Last Updated:
Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s eighth avatar. This year it will be celebrated on August 15 and 16.
Janmashtami has been observed as a ceremony for more than 5,200 years, dating back to the time of Lord Krishna’s birth. (Image: Shutterstock)
Janmashtami, or Krishna Janmashtami, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, Lord Vishnu’s eighth avatar. Lord Krishna is the Hindu deity of compassion, protection, and love. The lunisolar Hindu calendar observes Krishna Janmashtami on the Ashtami (eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada, which the Gregorian calendar usually places in August or September.
The Hindu community in India and around the world commemorates Janmashtami, an auspicious festival known by several names, such as Gokulashtami and Shrikrishna Jayanti, with great fervour and devotion. It is known as Satam Atham in Gujarat.
ALSO READ: Festivals And Bank Holidays Calendar 2025: Complete List Of Indian Festivals And Public Holidays
Janmashtami has been observed as a ceremony for more than 5,200 years, dating back to the time of Lord Krishna’s birth. We will commemorate the 5252nd anniversary of Lord Krishna’s birth this year.
When is Krishna Janmashtami? Date and Shubh Muhurat
Since it is believed that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, devotees stay awake to greet his arrival, and the puja muhurat (auspicious time for devotion) starts at midnight and lasts till the early hours of the following day.
According to Drik Panchang, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated in India on August 15 and August 16 this year.
The Nishita Puja will begin at 12:04 AM and end at 12:47 AM on August 16. In addition, the Dahi Handi will be on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
ALSO READ: When Is Holi 2025? Date, Rituals, History, Significance, And Celebrations Across India
The Ashtami Tithi commences at 11:49 PM on August 15, 2025, and concludes at 09:34 PM on August 16, 2025. Furthermore, Rohini Nakshatra starts at 04:38 AM on August 17, 2025, and ends at 3:17 AM on August 18, 2025. Also, the Mid Night Moment begins at 12:26 AM on August 16, 2025, and the Chandrodaya Moment is scheduled at 10:46 PM.
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: History And Significance
According to legend, Kansa, the brother of Queen Devaki, received a premonition that her eighth son would be the cause of his demise. Upon learning this, Kansa imprisoned Devaki and her husband Vasudev and ordered the slaughter of each of their six children.
ALSO READ: When is Ganesh Chaturthi 2025? Date, History, Significance, Muhurat, Rituals And Celebrations
Kansa tried to murder Krishna, but before he could do so, Krishna was securely sent out from the shadowy lair. He was entrusted with the care of his companions Yashoda and Nanda in Vrindavan after King Vasudeva crossed the Yamuna River with him in a basket over his head.
As per prophecy, Devaki and King Vasudev’s eighth ‘son’ would be the cause of Kansa’s death, so Vasudev returned with their daughter, who was born on the same day, to show her to King Kansa in the hopes that he wouldn’t harm her. But he threw the infant girl against a rock.
Instead of being hurt, she ascended into the sky as Goddess Durga and forewarned him of his impending demise. After growing up, Krishna fulfilled the prophecy by killing Kansa and freeing the people from the cruel rule of Kansa.
Lord Krishna’s infant form, Bal Gopal and Laddu Gopal is the main deity worshipped on Janmashtami.
His siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, as well as his biological parents, King Vasudeva and Devaki, and foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda, are also worshipped during the festival.
This celebration is very important because it honours the enduring love that exists between the divine and his followers. In historic cities like Mathura, Vrindavan, and Dwarka, Janmashtami is celebrated as the anniversary of a family member’s birth.
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Rituals and How It Is Celebrated?
Devotees fast on this sacred day, dress traditionally, bathe and adorn Lord Krishna’s idols with new garments and jewels, and ask for blessings for their families’ welfare.
Kirtan is organised by devotees, who also recite the name of the Lord. The deity of Lord Krishna is decorated by many devotees. Scriptures are read, incense sticks are lit, and many people even observe a 24-hour fast.
ALSO READ: When Is Onam 2025? Thiruvonam Date, Rituals, Significance, And How It Is Celebrated
On the occasion, a variety of delectable delicacies are also prepared.
Around midnight on the day of Krishna Janmashtami, devotees perform the Nishita puja. In addition, devotees commemorate Krishna’s birth and present the idols with his favourite food, milk, curd, and maakhan (white butter) at midnight.
