Janmashtami 2025

Janmashtami, also known as Shrikrishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Shrikrishna. This festival is celebrated with great devotion and reverence not only in India but across the world, especially in Mathura and Vrindavan, where Shrikrishna spent his childhood.

As soon as one hears the name Janmashtami, the mind becomes adorned with the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna, which are very delightful and pleasing to the heart. Lord Krishna was born at midnight during the auspicious conjunction of Rohini Nakshatra in the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month. At that time, all stars, planets, and the ascendant were favorable. On this day, devotees celebrate the birth of Shrikrishna and worship his child form and also observe a fast to receive Lord Krishna's blessings.

This festival is celebrated with great pomp across the country. On this day, temples and homes are decorated, and tableaux depicting the pastimes of Shrikrishna are displayed. Performing the ritualistic worship on Janmashtami brings peace and happiness in the home and brings success. It is considered auspicious to worship the child form of Lord Krishna on the holy occasion of Janmashtami.

Janmashtami 2025: Date and Time

• Date of Shri Krishna Janmashtami: 15 August 2025
• Beginning of Ashtami Tithi: 15 August 2025 at 11:51 P.M
• End of Ashtami Tithi: 16 August 2025 at 9:35 P.M
• Beginning of Rohini Nakshatra: 17 August 2025 at 4:39 A.M
• End of Rohini Nakshatra: 18 August 2025 at 3:17 A.M

1. When is Janmashtami celebrated at home?
   • Janmashtami at home is generally observed by people following the Smart sect.
   • In this, only the purity of the Ashtami Tithi is considered — that is, when there is Ashtami Tithi at 12 midnight, fasting and worship are done on that day.
   • There is no specific rule regarding the Nakshatra (like Rohini).
   • Most householders observe the fast according to this Smart method. Smart Janmashtami = When there is Ashtami Tithi at midnight (12 o'clock)
2. When is Janmashtami celebrated in temples?
   • In temples, especially ISKCON, Dwarkadhish, Vrindavan, Mathura, etc., Janmashtami is celebrated according to the Vaishnav tradition.
   • The Vaishnav sect observes the combination of Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra.
   • If Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra do not occur together on the first day, they celebrate Janmashtami on the next day. Vaishnav Janmashtami = Combination of Ashtami Tithi + Rohini Nakshatra (or their conjunction at night)

Why are the dates different?

• The Hindu calendar is based on the moon, so Ashtami Tithi may start in the afternoon of one day and continue till the afternoon of the next day.
• If there is no Ashtami at 12 midnight on the first day, Smart followers observe the fast on the next day.
• Vaishnav followers, due to the requirement of Rohini Nakshatra, may shift the date accordingly.
• Therefore, every year there can be a one-day difference between the home and temple Janmashtami.

What is the difference between the two?

The Story of Krishna's Birth

In the Dwapar Yuga, King Ugrasen ruled over Mathura. His son's name was Kansa. Kansa was extremely cruel and ruthless by nature. Because of his cruelty, Kansa forcibly snatched the throne from his own father Ugrasen and imprisoned him. After imprisoning his father, Kansa declared himself the king of Mathura.

Some time later, Kansa's cousin sister Devaki was married to Vasudeva. When Devaki was about to depart for her in-laws' home, Kansa himself took charge of driving the chariot to please his beloved sister. While Kansa was driving the chariot to bid Devaki farewell, a divine voice (Akashvani) suddenly echoed from the sky, saying — "O Kansa! The sister whom you are lovingly sending off today, her eighth child will be the cause of your death."

Kansa, being wicked and shameless, was infuriated upon hearing this prophecy. He immediately drew his sword, grabbed Devaki by her hair, and prepared to kill her, thinking, "If I kill Devaki now, she will have no child and no one will be able to kill me." Seeing Kansa in such a furious state, Vasudeva tried to calm him and said, "You have no reason to fear Devaki herself; she will not harm you. According to the prophecy, only her eighth child will pose a threat to you. I promise to hand over our eighth child to you."

Kansa accepted Vasudeva's words but his fear did not subside. So, he imprisoned Vasudeva and Devaki. Kansa mercilessly killed every child born to Devaki.

In due course, Lord Shri Krishna was born as Devaki's eighth child. At the moment of Krishna's birth, the prison cell was illuminated by a divine light. Seeing this light, Devaki and Vasudeva were both awestruck and frightened. At that moment, Lord Vishnu appeared before them in his four-armed form and gave them his divine vision. After blessing them, the Lord instructed Vasudeva, "Take me immediately to Gokul, to the house of Nanda, and bring back the baby girl born there to give to Kansa."

