Janmashtami is a festival full of joy, devotion, and colourful celebrations all over India. It marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who is the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. People will celebrate by fasting, praying at midnight, wearing traditional clothes, and following special rituals. This year, Janmashtami will be on August 15 and 16 because Smarta and Vaishnav sects celebrate on different days. The festival will also have Nishita Puja, Brahma Muhurta prayers, and fun events like Dahi Handi.
Janmashtami 2025 Date
According to the Hindu calendar, the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksh in the Bhadrapada month begins on August 15 at 11:49 pm and ends on August 16 at 9:34 pm. Due to these timings, both August 15 and 16 will be observed as Janmashtami by different sects.
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- Smarta Sampradaya: Celebrates on August 15 based on the Rohini Nakshatra.
- Vaishnav Sampradaya: Celebrates on August 16 based on Udaya Tithi at sunrise.
Janmashtami Puja Timings
- Nishita Puja: August 16, 12:04 am to 12:47 am (43 minutes)
- Brahma Muhurta: 4:24 am to 5:07 am
- Vijay Muhurat: 2:37 pm to 3:30 pm
- Twilight Time: 7:00 pm to 7:22 pm
- Nishita Muhurta: 12:04 am to 12:47 am
Rituals and Observances
Devotees will fast, wear traditional clothes, and bathe and decorate Lord Krishna’s idols in new clothes and jewellery. They will seek blessings for family well-being. Temples and homes will host kirtans, chant Krishna’s name, and light incense sticks. Devotees will read scriptures and prepare Krishna’s favourite dishes.
At midnight, during Nishita Kaal, devotees will offer maakhan, milk, and curd to Krishna’s idol. This ritual honours the exact time of his birth.
Dahi Handi Celebrations
In many states, Dahi Handi will add to the festive spirit. People will form human pyramids to break an earthen pot filled with butter and curd, symbolising Krishna’s childhood pranks and the pot will be hung high, and the challenge will draw large crowds.
Janmashtami 2025 will blend devotion, tradition, and joy, keeping alive the eternal charm of Lord Krishna’s life and teachings.
