Krishna Janmashtami is a holy festival celebrated as the birthday of Lord Shri Krishna. Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated with full devotion, enthusiasm and joy in 2025 also. This festival is not just a religious festival but a symbol of love, devotion and spiritual power. From childhood itself, we get to hear the stories of Shri Krishna’s adventures, his childhood and his infinite knowledge.
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 date and auspicious time
When is Krishna Janmashtami 2025?
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on 16 August, Saturday.
Ashtami Tithi Aarambh: 16 August 2025, 03:30 PM
Ashtami Tithi Samapan: 17 August 2025, 05:45 PM
Nishith Kaal Puja Muhurat: 16 August, 11:55 PM – 12:40 AM (17 August)
By worshipping Krishna Janmashtami in the auspicious time, the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled and one gets the boon of happiness and prosperity.
History and Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
Why is the birth of Lord Krishna important?
It is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
In Dwapar Yug, the atrocities of King Kansa started increasing. His death was written by the eight children of Kansa’s sister Devaki.
When Lord Krishna was born, an infinite miracle occurred – all the guardians went to sleep, the door of Bandiwan opened, Yamuna ji gave way and Vasudev ji took Krishna to Gokul without any obstruction.
On this day, every devotee remembers the leela of Lord Krishna’s birth and seeks his blessings.
Special rituals on Krishna Janmashtami
Fasting and Bhajan-Kirtan
The significance of fasting is to keep the mind pure and be absorbed in devotion.
Bhajans, Kirtan and chanting of “Hare Krishna Hare Rama” are done by the devotees.
Krishna Jhulan Utsav and Shringar
On Janmashtami, swings of Shri Krishna are decorated in temples.
Kanha ji’s decoration is interesting – Pitambar Vastra, peacock feather, flute and Makhan-mishri bhog.
Every devotee arranges different bhogs for Shri Krishna in his home or temple.
Dahi Handi – symbol of Lord Krishna’s Balkrida
Dahi Handi is celebrated in Mumbai and Maharashtra in a different way.
Shri Krishna’s fun and Balkrishna’s role of butter-sucking is liked by everyone.
Youths make a team and enjoy breaking the mat, which is symbol of Krishna’s Balkrida.
Method of worship of Krishna Janmashtami
Home worship of Krishna Janmashtami
Install the idol of Shri Krishna
Bathe in Ganga water
Apply tilak of sandalwood, turmeric, roli and akshat
Decorate with peacock feathers, flute and pitambar vastra
Offer butter, mishri, panjiri and dry fruits to the lord
Perform aarti at 12 o’clock in the night and sing bhajans
Rules of Janmashtami Vrat
People who observe fast can follow the rule of eating fruits or one meal at a time.
One should avoid onion and garlic and should eat satvik food.
One should read the stories of Shri Krishna’s exploits and do bhajan kirtan.
Special Celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami 2025
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great pomp in Mathura and Vrindavan.
Mathura Janmashtami – Krishna Janmabhoomi Festival
Shri Krishna was born in Mathura, Janmashtami is celebrated in a different way here.
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated at 12 midnight.
Special pooja and bhajan-sandhya are performed in temples.
Vrindavan Janmashtami – A confluence of love and devotion
Banke Bihari Mandir celebrates Krishna Janmashtami in a special way.
People enjoy visiting the temple, bonfire of flowers and bhajans.
ISKCON Temple Janmashtami – Vishwa Vyapi Bhakti
There is a huge crowd of devotees in ISKCON temple.
Everyone gets involved in bhajan-kirtan, prasad distribution and devotion.
Social and spiritual significance of Krishna Janmashtami 2025
Krishna Janmashtami gives us the message of love, peace and devotion.
The teachings of Lord Krishna teach us the path of Dharma, Karma and truth in life.
According to Bhagavad Gita – “Do your work, don’t worry about the result.”
Even in today’s era, the teachings of Shri Krishna give us the right direction to live life.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Why is this Janmashtami celebrated?
Janmashtami is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Shri Krishna, who was born in the Dwapar Yug in the prison of Mathura to Maa Devaki and Vasudev. This festival conveys the message of light overcoming darkness, justice prevailing over wrongdoing, and the victory of righteousness over adharma (unrighteousness). Krishna Ji was not only an incarnation but also taught us a way of living characterized by love, warfare, and devotion. Janmashtami is particularly special because it reminds us that there is a Krishna present in every difficulty, who arrives at the right moment to protect us.
2 Who is the wife of Krishna?
Lord Krishna had many wives, but his most prominent wife was Rukmini, who is worshipped as his first and main spouse. Rukmini is considered to be the incarnation of Lakshmi, and her love for Krishna is regarded as extremely sacred. Krishna’s second wife, Satyabhama, is also well-known for her courageous nature and the story of her Swayamvara. It is believed that Krishna had a total of 16,108 marriages, and he gave respect and honor to each queen. This narrative is symbolic; it demonstrates that Krishna is not only a husband but also the source of love that resides in the heart of every devotee.
3 Why is Krishna blue?
Krishna is depicted as blue because he symbolizes infinite and unfathomable knowledge, much like the vastness of the ocean and the sky. The blue color represents his divinity and cosmic energy—qualities that cannot be touched or fully understood but can only be felt. Some stories suggest that he acquired his blue color after consuming the poison from the Putana demoness. However, the predominant religious interpretations indicate that Krishna’s blue form embodies a peaceful, all-pervasive essence. He is blue because he absorbs the colors of all creation into himself.
4 Who did Radha marry?
In her earthly life, Radha Ji married a gop named Rayan (or Ayan), who was a common resident of Vrindavan. However, this marriage could never diminish her deep love for Krishna. The love shared by Radha and Krishna is a divine and spiritual connection that transcends physical and marital ties. Therefore, although Radha married someone else, her heart and mind always remained intertwined with Krishna. Their love story teaches us that true love is not merely about being together but a form of devotion and deep emotional connection.
5 Why did Krishna marry 16108 wives?
Krishna ji married 16,108 women not out of personal desire but out of compassion, dignity, and respect for social norms. Among these, eight were his main queens, such as Rukmini and Satyabhama. The other 16,100 women were rescued from the captivity of the demon Narakasura. Society considered them “impure,” so Krishna married all of them to restore their dignity. This story reflects Krishna’s respect, devotion, and commitment to women, highlighting that he was not only a God but also an embodiment of exemplary values.
6 Why didn’t Krishna marry Radha?
The love between Krishna and Radha is divine and complete, transcending worldly bonds. Their relationship is regarded as the highest form of love, characterized by surrender, faith, and devotion rather than attachment. While marriage is a social bond, the love between Radha and Krishna represents a spiritual union without any specific form or ritual. Lord Krishna himself expressed this sentiment, stating, “Radha is my worship; she is my life. How can I be bound by earthly ties with her?” Even in life, their love is not seen as incomplete; instead, it is the most complete of all.
7 Why is Krishna Janmashtami celebrated for two days?
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated over two days due to variations in titles and auspicious timings according to different sects and traditions. The first day is observed by the Smarta community, who are typically householders, while the second day is celebrated by the Vaishnav community, who follow the paths of Bhakti and Sanyas. Additionally, Janmashtami may be celebrated for two days when the Ashtami tithi and Rohini nakshatra do not coincide. Each of these days holds its significance, and every devotee enjoys the celebration of Krishna Janmotsav by their faith.