New Delhi: Janmashtami 2026 is being celebrated across India with devotion and religious enthusiasm as devotees mark the birth of Lord Krishna. On this auspicious occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended warm Janmashtami wishes to people across the country and shared a message focused on the teachings of Lord Krishna. In his message on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of selfless action in the teachings of Lord Krishna. He said that the divine messages associated with Krishna have continued to guide humanity and inspire people to perform their duties without selfish motives. The Prime Minister also expressed his wish that the sacred occasion would bring renewed positive energy and strength into everyone's life. He concluded his greeting with “Jai Shri Krishna.”

PM Modi Highlights Krishna's Message of Selfless Action

The central theme of PM Modi's Krishna Janmashtami message was the idea of selfless work and the continuing relevance of Lord Krishna's teachings. According to the Prime Minister, the spiritual teachings associated with Lord Krishna contain a powerful message about performing one's responsibilities with dedication and without being driven purely by personal gain. He wished that the festival would become a source of renewed confidence, positivity and strength for people. His message came as devotees across the country gathered at temples and religious centres to participate in prayers and special ceremonies marking Krishna's birth.

Janmashtami Celebrations Across India

The festival of Janmashtami festival is being observed across different parts of India with traditional rituals and celebrations. Devotees are keeping fasts, visiting temples, singing devotional songs and taking part in special prayers. Homes and temples have been decorated with images and idols of Lord Krishna. Special offerings are being prepared, while many temples are organising ceremonies around midnight, traditionally associated with the birth of Krishna. The festival holds particular importance in Mathura and Vrindavan, places closely connected with the life and traditions surrounding Lord Krishna. Large numbers of devotees have gathered at religious sites to participate in prayers and celebrations.

Amit Shah Also Extends Janmashtami Greetings

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his greetings to citizens on the occasion. In his message, Shah described Lord Krishna as an important symbol of righteousness, ethics and public welfare. He expressed the hope that the blessings of Lord Krishna would remain with people across the country. His message, like that of the Prime Minister, focused on the spiritual and moral values associated with the festival.

Yogi Adityanath Wishes Happiness and Peace

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended greetings to people on the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. He referred to Lord Krishna as a symbol of devotion, love and righteousness. In his message, Yogi Adityanath prayed that the values of love, compassion, righteousness and selfless action would become stronger in people's lives. He also wished for happiness, peace, prosperity and the welfare of society.

Other Chief Ministers Share Festival Greetings

Several other state leaders also shared messages on the occasion of Janmashtami. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta wished people happiness, peace and prosperity and highlighted the importance of Lord Krishna's life and teachings. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that Krishna's life provides inspiration to follow the path of truth, duty and righteousness. He wished that the festival would bring new energy and positivity into people's lives. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav also extended greetings and spoke about the importance of preserving places and traditions associated with Lord Krishna. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary wished devotees happiness, peace, prosperity and harmony on the occasion. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini referred to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and prayed for happiness, health, peace and prosperity in every family. Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also greeted the people and wished for peace, prosperity and continued progress in the state.

What Is the Significance of Janmashtami?

Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is traditionally regarded as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura. For this reason, midnight holds special importance during Janmashtami celebrations. Devotees often remain awake until late at night and participate in prayers, devotional singing and special ceremonies. Fasting is another important part of the festival. Many devotees observe a fast during the day and participate in the midnight celebration before ending their fast.

Mathura and Vrindavan Witness Grand Celebrations

Mathura and Vrindavan remain among the most prominent centres for Krishna Janmashtami celebrations. The two cities are closely associated with the childhood and early life traditions of Lord Krishna. Devotees have gathered at temples for special prayers and ceremonies. In Mathura, religious celebrations at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple have attracted devotees participating in rituals connected with the festival. Vrindavan has also witnessed a festive atmosphere, with temples decorated for the occasion and devotees taking part in devotional programmes.

Janmashtami's Message Goes Beyond Religious Celebrations

While Janmashtami is primarily a religious festival, the teachings associated with Lord Krishna also carry broader messages about duty, responsibility, courage and selfless action. The Bhagavad Gita, which records Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna, is particularly known for its teachings on performing one's duty while maintaining balance and discipline. PM Modi's message on the occasion placed special emphasis on this aspect of Krishna's teachings. His appeal for positive energy and strength also connected the traditional message of the festival with contemporary life.

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What Did PM Modi Say on Janmashtami?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the people of India on Janmashtami and highlighted Lord Krishna's teachings on selfless action. He expressed the hope that the sacred festival would bring positive energy and strength into everyone's life.

Why Is Janmashtami Celebrated?

Janmashtami is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees observe the occasion through fasting, prayers, temple visits, devotional songs and midnight ceremonies.

Where Is Janmashtami Celebrated?

Janmashtami is celebrated throughout India and in many communities around the world. Mathura and Vrindavan are particularly important centres of celebration because of their close association with Lord Krishna.

Janmashtami Celebrations in Mathura

Mathura, traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is witnessing major religious celebrations on Janmashtami. Devotees are participating in temple prayers, special rituals and devotional programmes marking Krishna's birth.

Janmashtami Celebrations in Delhi

Delhi is also witnessing special celebrations, with devotees visiting temples and participating in prayers and Mangala Aarti. Large gatherings have been reported at ISKCON temples in East of Kailash and Dwarka Sector 13.