krishna’s birth celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan so special? Find out )

When should Janmashtami fast be observed in 2024?

Ashtami Tithi begins – 03:39 am, August 26, 2024

Ashtami Tithi ends on August 27, 2024, 02:19 am

Rohini Nakshatra begins on August 26, 2024 at 3:55 pm

Rohini Nakshatra ends – 3:38 pm, August 27, 2024

Nishita Puja Timings – From 11:26 PM to 12:11 AM, August 27, 2024

Midnight Moment – ​​11:48 PM

Moonrise time -23:07

Actions to be followed:

• Make a Sankalpa (promise): Commit yourself to observe the fast with full devotion to Lord Krishna and make sure you follow all the rules to the letter. Chant Lord Krishna’s name while doing so.
• Meal before fasting: Eat a light meal such as fruit or fresh juice before fasting to aid digestion and provide energy during the day.
• Charity: Giving food and clothing to the needy reflects the mercy of Lord Krishna and promotes happiness and prosperity.
• Only Satvik Bhojan: Eat only pure vegetarian food. Avoid garlic, onions, meat and alcohol on this auspicious day.
• Include milk and curd: Incorporate milk and curd into your fasting diet with options like fresh fruit shakes, lassi, buttermilk or rose milk.
• Homemade Prasad: Prepare milk-based sweets like Peda, Gheeya Ki Leek or Nariyal Gajak at home as an offering to Lord Krishna.

You should observe the following prohibitions:

• Avoid non-vegetarian food: During the fast, limit yourself to fruits and vegetarian foods. Meat and other non-vegetarian foods are strictly prohibited.
• Skip tea and coffee: Avoid tea and coffee while fasting as these can increase acidity and cause discomfort. Opt for coconut water or fresh juices instead.
• Respect all living beings: Treat all living beings kindly, especially on Janmashtami. Feed animals and give water to birds to honor Lord Krishna’s love for all living beings, especially cows.
• Limit fried and fatty foods: To stay healthy, reduce your consumption of fried and fatty foods. Instead, choose fruits, milk and nutritious drinks.
• Use clean dishes: Make sure that all utensils used for serving or eating are clean and have not been used for non-vegetarian food.
• Create a positive environment: Create a peaceful and joyful atmosphere in your home during the puja. Fasting people should be especially kind to the elderly and avoid negative energy.