According to the Lord's wish, as soon as Vasudeva set out with the newborn Krishna, the prison doors miraculously opened on their own. When Kansa learned that Devaki had given birth, he rushed to the prison to kill the child, convinced that this time the child would be the cause of his death. He snatched the baby girl from Devaki and tried to kill her, but she slipped from his hands, transformed into a goddess, and spoke, "O evil Kansa, you are a grave sinner and your end is certain. The one who will kill you has already been born on this earth. Now stop killing innocent children." After saying this, the divine Yogmaya disappeared.

Seeing this, Kansa was overcome with fear. Regretful, he began pleading for forgiveness from his sister Devaki and brother-in-law Vasudeva. Touched by his repentance, Vasudeva and Devaki forgave him, and Kansa released them from prison.

In Gokul, at dawn, when Nanda Baba saw that Yashoda had given birth to a son, he was filled with joy and arranged a grand celebration for the newborn's birth. Happiness spread throughout Gokul, and all the villagers rejoiced. From that time onward, the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna has been celebrated as Janmashtami. This festival brings immense joy and devotion to the devotees. To experience this bliss, to increase love, devotion, and attachment towards the Lord, this auspicious festival is celebrated every year with great enthusiasm and devotion.

Worship Method of Janmashtami

• Worship Method
  • Janmashtami is the joyous festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, and it should be celebrated with devotion and happiness.
  • It can be observed with recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, devotional singing (kirtan), fasting, and chanting of the Lord's name.
  • The main ritual is performed at midnight, the divine time of Krishna's birth.
• Puja Preparation
  • Thoroughly clean the place of worship and sprinkle Gangajal (holy water) to purify it.
  • Decorate the altar beautifully to create an auspicious atmosphere.
  • Offer prayers to the Sun, Wind, Earth, Sky, and then sit facing East or North.
• Deity Installation
  • Place a clean white cloth on a low wooden stool or platform.
  • Install a small metal idol of Laddu Gopal (infant Krishna) on it.
• Essential Puja Items
  • Kumkum, sandalwood paste (chandan)
  • Incense sticks, lamp (for aarti)
  • Water, fresh flowers
  • Panchamrit (mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar), panchiri (sweet mix), coconut sweets, fruits and other offerings.
• Symbolic Birth Ritual:
  • In some traditions, a cucumber stalk is cut at midnight to symbolize the cutting of the umbilical cord at a baby's birth.
  • This is optional; you can simply welcome the Lord with songs and prayers.
• Bathing and Dressing the Deity
  • After midnight, bathe Laddu Gopal with honey, ghee, sugar, milk, curd, dry fruits, and Gangajal.
  • Apply sandalwood tilak, dress him in clean clothes, adorn with a crown and flute.
• Final Steps
  • Perform aarti for Lord Krishna.
  • Offer bhog (sweets like panchiri, fruits, coconut sweets, etc.).
  • Distribute the prasad to all family members.
• Breaking the Fast
  • If you observed a fast, break it after the midnight puja by first offering the food to Laddu Gopal and then eating.

Significance and Benefits of Janmashtami

Janmashtami is not just a celebration of Krishna's birth but a reminder of the victory of righteousness, devotion, and wisdom over evil. It signifies that no matter how strong unrighteousness grows, it will surely end.

Celebrating Janmashtami brings many spiritual and mental benefits:

• Brings peace, happiness, and prosperity in the family
• Removes negativity and doshas (flaws)
• Increases concentration and spiritual growth
• Deepens devotion and faith
• Instills moral and religious values in children

Religious Significance of Janmashtami

• Culturally: Raslila, bhajans, kirtans, and community events foster social bonding.
• Spiritually: It nurtures the path of devotion and purifies the soul.
• Socially: Events like Dahi Handi promote cooperation and unity in society.
• Philosophically: The life of Shri Krishna represents the paths of Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do we celebrate Janmashtami?

Janmashtami is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival symbolizes the victory of righteousness (dharma) over evil (adharma), and upholds the principles of love, truth, justice, and devotion that defined Krishna's life. Scriptures say that observing the Janmashtami fast protects one from untimely death, destroys sins, and fulfills heartfelt wishes.

