Worshiping and fasting for Lord Krishna on Janmashtami is considered especially significant. Preparations for this festival are underway in full swing in Hindu families, including temples across the country. However, women who are about to menstruate may be a little worried. If they begin their periods on this day or during the fast, they wonder whether to continue the fast and how to perform the puja. According to religious beliefs, Krishna devotion can still be practiced in such a situation, but it is important to observe certain rules. Let us learn the rules related to fasting and puja during menstruation.
Shri Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Friday, September 4, 2026. On this day, special prayers are offered to Laddu Gopal during the Nishita period. According to religious beliefs, if your period begins on Janmashtami, it is not necessary to break the fast. If your health permits, continue the fast. However, if you feel weak or unwell, you should not insist on continuing the fast.
Take the vow of fasting like this
During menstruation, the fasting woman can wake up in the morning and mentally resolve to fast without touching the prayer room. In this case, the vow can be made with devotion, closing the eyes and imagining the birth of Lord Krishna and his anointment.
Keep away from worship
There are different religious beliefs regarding worship during menstruation. Some places advise avoiding direct contact with the Laddu Gopal idol, Tulsi, and other worship materials during this time. In such cases, a family member can arrange for the worship, abhishek, and offerings. The fasting woman can sit a little distance away from the place of worship and mentally meditate on Lord Krishna.
Listen to mantras and stories
Devotion to Krishna can be practiced even without touching the puja materials. The devotee can sit at a distance and mentally chant the mantra “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or “Hare Krishna.” One can also remember the Lord by listening to the story of Shri Krishna’s birth, verses from the Bhagavad Gita, and hymns.
Do not prepare the food yourself
According to religious belief, one should also avoid preparing offerings and prasad for worship during menstruation. In such cases, panjiri, makhan mishri, and other prasad can be prepared by a family member. Similarly, it is believed that Tulsi beads or chanting beads should not be touched.
Prepare Prasad after bathing
However, if the menstrual cycle has already completed five days and the periods have completely stopped, you can take a bath by adding a little Ganga water to the bathwater. After this, you can purify the kitchen and prepare offerings for Laddu Gopal.
