Krishna Janmashtami 2025, commemorating the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, will be celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm across India on Saturday, 16 August 2025.
Revered for his wisdom, charm, and playful nature, Lord Krishna’s birth is marked by fasting, midnight puja, devotional singing, and the famous Dahi Handi celebrations in various parts of the country.
According to the Hindu calendar, the festival coincides with the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada, with the most auspicious puja muhurat falling between 12:04 AM and 12:47 AM IST. Devotees believe that Lord Krishna was born at midnight, and temples across the nation will be adorned with lights, flowers, and traditional decorations to mark the occasion.
Celebrations at home and in temples
Many families will prepare for the festival by cleaning and decorating their homes with mango leaves, tulsi, and peacock feathers, and setting up a small idol or picture of baby Krishna on a decorated cradle. Offerings of tulsi leaves, butter, curd, and milk will be made,accompanied by the chanting of Krishna mantras and devotional songs.
Fasting is an integral part of Janmashtami observance, with devotees either opting for a nirjal vrat (without water) or consuming only fruits and vrat-approved meals. The fast is typically broken after the midnight puja. It is believed that observing these rituals with faith can bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual wisdom.
Cultural and traditional significance
As described in the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura during a time of tyranny, to restore dharma (righteousness) and defeat evil. His life, from his childhood pranks to his divine teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, continues to inspire millions around the world.
Dahi Handi festivities
The following day, Maharashtra and several other states will witness the lively Dahi Handi celebrations, where youth groups form human pyramids to break clay pots filled with curd, mimicking Krishna’s playful butter thefts. The event draws large crowds and is accompanied by music, dancing, and festive cheer.
For Children and Schools
Schools and cultural organisations are planning activities such as Krishna and Radha fancy dress competitions, bhajan singing contests,storytelling sessions, and cradle decoration events to encourage cultural learning among children.
As the nation prepares for Krishna Janmashtami 2025, the festival serves not only as a celebration of faith but also as a reminder of the eternal values of love, truth, and righteousness that Lord Krishna embodies. Devotees are expected to throng temples, observe fasts, and share in the joy of this sacred night, seeking divine blessings for peace, protection, and prosperity.
