Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Puja timing, rituals and significance you should know |

In 2025, Krishna Janmashtami, the vibrant festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, will be held over two days, August 15 and 16. This day marks the divine birth of Lord Krishna. It is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada month, and brings millions of devotees together to pray to the same cosmic force of powerful energy.

Janmashtami 2025 Date and Nishita Puja Muhurat

According to the Vedic calendar, the Ashtami Tithi begins on

August 15 at 11:49 PM

and ends on

August 16 at 9:34 PM

. The most auspicious moment, the midnight “Nishita Puja” that aligns with Krishna’s midnight birth, falls between

12:03AM

and

12:47AM

on August 16. Vaishnava devotees typically celebrate on August 16, breaking their fast after sunrise when both Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra conclude.

How to Perform Krishna Janmashtami Puja at Home

The worship of Laddu Gopal (child form of Krishna) is central to Janmashtami celebrations. Devotees begin their preparations with deep cleaning and decorating their homes, often days in advance.

Follow these simple steps to perform Krishna Janmashtami puja at home

●Start the day with an early morning bath and a resolution to fast.●Place an idol or image of child Krishna (Laddu Gopal) on a decorated platform adorned with peacock feathers, garlands, and colorful rangoli.●At midnight, devotees offer Krishna a symbolic bath with sacred items like milk, honey, and curd, then dress the deity in new clothes and jewelry, applying sandalwood paste and adorning him with fresh flowers and tulsi leaves. ●Light incense, perform aarti with a lamp, and present sweets, fruits, makhan-mishri, and panchamrit as offerings. ●Families and devotees sing bhajans and recite stories from Krishna’s life. Complete the puja with swinging Laddu Gopal in a cradle.

Significance of Janmashtami

From Mathura’s grand celebrations to Maharashtra’s Dahi Handi, Janmashtami unites communities in faith, reminding us to live with love and righteousness. It celebrates Krishna’s triumph over evil, exemplified by his defeat of Kansa, and reminds us of Krishna’s teachings in the Gita, guiding devotees toward duty and devotion.