Gokulashtami and Dahi Handi 2027: Janmashtami and Gopalkala Dates

Shrikrishna Janmashtami, called Gokulashtami in Maharashtra, is on Tuesday, 24 August 2027. Gopalkala and the Dahi Handi celebrations follow on Wednesday, 25 August. The calendar marks the Vaishnav fast on the 25th as well, so families who follow the Vaishnav tradition fast a day later than those who follow the Smarta rule.

Gokulashtami 2027 dates

Janmashtami night

Krishna was born at midnight, so the puja in homes and temples is timed for 12 am. A small idol of Bal Krishna is bathed, dressed and placed in a cradle, and devotees sing bhajans until the birth is announced. People who fast eat after the midnight aarti or the next morning. The calendar also marks Mauli Janmashtami on 24 August, the birth anniversary of Sant Dnyaneshwar, which Varkaris celebrate at Alandi.

Gopalkala and Dahi Handi

Gopalkala is the dish Krishna is said to have shared with his friends: poha mixed with curd, cucumber, pomegranate, popped jowar, green chilli and pickle. It is offered after the morning puja on the day after Janmashtami.

In Mumbai, Thane and Pune, govinda pathaks form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high above the street. Large prizes are announced by organisers, and the pathaks practise for weeks before. Safety rules issued by the state and the courts cover the height of the pyramid and the age of participants, and mandals have to follow the current notice.

More Shravan dates

Gokulashtami falls in the second half of Shravan. Mangalagaur Tuesday falls on 24 August too; see Mangalagaur 2027. The full month is in Shravan 2027, and Kalashtami dates for the year are on the August 2027 Marathi calendar. For Raksha Bandhan, see Raksha Bandhan 2027.

The Marathi Calendar 2027 page links all twelve monthly calendars.