3 days ago
Janmashtami 2025 in Mathura-Vrindavan: Exact date and Mangla Aarti timings
Mathura-Vrindavan Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on 16 August, drawing thousands of devotees to witness one of the most vibrant Krishna celebrations in the world. From the decorated lanes of Mathura to the flower-laden temples of Vrindavan, the atmosphere will be filled with chants, bhajans, and devotion. The most awaited moment is the Mangla Aarti at the famous Banke Bihari Temple, performed only once a year, right at midnight. This year's schedule includes a series of special rituals starting late at night, leading up to Krishna's 'birth' darshan, abhishek, and aartis, making the occasion a spiritual highlight for visitors and locals midnight schedule as follows (all times local):11.00 PM: Ganpati and Navagraha pooja11.55 PM: Sahasra-archana with flowers and Tulsi11.59 PM: Temple curtains open for the first glimpse12.00–12.10 AM: Prakatya darshan and aarti12.10–12.25 AM: Mahabhihek with milk, curd, ghee, honey12.25–12.40 AM: Thakur Ji's birth abhihek12.45–12.50 AM: Shringar aarti (dressing ritual)1.55–2.00 AM: Shayan aarti (put-to-rest ritual)Mangla Aarti is performed only once a year on Janmashtami at the Banke Bihari Temple. In 2025, it will take place right after midnight, with darshan beginning at around 12 AM and continuing until 6 AM. The Mangla Aarti itself is scheduled for around 3:30 AM, followed by bhog offered to Bihari-ji at 5 AM before darshan concludes.
In the days leading up to the festival, devotees prepare with simple offerings, bhajans, and devotional songs. Temples are adorned with flowers, lights, and colourful fabrics, while the streets come alive with devotional performances and tableaux depicting Krishna's Mathura, the atmosphere is equally charged, with millions visiting the Krishna Janmabhoomi, Dwarkadhish, ISKCON, and Banke Bihari temples for fasting, midnight worship, and aartis. The entire night brims with joy, devotion, and spiritual connection.- Ends
