Many devotees fast on this auspicious day to seek blessings from Lord Krishna. If you are also fasting, here are some etiquettes to follow on Kanha ji’s birthday.

Janmashtami is an auspicious Hindu festival in honour of the birth of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the dark half of the month of Bhadrapada (August or September) and this year on 26 August (Monday). The term Janmasthami is derived from Janma (birth) and Ashtami (the eighth day). The festival is celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm especially in Mathura, Krishna’s birthplace, and in Vrindavan, where he spent his early years.

Many devotees fast on this auspicious day to seek blessings from Lord Krishna. Some people observe Nirjala fasting, the strictest form in which one must abstain from food and drink until midnight. Others observe Phalahar fasting, in which only consumption of fruits, milk and water is allowed. It allows a purely sattvic diet, excluding grains, pulses, onions and garlic. If you are also fasting, here are some do’s and don’ts to follow on Kanha Ji’s birthday.

DOS

• Start the day with morning prayers and singing hymns dedicated to Lord Krishna.
• When you observe a Phalahar fast, eat fresh fruits and fruit juices. Avoid heavy or processed foods.
• During Nirjala fasting, completely avoid any food or drink, but ensure that your mind and body are calm.
• Make sure your environment, your utensils and yourself are clean. Cleanliness of your environment and personal hygiene are essential.
• Prepare a simple bhog and offer it to Lord Krishna during the puja. Traditional offerings may include fruits, milk and sweets like makhan misri.

What you should not do

• Do not eat meat, fish, eggs or other non-vegetarian foods. Eat a purely vegetarian diet.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages. Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks as these can have a dehydrating effect.
• Avoid fatty, spicy or processed foods. Stick to light and digestible foods.
• Maintain a positive and calm attitude. Avoid any arguments or negative thoughts as these can spoil the spiritual essence of the fast.
• Also, avoid excessive consumption of fruits or nuts during Phalahar fasting. Moderation is the key.