5th

Shravan

ಶ್ರಾವಣ

Kannada

Jul 14–Aug 13 Lunar Leo (♌)

Major Festivals

Janmashtami

ಜನ್ಮಾಷ್ಟಮಿ

Late Jul–Aug

Birth of Lord Krishna. Celebrated with midnight pujas, fasting, butter offerings (Krishna's childhood favorite), and Krishna swing ceremonies (Jhoola Leela).

Nag Panchami

ನಾಗ ಪಂಚಮಿ

Early–Mid Aug

Festival honoring snakes and serpent deity Shesha. Devotees offer milk to snake anthills and worship snake idols, symbolizing respect for all life forms.

Auspicious Days for Rituals & Events

✓ Shravan Pournami (Full moon) — Raksha Bandhan, sibling bond renewal

✓ Shravan Amavasai — Janmashtami, Krishna's birth, extremely auspicious

About Shravan

ಶ್ರಾವಣ (Shravan) is the holiest month, celebrated for Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. Janmashtami marks Krishna's birth; Nag Panchami honors snakes. Shiva is worshipped on Mondays with month-long fasts. Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Pournami) celebrates sibling bonds. The month (Leo) represents divine love and playfulness. Krishna's butter-stealing antics and gopi (milkmaid) relationships are celebrated. Diaspora Kannada families participate in Janmashtami midnight pujas, butter-offering ceremonies, and Raksha Bandhan sibling celebrations via video conference with family across continents.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Janmashtami 2026?

Janmashtami 2026 falls on August 15–16, 2026 (Shravan Amavasai midnight). Krishna's birth is celebrated at midnight on the eighth lunar day of the dark fortnight (Amavasai Paksha) in Shravan month.

What is Krishna Butter Theft (Makhan Chor)?

Krishna Makhan Chor (butter thief) is a beloved aspect of Krishna lore. In childhood, Krishna would sneak into villagers' homes and steal butter, charming them even as he committed 'theft'. The act symbolizes Krishna's playful divine nature (Leela) and his lovable mischievousness. Celebrations involve offering butter, yogurt, and sweets to Krishna idols, reenacting his childhood antics.

How do diaspora Kannadigas celebrate Janmashtami?

Diaspora Kannadigas organize midnight Krishna pujas at temples, prepare Krishna's favorite foods (butter-based sweets), and participate in Jhoola Leela (Krishna swinging ceremonies). Many coordinate with family in India via video calls, conducting simultaneous pujas at IST midnight. Children dress as Krishna (with peacock feathers and flute), maintaining cultural identity through festive participation.

View Shravan in Other Languages

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