2. What should we do on Janmashtami??

Devotees observe a fast on Janmashtami. After a morning bath, one should take a vow to keep the fast. Throughout the day and night, devotees engage in meditation, chanting, worship, singing devotional songs (bhajans), and performing kirtan. Homes are decorated with flowers, lights, and rangoli. A special altar is prepared and adorned with a beautifully decorated idol of baby Krishna (Laddu Gopal). At midnight, the moment of Krishna's birth is celebrated with prayers, hymns, and songs. Lamps are lit and the idol is gently swung in a decorated cradle while performing aarti. After the celebration, some devotees break their fast by sharing prasad, while others wait until sunrise to conclude the fast, depending on their family traditions. Footprints are drawn at the entrance and near the kitchen to signify baby Krishna's arrival into the home. The next day, the Dahi Handi festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

3. How to Celebrate Janmashtami at Home??

• Rituals may vary regionally, so you should follow your family traditions and local customs.
• Clean your house thoroughly a day before Janmashtami.
• On Janmashtami day, wake up early, complete your morning routine, and bathe.
• Gather all necessary puja items in advance.
• Take flowers in your hand and vow to observe the fast, imagining that Lord Krishna is arriving at your home.
• Spend the whole day singing bhajans and kirtans.
• Clean the puja area and home temple once more before beginning the rituals.
• Decorate your house as you wish — use flowers, lights, and rangoli.
• Decorate the puja space with flowers and lamps.
• Place a clean white or yellow cloth on a small table (chowki) and set up the idol or cradle (jhula) of baby Krishna (Laddu Gopal).
• Sit facing East or North.
• Meditate peacefully and invite Lord Krishna into your home.
• In some regions, at midnight, people cut a cucumber stalk as a symbolic ritual representing the cutting of the umbilical cord at a baby's birth. This is optional.
• At exactly midnight, perform the main Janmashtami puja, signifying Lord Krishna's birth.
• Bathe Laddu Gopal with Panchamrit and sacred Ganga jal.
• Dress Him in clean clothes, apply sandalwood tilak, and adorn Him with flowers, a crown, and a flute.
• Offer bhog (food offering) and perform aarti.
• Sing bhajans or kirtans after the ritual.
• Share the prasad with all family members.
• Break your fast after offering food to Laddu Gopal at night.

4. How to Perform Janmashtami Puja

• Take a bath early in the morning and vow to observe the fast.
• Install idols of baby Krishna (Bal Krishna) and Mother Devaki at the puja place.
• Create beautiful scenes around Krishna showing cows, Kaliya Naag Mardan (Krishna dancing on the serpent), and lifting Govardhan hill.
• Perform a complete Shodashopchar Puja (16-step ritual) for Mother Devaki and baby Krishna with devotion.
• Bathe Laddu Gopal with Panchamrit.
• Dress Him in fresh new clothes.
• Gently swing Laddu Gopal in a decorated cradle.
• Mix Tulsi leaves in the Panchamrit and prepare Makhan-Mishri and coriander Panjiri to offer as bhog.
• Perform aarti after offering the bhog.
• Distribute the prasad among all devotees.
• Worshipping the moon on this day is also considered auspicious.

5. What Not to Do on Janmashtami

• One should avoid speaking lies on Janmashtami.
• It is not enough to abstain only from grains; it is equally important to keep all senses under control.
• If the senses are not controlled, the full benefit of the fast is not achieved.
• Avoid consuming heavy, fried foods and excessive sweets during the fast.
• Do not overeat after breaking the fast.
• Avoid sour fruits like oranges and lemons, and refrain from drinking juice after inner, as they may cause digestive issues.
• Consumption of onion, garlic, and non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited.
• One should also avoid excessive physical labour or vigorous activities.

6. What to Do on Janmashtami

• Observe a fast on Janmashtami.
• Meditate on Lord Bal Krishna, chant his name, perform worship, sing bhajans and kirtans throughout the day and night.
• Visit nearby temples and take part in Janmashtami celebrations.
• Celebrate Lord Krishna's birth at midnight and distribute prasad.
• Decorate your home and read verses from the Bhagavad Gita or scriptures related to Krishna's life.
• Organize or attend dance-drama performances like Ras Leela or Krishna Leela.
• Participate in the Dahi Handi festival the next day and enjoy the playful acts of Lord Krishna.

