Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This sacred festival holds immense spiritual and cultural importance for Hindus across India and beyond.
Janmashtami 2025 Date & Day
- Janmashtami 2025 falls on Saturday, 16 August 2025, as observed with a gazetted public holiday in India.
- The Ashtami tithi begins on 15 August late night and continues into 16 August.
Puja Timing (Nishita Muhurat)
- The auspicious Nishita Puja (midnight worship marking Krishna’s birth) is observed around 12:03 AM to 12:47 AM on 16 August.
- Many sources also list it as 12:04 AM–12:46 AM, lasting approximately 43 minutes
Why is Janmashtami Celebrated?
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is believed to have taken birth over 5,000 years ago in Mathura. He played a vital role in the Mahabharata and is known for spreading the message of dharma, karma, and bhakti.
The festival is celebrated to:
- Commemorate Krishna’s divine birth
- Promote values of truth, compassion, and justice
- Remember his teachings from the Bhagavad Gita
How Janmashtami Is Celebrated
- Fasting & Midnight Rituals
Devotees observe fasts (nirjala or fruit/ milk) through the day and break it after the midnight puja when Krishna is believed to be born.
- Jhulan Utsav & Baby Krishna Worship
Beautiful swings with flower decorations are placed for Laddu Gopal, and devotional pujas occur at midnight.
- Dahi Handi Celebrations
In Maharashtra and parts of North India, teams form human pyramids to break pots of curd or butter (dahi), echoing Krishna’s playful acts.
- Bhajans, Rasleela & Devotional Plays
From Bhajans to enactments of Krishna’s life, fans of devotion and dance recite the Bhagavata Purana and sing praises.
Rituals to Follow on Janmashtami 2025
- Clean your home temple and decorate with flowers.
- Offer tulsi leaves, makhan (butter), and sweets to Lord Krishna.
- Sing devotional songs and read Krishna stories.
- Rock the baby Krishna idol in a decorated cradle at midnight.
Tips to Celebrate Janmashtami at Home
- Dress children as Krishna and Radha.
- Host a bhajan evening with family and friends.
- Watch Krishna-related mythological shows together.
- Prepare a simple satvik meal post-midnight celebration.
Significance of Janmashtami in Modern Times
Janmashtami is more than a religious event; it is a celebration of:
- Righteousness (Dharma) over evil (Adharma)
- Truth, love, and devotion
- Family bonding and cultural values
Stories of Lord Krishna for Kids
- Krishna and Kalia Naag
- Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill
- Krishna stealing butter
- Share these tales to help children learn morals with fun.
Author
Why is Janmashtami celebrated?
What are the main rituals of Janmashtami?
- Fasting till midnight
- Krishna Abhishek (ritual bathing of Krishna idol)
- Singing devotional bhajans
- Reading Bhagavad Gita or Krishna Leela
- Dahi Handi events in Maharashtra