Lord Krishna’s puja is held in Nishita Kaal because he was born at midnight.
In a number of states, Dahi Handi is also celebrated, during which participants make a human pyramid and break an earthen pot that has been filled with curd and butter and suspended at a height.
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Puja Vidhi
- Preparation: First, set up a sacred area with an idol of Lord Krishna in order to perform Abhishek on Janmashtami. Cleanse the area with flowers and sandalwood paste. Make arrangements for gifts such as sweets, fresh flowers, and fruits. Have a conch shell, bell, and other puja material available for the ceremony and fill a kalash with holy water.
- Abhishek Ritual: Simulate a holy bath by gently pouring the holy water from the kalash over the Lord Krishna idol. Pray and recite mantras such as ‘Gopala Govinda’ or ‘Om Shri Krishna Namaha.’ To symbolise dedication, pour water into a conch shell and ring the bell. Proceed with Panchamrit, which consists of ghee, curd, milk, honey, tulsi, and powdered sugar.
- Puja and Offerings: Following Abhishek, offer Lord Krishna bhog and perform aarti with camphor or diyas. Present the Lord with panch mewa and dhaniya panjiri. Put sweets, fruits, and flowers at the feet of the god. To ask for heavenly blessings, recite the Gita Govinda, bhajans, prayers, and aarti. To promote a feeling of community and spiritual ties, conclude the puja by asking Lord Krishna for forgiveness and giving prasad to the devotees.
- Prasad: Distribute prasad and holy water to every family member to wrap up the Abhishek ritual. Spend some time in meditation, considering the virtues and teachings of Lord Krishna. Conclude the ceremony by asking for divine direction and thanking Lord Krishna for the chance to worship and commune with his divine nature.
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Dahi Handi Date, Time & Significance
Dahi Handi is a popular sports event that takes place in Goa and Maharashtra. Handi means the clay pot used to prepare and store milk products, whereas Dahi means the curd.
ALSO READ: When Is Eid al-Fitr 2025 in India? Ramzan Dates, Sehri, Iftar, And How Eid Is Celebrated
In Maharashtra, the celebration of Dahi Handi is also called Gopalakala. The day after Krishna Janmashtami is dedicated to celebrating Dahi Handi.
In 2025, Dahi Handi will be observed on Saturday, August 16, as per Dirk Panchang. The Ashtami Tithi begins at 11:49 PM on August 15, 2025, and will end at 09:34 PM on August 16, 2025.
Dahi Handi is a celebration that honours Lord Krishna’s childhood antics. As a child, Krishna had a fondness for curd and butter, and he became famous for his mischievous habit of stealing it.
To satisfy his cravings, Krishna and his friends would target neighbourhood homes for their supply of dairy products.
ALSO READ: When Is Dussehra 2025: Vijayadashami Date, Time, History, Significance, And More
In response, the women in the area began hanging milk goods from the ceiling, like chandeliers, in an attempt to outsmart the young Krishna and his friends. The idea was to use their small stature to keep the Dahi Handis—pots filled with curd—out of reach.
Krishna came up with the idea of building a human pyramid to get to the curd stored at height.
The human pyramid served as a ladder to climb up and reach the Handi. Since then, it has entered Indian mythology. Every year around Janmashtami, a small troop of young boys performs this scene from Lord Krishna’s life.
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Is It A Bank Holiday in India?
Most banks in India are closed on Janmashtami. However, the holiday is not universally followed, as banking services stay open in numerous large cities. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), financial institutions normally remain closed to commemorate Janmashtami as a holiday under the RBI’s recognised categories of bank closures.
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day of the waning moon (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu lunar calendar. In the South of India, it is celebrated according to the Amanta Hindu Calendar (solar calendar), while in the North of India, it is celebrated according to the Purnimanta Hindu Calendar (Lunar Calendar).
How is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated?
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with fasting, chanting bhajans, performing kirtans, worshipping Krishna, reenacting Krishna’s birth, and eating special foods.
What are some fasting rules?
During the fast, one should avoid grains, lentils, and certain vegetables like onions and garlic. Instead, one should consume a sattvic diet consisting of fresh fruits, milk, yoghurt, and light vegetarian dishes.
What are some other names for Krishna Janmashtami?
Krishna Janmashtami is also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Sree Jayanthi.
