Janmashtami holds special significance in Sanatan Dharma. The festival is celebrated across the country with devotion and enthusiasm. Special prayers and rituals are conducted in temples; Lord Krishna is ceremonially bathed with *Panchamrit* (a mixture of five sacred ingredients), and *Aarti* along with *Bhajan-Kirtan* (devotional songs) are performed at midnight, marking the time of His birth. According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on September 4 this year. Religious beliefs hold that worshipping Lord Krishna and performing specific rituals on this day brings happiness, prosperity, and divine grace to devotees.

Pandit Kalki Ram, an astrologer from Ayodhya, explains that a rare celestial alignment is occurring this Janmashtami, which is being linked to the time of Lord Krishna's birth. It is said that at the time of Lord Krishna's birth, the *Rohini Nakshatra* (constellation) was active and the Moon was positioned in the *Vrishabha Rashi* (Taurus zodiac sign). A similar alignment is expected to occur this Janmashtami. Additionally, *Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga* is also forming. According to Pandit Kalki Ram, if devotees worship Lord Krishna with devotion and follow the prescribed rituals on this day, they can attain the grace of Lord Shri Hari Vishnu.

Pandit Kalki Ram advises placing an image of Lord Krishna or an idol of *Laddu Gopal* in the place of worship at sunset on the evening of Janmashtami. Following this, one should spread a yellow cloth and perform the ceremonial bath (*Abhishek*) of the deity using *Panchamrit*. During the worship, the *Mahamantra*—"Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare"—can be chanted. Alternatively, one may chant the mantra "Kleem Krishnaya Namah." As it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, the worship performed at 12:00 AM on the night of Janmashtami holds special significance. Pandit Kalki Ram suggests lighting a *ghee* lamp at this time and offering a cucumber (with the stalk intact), *Makhan-Mishri* (butter and rock sugar), and a flute to Lord Krishna.

According to religious beliefs, these items are considered to be specially associated with Lord Krishna. By performing the worship with devotion and adherence to proper rituals, devotees can receive the blessings of Lord Krishna. However, these measures should be viewed solely as matters of religious belief.

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