Many people celebrate Krishna Janmashtami and devotees planning to celebrate may find variations across regional calendars. While the festival is officially celebrated on 04th September, the primary midnight worship (Nishtha Kaal) window falls on 05th September in many western and central cities. The difference between the dates does not mean that the festival changes as one travels, it simply reflects local astronomical coordinates that dictate regional celebrations.
City-Wise Nishtha Kaal Timings
City |
Date of Celebration
Timings
Kolkata
04th September
11:13 PM to 11:59 PM
Chennai
04-05th September
11:45 PM to 12:31 AM
Bengaluru
04-05th September
11:55 PM to 12:42 AM
New Delhi
04-05th September
11:57 PM to 12:43 AM
Hyderabad
04-05th September
11:52 PM to 12:38 AM
Pune
5th September
12:10 AM to 12:57 AM
Mumbai
5th September
12:14 AM to 1:01 AM
Ahmedabad
5th September
12:16 AM to 1:02 AM
In eastern cities like Kolkata, the worship period ends just before midnight. In other western cities, the worship period surpasses midnight, making the celebration of Janmashtami during the early hours of 05th September.
Understanding Dates: Georgian Calendar and Lunar Tithis
The Hindu calendar focuses on the movements of the moon, rather than following the Georgian calendar. The lunar tithis stay active past midnight, therefore the date shifts for the festival. This is the reason the dates of Janmashtami shift between these two dates across India.
Conclusion
No matter what the date is, it should not stop your Janmashtami celebrations. Hindu festivals work on the basis of the Hindu calendar, and thus having two different dates of a festival should not affect your Janmashtami celebrations.
(Image credits: Pinterest)
To read more such stories, stay connected to Her Zindagi.