Janmashtami 2025: Is Krishna Janmashtami on August 15 or 16? Know the correct date
Krishna Janmashtami
or simply Janmashtami-- is also celebrated with great fervour and joy by devotees across the world.
For the unversed, Krishna is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was born more than 5,000 years ago in Mathura, on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, as the Hindu calendar.
This usually falls in August or September in the Gregorian calendar. And Lord Krishna's birth is believed to have brought an end to the oppressive reign of King Kansa, restoring hope, righteousness, and dharma to the world.
However, Janmashtami is more than just a religious occasion— it's a day of joy, hope, devotion, and cultural vibrancy. From the scared temples of Mathura which is Krishna's birthplace to millions of homes across the world, Janmashtami is celebrated by devotees by singing, dancing, fasting, and reenacting Krishna's childhood adventures. Beyond the rituals, it carries a timeless message: that no matter what happens, good will always triumph over evil.
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'yadā yadā hi dharmasya glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya tadātmānaṁ sṛijāmyaham' (Bhagavad Gita 4.7)
This means when adharma starts to prevail, and Dharma starts to perish. Lord Sri Krishna appears at his own will, as per ISKCON.
Why Janmashtami is celebrated
Lord Krishna's life, as narrated in sacred texts like the 'Bhagavatam' and the 'Mahabharata', is filled with teachings on love, duty, and truth. His childhood stories— be it stealing butter, playing the flute, protecting villagers from storms, and defeating demons— are symbols of innocence, compassion, and courage.
And so, Janmashtami commemorates Lord Krishna's birth and invites devotees to reflect on his timeless teachings, which remain relevant even today.
While the festival is called by various names across India— Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Sree Jayanthi— each with unique local traditions, its essence remains the same.
Janmashtami 2025
exact date and puja timings
In 2025, it will be Shri Krishna's 5252 nd birthday, as per Drik Panchang.
This year, Janmashtami will be celebrated over two days due to differences in sectarian traditions and the alignment of tithis (lunar dates).
According to Drik Panchang:
Ashtami Tithi starts- August 15, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Ashtami date ends- August 16, 2025 at 09:34 PM
Rohini Nakshatra starts- August 17, 2025 at 04:38 AM
Rohini Nakshatra ends- August 18, 2025 at 03:17 AM
And so, Smarta Sampradaya (common householders) will celebrate Janmashtami on August 15, aligning the festival with the Rohini Nakshatra.
Whereas, Vaishnava Sampradaya (which are followers of Lord Vishnu) will celebrate on August 16, following the Udaya Tithi (sunrise timing), as per a report by NDTV.
Janmashtami 2025 Puja Timings, according to Drik Panchang:
Nishita Puja Time: 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on August 16
Nishita Kaal (midnight) holds special importance because Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at that exact time.
Rituals and traditions
Devotees prepare for Janmashtami with deep reverence. Some common practices include:
Fasting: Many observe a complete fast, breaking it only after midnight puja.
Others follow a partial fast, consuming fruits and milk-based dishes.
Decorating Krishna Idols: Idols of baby Krishna are bathed, dressed in new clothes, adorned with jewellery, and placed in beautifully decorated cradles.
Midnight Puja: At Nishita Kaal, devotees perform elaborate prayers, chant mantras, and offer Krishna's favourite foods—white butter, milk, and sweets.
Bhajans and Kirtans: Throughout the day, devotees sing devotional songs and read scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita.
Raslilas and Plays: Theatrical performances bring alive episodes from Krishna's life, especially his time in Vrindavan.
The symbolism behind
Dahi Handi
In states like Maharashtra and Gujarat, Janmashtami is incomplete without Dahi Handi. An earthen pot filled with butter, curd, or milk is hung high, and teams of young men and women (Govindas) form human pyramids to break it. This represents Krishna's love for butter and his daring spirit, while also teaching teamwork, coordination, and determination.
This year, Dahi Handi will be celebrated on August 16, 2025 (Saturday), as per Drik Panchang.
Foods and offerings to Krishna
No festival is complete without special food, and Janmashtami has its own delicious spread. Offerings include:
- Maakhan Mishri (Butter with Sugar) – Krishna's favourite
- Panjiri – A sweet mixture of wheat, sugar, and ghee
- Milk-based Sweets – Like peda, rasgulla, and kheer
- Fruits and Dry Fruits – Offered during fasting rituals
These offerings are first given to the deity and later shared as prasad among devotees.
Here's wishing all readers a very happy Janmashtami 2025!
Krishna Janmashtami Special: Hindi Song 'O Kanha Ab To Murli Ki Madhur Suna Do Taan' Sung By Hare Krishana Ras
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