Schools across Madhya Pradesh will observe Shri Krishna Janmashtami with a three-day programme from September 1 to 3, 2026, following directions issued by the state’s Directorate of Public Instruction (DPI). The celebrations will focus on the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, Krishna Leela, the Bhagavad Gita and Indian cultural traditions. 

The instructions have been issued to district education officers across the state. Schools have been asked to organise the programmes in an enthusiastic and dignified manner, with the stated objective of helping students understand Indian culture, traditions, moral values and social harmony. 

Three-day programme from September 1

The school-level celebrations will be held from September 1 to September 3, ahead of the Janmashtami festival. During these three days, students will take part in activities connected with Lord Krishna’s life, teachings and various episodes associated with his traditions. 

The programme is being organised as part of directions received from the Madhya Pradesh government’s Culture Department, with the DPI subsequently communicating the instructions to district education authorities. Krishna Leela and cultural performances

One of the key activities planned in schools is the staging of Krishna Leela, allowing students to present different episodes associated with Lord Krishna.

Schools will also organise plays and dance performances based on Krishna’s teachings, the Bhagavad Gita and related episodes. These activities are intended to combine cultural participation with discussions around the values and teachings associated with Krishna. 

Lectures on Krishna's teachings

Apart from stage performances, schools have been directed to conduct lectures and discussions related to Lord Krishna’s life, philosophy and teachings. The instructions also mention programmes aimed at addressing misconceptions and myths associated with Krishna.

The broader objective is to introduce students to Indian cultural traditions and values through activities beyond routine classroom teaching. 

Special programmes at Sandipani schools

Special activities have also been planned for Sandipani schools in Madhya Pradesh. Along with the general Janmashtami programmes, these schools will conduct discussions and theatrical presentations based on Guru Sandipani and the guru-shishya tradition. 

The reference to Sandipani is significant in the context of Ujjain, which is traditionally associated with the Sandipani Ashram and the period of Krishna’s education.

District officials asked to monitor programmes

District education officers have been instructed to communicate the directions to schools under their jurisdiction and ensure that the programmes are conducted as prescribed.

Schools have also been asked to document the events through photographs and submit a compliance report to the concerned education authorities. 

Janmashtami celebrations across Madhya Pradesh

The school programmes are part of wider Janmashtami-related cultural activities being organised across Madhya Pradesh. The state government has also issued directions for cultural programmes at places associated with Krishna’s life and traditions. An official Dhar district administration release, for instance, mentions cultural programmes, lectures on Krishna’s teachings and activities in schools and colleges. 

With the three-day school programme beginning September 1, students across Madhya Pradesh are expected to participate in performances, discussions and cultural activities centred on Lord Krishna and the values associated with his teachings.