7. What can you eat during the fast?

• During Janmashtami fast, you can eat fruits like bananas, apples, pomegranate, and muskmelon.
• Among dairy products, milk, yogurt, paneer, butter, and buttermilk can be consumed.
• Root vegetables like potatoes and sweet potatoes can be used.
• Dry fruits, peanuts, and seeds are also allowed during the fast.
• Buckwheat flour, fox nuts (makhana), and water chestnut flour are acceptable for fasting.
• Sendha namak (rock salt) is used instead of regular salt.
• Fresh coconut water, fruit juices, and lemonade are suitable to drink.
• Sago (Sabu dana) khichdi or vada can be eaten, as they are good sources of energy.

8. What should you avoid eating during the fast?

• Do not eat grains during the Janmashtami fast.
• All types of lentils are prohibited.
• Onion and garlic are considered tamasic, so they should not be consumed.
• Non-vegetarian food is strictly forbidden.
• Sour fruits should not be eaten during the fast.
• Certain beverages should also be avoided.
• Avoid eating excessively fried foods and heavy sweets.

9. How is Janmashtami celebrated in Vrindavan?

• In Vrindavan, Janmashtami is celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion, dedicated to the childhood pastimes of Lord Krishna and the boundless love for him.
• It is often celebrated a day after Mathura. Over 5,000 Krishna and Radha temples in Vrindavan are magnificently decorated with flowers and lights.
• At the Banke Bihari Temple, a special "Bala Mah Abhishek" takes place on Janmashtami, which happens only once a year. After this ritual, around 2 AM, devotees get to witness the rare Mangla Aarti of Bihari Ji dressed in a yellow Pitambari attire, which is also performed only once a year.
• Devotees adorn the idols of Lord Krishna with new clothes, ornaments, and flowers, and offer his favourite foods like milk, curd, and butter.
• Dance-dramas like Ras Leela or Krishna Leela are especially popular, depicting various scenes from Krishna's life. Devotees sing bhajans, chant mantras, and repeat Lord Krishna's name all night, creating a spiritual and blissful atmosphere. Conch shells are blown, and bells are rung.
• On the next day, the Dahi Handi festival is celebrated, where groups of young people form human pyramids to break a clay pot filled with curd or butter, symbolizing Krishna's childhood mischief.

10. Are there any evidence of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan?

Vrindavan is considered the divine playground and childhood home of Lord Krishna, where he spent significant years of his life. It is located in the Brajbhumi region and is an extremely sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. Vrindavan has over 5,000 temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and his beloved consort Radha. In the 16th century, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu rediscovered the lost sacred places associated with Krishna's life and revived Vrindavan. The Radha Raman Temple houses an original Shaligram idol of Krishna, and the Govind Dev Temple (built in the 16th century) is one of the oldest surviving temples in Vrindavan. Places like Bhandirvan are said to be where Radha and Krishna's marriage ceremony took place, and legends mention Venu Koop, a well created from Krishna's flute. However, according to available research material, there is no detailed historical or archaeological evidence specifically proving Krishna's physical presence in Vrindavan. This place is primarily a center of his childhood pastimes and deep spiritual devotion, where millions of devotees experience his presence and revive his stories daily.

11. Is it good to visit Mathura during Janmashtami?

Yes, visiting Mathura during Janmashtami is highly recommended. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, making it an extremely significant city for Janmashtami celebrations. Grand festivities take place here, featuring vibrant rituals, prayers, and cultural performances. Mathura's nightlife during Janmashtami offers the Yamuna Aarti, adding a unique spiritual dimension. Hundreds of lamps are lit, creating a radiant glow at Vishram Ghat during the evening aarti. The streets are decorated with traditional arts and crafts, and filled with cultural performances, processions, and sacred chants. You can also enjoy Peda, a delicious sweet. Mathura-Vrindavan sees a huge crowd of tourists during Janmashtami, so it is essential to book accommodation in advance. Visiting Mathura-Vrindavan during the festival season is the best time as it offers an intense spiritual experience.

12. When did Shri Krishna leave Vrindavan?

Shri Krishna left Vrindavan at around the age of 11. In the third canto of the Shrimad Bhagavatam, Uddhava answers Vidura's questions, explaining that Krishna spent eleven years in Vrindavan. After leaving Vrindavan, he went to Mathura, where he killed Kansa, ending his childhood pastimes, and then proceeded to receive his education at the ashram of Sage Sandipani.