Why is Lord Krishna's birth celebrated at midnight?

Lord Krishna’s birth is traditionally believed to have occurred at midnight during Nishita Kaal, which is why Janmashtami rituals culminate at this time. Nishita Kaal traditionally refers to the middle or darkest part of the night. In 2026, the Nishita Puja window in New Delhi is from 11:57 pm on September 4 to 12:43 am on September 5.