It is also known as Gokulashtami and Krishna Jayanti or Jenmashtami. It is celebrated as the birth day of Krishna and falls on the fourth lunar asterism, Rohini and the 8th quart of the moon Ashtami.Ashtami Rohini, also known as Gokulashtami and Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami is observed as a day of fasting (vratham) by the devotees of Lord Krishna. As Lord Krishna's birth 'Avathaaram' is said to have taken place on mid-night, women specially refrain from food and keep vigil in Krishna's temple till night and when, after the Pujas are over, they partake of things that have been already offered to the god. The temple is illuminated with myriads of oil fed lamps and worship goes on almost till the early hours of the morning. specially Namboothiri women, stay awake till mid-night and keep a vigil to the Lord. Time is passed with recreational activities and merriment. Girls usually perform the graceful Kaikottikkali and sing songs.
Krishna temples are brilliantly decorated at this time with oil lamps and festivities continue till early hours of morning. Large numbers of devotees gather on this day for a glimpse of their Lord in full shringar. Major celebrations take place in the Guruvayur Devaswom. Devotees throng this temple with Appam and Palpayasam (cakes of rice paste and jaggery). These are considered to be Lord's favourite food. Special feasts are arranged for the devotees by the various Krishna temples on this day.