Janmashtami 2025 Fast Timings: When To Observe Fast, Dos And Don'ts To Follow
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 Fasting Rules: The auspicious occasion of Lord Krishna's birth, Janmashtami, holds an important place in Hindu culture and is celebrated by devotees as one of the most spiritually significant festivals. This year, the Krishna Janmashtami falls on August 16, with Nishita Puja (midnight ritual) scheduled between 12:20 AM and 01:05 AM on August 17 coinciding with Lord Krishna's birth, according to Drik panchang.
On Janmashtami, devotees of Lord Krishna, especially women, practice fasting and prepare for the ceremonies to be held at various temples at midnight. However, before approaching the sacred day, devotees must understand the rules of the Janmashtami fasting and how they can enhance their spiritual experience through the same.
When To Observe Janmashtami 2025 Fast?
Date: Thursday, August 15, 2025
Fast Begins: Early morning on August 15 (typically from or before sunrise, depending on local traditions)
Nishita Puja (Midnight Worship): 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on August 16, 2025 — the most auspicious time for celebrating Lord Krishna's birth
Fast Ends (Parana): After midnight, following the Nishita Puja, on August 16
Duration: The fast is observed for around 24 hours, concluding after the midnight celebration of Krishna Janmotsav
Dos and Don'ts of Janmashtami Fasting
Janmashtami fasting symbolises devotees' pursuit to liberate themselves from the materialistic world and connect with the divine Lord. By fasting properly, devotees inculcate discipline and experience deep spiritual awakening, which brings them closer to Krishna and his blessings.
DOs
Observe Cleanliness: Clean yourself and your surroundings, including the temple area at your home. Have a good bath early in the morning and wear clean traditional attire for the festival.
Follow the Satvik Diet: For those fasting, eating only fast-approved Satvik food items is advised. You can eat fruits, have milk or milk-based products, sabudana (tapioca), singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour), potatoes and pumpkin and use rock salt.
Engage in Devotion: It is common for devotees fasting on Janmashtami to recite Krishna bhajans throughout the day, read the Bhagavad Gita and take part in temple rituals, including pujas and kirtans.
DON'Ts
Eating Cereals: Don't consume any grains, rice and lentils while you're fasting for Janmashtami. Avoid all types of cereals and pulses for the fasting hours.
Onion or Garlic: During the fast, avoid onion, garlic and tamasic foods, consumption of which is believed to evoke restlessness and disrupt the devotional mode you're in.
Negativity: When you're trying to be one with the Lord, refrain from anger, deceit and any form of negativity. Stay calm and devoted during the fast.
Meal Plans
The devotees observe three types of fasts: Nirjala Fast (no food or water consumed until midnight or Parana), Phalahar Fast (only water, fruits, milk and specific non-grain items) and Satvik Fast (no onion, garlic or grains to be eaten).
Do not break your fast before the Nishita Puja or proper Parana time, which would nullify the entire practice. Devotees are also advised not to overindulge, eat in moderate amounts and maintain purity even after the fast is over.
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