Janmashtami 2026: Over 2,000 Planned C-Sections Expected Across Gujarat

As Gujarat prepares to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth at midnight with chants of “Nand Gher Anand Bhayo, Jai Kanhaiyalal Ki”, several hospitals across the state are expected to witness another kind of celebration — the arrival of newborns.

More than 2,000 planned Caesarean sections (C-sections) are expected to be performed across Gujarat this year around Janmashtami, driven in part by families who wish for their child to be born on the auspicious occasion associated with Lord Krishna’s birth.

Families Seek Double Celebration

The belief is particularly strong among families who wish to celebrate Krishna’s birth along with the arrival of their own child. The combination of Janmashtami and the Rohini Nakshatra, traditionally associated with Krishna’s birth, adds to the sentiment for some parents.

Private hospitals, in particular, are reportedly seeing greater interest compared with regular days.

Unlike a normal delivery, where the exact time of birth cannot be predicted, a Caesarean delivery can be scheduled in advance when the pregnancy has reached full term and there is a medical indication or suitability for the procedure.

In such cases, the delivery date can be decided in consultation with the doctor and family, allowing some parents to express a preference for an auspicious occasion such as Janmashtami.

Medical Safety Remains Priority

The trend is not limited to Ahmedabad, with families in other cities of Gujarat also reportedly showing interest in scheduling deliveries around Janmashtami.

However, medical experts caution that an auspicious date alone should not be the reason for opting for a Caesarean delivery.

The mother’s and baby’s medical condition, gestational age and overall safety of the delivery should remain the primary considerations when deciding the timing and mode of delivery.