Morning rites: Begin with a pre-dawn bath and vow to fast. Clean the altar and prepare a statue or image of baby Krishna on Janmashtami.
Midnight rituals (at the 12:04–12:47 AM muhurat): Perform Lord Krishna’s abhishek (ritual bathing) using Panchamrit, made by milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar, followed by water for cleansing. Dress Him in new clothes, use sandalwood paste, add tulsi leaves, and allow for fragrant decoration.
Bhog and aarti: Offer traditional bhog, perform aarti, rock the cradle (Jhulan), recite mantras, and share prasad.