By [Your Name] | Updated August 2025
New Delhi: Devotees across India and the world are preparing for the grand celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This year, the festival comes with a twist—confusion over whether it should be observed on August 15 or August 16.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the Ashtami Tithi—the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha—begins at 11:49 PM on August 15 and ends at 9:34 PM on August 16. While some communities will hold midnight rituals on August 15, the majority of temples and traditional panchangs have fixed Saturday, August 16, 2025, as the official celebration date. This year also marks Lord Krishna’s 5,252nd birth anniversary.
Why We Celebrate Janmashtami
Janmashtami commemorates the divine birth of Lord Krishna in Mathura over 5,000 years ago. According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in the midst of political turmoil, to end the tyranny of King Kansa. His birth is considered a divine intervention to restore dharma (righteousness) and protect the innocent.
Beyond its mythological significance, Janmashtami symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, joy over despair, and truth over deceit. The festival also celebrates Krishna’s playful childhood, wisdom, and teachings—especially those in the Bhagavad Gita.
Puja Timings and Ritual Schedule
- Ashtami Tithi: Begins at 11:49 PM on August 15, ends at 9:34 PM on August 16.
- Nishita Puja (Midnight Puja): 12:03 AM to 12:47 AM on August 16.
- Example City Timings:
- Gurgaon: 12:05 AM – 12:48 AM
- New Delhi: 12:04 AM – 12:47 AM
- Mumbai: 12:20 AM – 1:05 AM
- Chennai: 11:51 PM – 12:36 AM
- Example City Timings:
- Parana (Breaking Fast): After 9:34 PM on August 16.
During Nishita Puja, devotees place an idol of baby Krishna in a decorated cradle, perform Abhishek (ritual bathing) with milk, curd, ghee, and honey, and offer butter—Krishna’s favorite food. Fasting, chanting, and devotional singing continue until midnight, believed to be the exact moment of Krishna’s birth.
Celebrations Across India
In Mathura and Vrindavan, where Krishna spent his early life, temples will host grand festivities with Jhankis (tableaux), Raslilas (theatrical enactments of Krishna’s life), and continuous bhajans.
ISKCON temples in major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, will organize elaborate pujas, cultural programs, and 24-hour kirtans. In Maharashtra, the following day will see the energetic Dahi Handi tradition, where teams form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high above the streets, symbolizing Krishna’s love for butter.
Holiday and Public Impact
The overlapping of Janmashtami with Independence Day (August 15) has created a long weekend in several states. Many banks will remain closed on both August 15 and August 16. In Uttar Pradesh, schools will be shut from August 14 to 17, covering Chehlum, Independence Day, and Janmashtami.
Astrological Significance
This year’s Janmashtami is considered especially auspicious as it aligns with the Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra, Krishna’s birth star. However, Rohini Nakshatra will start after the main festival concludes, adding a rare celestial combination believed to amplify spiritual benefits for devotees.
