
Janmashtami 2025 puja timings revealed: Best time to celebrate Krishna Janmotsav
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When is Janmashtami 2025?
Mark your calendars! Janmashtami falls on Saturday, 16 August 2025, with a gazetted public holiday across India.
The Ashtami Tithi begins late on 15 August and flows into 16 August, making it a night of devotion for millions.
Nishita Puja (Midnight Muhurat):
Time: 12:03 AM – 12:47 AM (some sources note 12:04 AM – 12:46 AM)
Duration: Around 43 minutes — the most sacred window to welcome Krishna into your home and heart.
Live Events
How India Celebrates Janmashtami
From small village temples to bustling city streets, Janmashtami is a colourful spectacle.
Fasting & Midnight Rituals
Devotees often fast through the day, some go without water, others sustain on fruits and milk, breaking the fast only after the midnight aarti, the moment of Krishna's divine birth.
Jhulan Utsav & Baby Krishna Worship
Idols of Laddu Gopal are placed on beautifully decorated swings. Families rock him gently at midnight, offering flowers, sweets, and tulsi leaves.
Dahi Handi Thrill
In Maharashtra and parts of North India, human pyramids rise high as teams try to break pots filled with curd or butter, echoing Krishna's playful days in Gokul.
Bhajans, Rasleela & Devotional Plays
The night resounds with bhajans, dramatic performances of Krishna's life (Rasleela), and recitations from the Bhagavata Purana.
Rituals to Observe at Home
Clean and decorate your home temple with fresh flowers.
Offer makhan, sweets, and tulsi leaves to Lord Krishna.
Sing devotional songs or read Krishna's childhood tales.
Rock the baby Krishna idol in a cradle at midnight.
Fun Ways to Celebrate with Family
Dress children as Krishna and Radha — a delight for both the kids and your camera!
Host a bhajan evening with neighbours and friends.
Watch mythological shows or films about Krishna together.
Prepare a simple satvik meal to enjoy after the midnight puja.
Why Janmashtami Still Matters Today
Beyond rituals, Janmashtami stands for values that never fade:
The triumph of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (evil).
The power of truth, love, and devotion.
Family bonding and cultural continuity in a fast-paced world.
Stories for Children — Lessons Wrapped in Fun
Krishna and Kalia Naag – Courage in the face of danger.
Krishna Lifting Govardhan Hill – Protection of the community.
Krishna Stealing Butter – The joy of innocence and mischief.
Sharing these stories keeps the festival alive in the next generation's imagination.
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Time of India
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1 2 Jaipur: The Pink City turned into a canvas of devotion and festivity Saturday as thousands of devotees celebrated Janmashtami with grandeur. From historic temples to bustling markets, every corner of Jaipur resonated with chants, rituals, and vibrant cultural events. The day began before dawn at Govind Devji temple, where the special Mangla Jhanki at 4:30 am unveiled the deity in new yellow attire. The Mangla and Gwal aartis drew massive gatherings, with long queues stretching from Jaleb Chowk to the temple premises. To ensure order, the administration created four separate queues—for pass holders, barefoot devotees, worshippers with footwear, and those in the Jagmohan category. At Radha Damodar temple in Chaura Rasta, traditions dating back nearly 500 years were observed. Here, Krishna is worshipped as a 2.5-year-old child, with Janmashtami celebrated during the day and Nandotsav in the evening—a practice followed for the past 300 years. In Vaishali Nagar, Chitrakoot Stadium became a festive hotspot as Samras Bharat Seva Sansthan hosted a grand Janmashtami programme. Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, MLA Gopal Sharma, and JMC-Greater Mayor Somya Gurjar attended the event. The Dahi Handi competition, featuring teams of youngsters above 14, electrified the crowd, while the Bal Gopal contest saw children dressed as Krishna. Across the Walled City, shops selling idols, costumes, and decorative items overflowed with buyers, while children dressed as Radha and Krishna added colour to the streets. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.


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