Aug 07, 2025

Janmashtami 2025: All You Need To Know

Aanya Mehta

When is Janmashtami 2025?

Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Some traditions may begin late on August 15.

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Ashtami Tithi and Nishita Pooja

Ashtami Tithi begins around 11:49 PM on August 15 and ends at 9:34 PM on August 16. Nishita Puja, the exact birth time of Krishna, occurs between12:04 AM and 12:47 AM on August 16.

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Spiritual Significance

Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the divine eighth avatar of Vishnu. Celebrated widely as Krishna Jayanti or Gokulashtami, it symbolizes the victory of dharma over adharma.

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Rituals and Fasting

Devotees often fast until midnight, recite texts like the Bhagavata Purana, chant bhajans, and perform midnight puja including Abhishekam (ritual bath) of the deity.

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Dahi Handi and Celebrations

The following day (August 17) sees liveliest celebrations with Dahi Handi, where Govinda teams build human pyramids to break curd filled pots. Major events happen in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat.

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Regional Traditions

In Jammu, rituals include phalaahari fasts and kite flying. In Bengal and Assam, Raslila performances are popular, while in Barsana, residents worship Krishna with unique temple celebrations.

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Family Time and Cultural Connections

Expect cultural shows, dance drama enactments (Rasa Lila), temple visits, community feasts, and animated Krishna films for kids, showing mythology in vivid colour.

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Planning Your Celebrations

Wear traditional clothes and decorate your home or temple. Follow fasting and puja timings carefully. Attend or host Dahi Handi events with best safety practices. Join community bhajans or Raslila performances.

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