Krishna Janmashtami Date and Time in India 2025

Krishna Janmashtami Date 2025: History, Significance, Importance, and All You Need to Know About Smarta – GHDays

Krishna Janmashtami, also referred to as Krishnashtami, Janmashtami, or Gokulashtami, is an annual Hindu festival dedicated to honoring the birth of Krishna, considered the eighth avatar of Vishnu. In various Hindu scriptures like the Gita Govinda, Krishna is revered as the supreme God and the origin of all avatars. The celebration of Krishna’s birth takes place on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the months of Shravana Masa or Bhadrapada Masa, corresponding to August or September in the Gregorian calendar.

This festival holds significant importance, especially within the Vaishnavism tradition of Hinduism. The festivities associated with Janmashtami entail jubilant celebrations, recitation of religious texts, vibrant dances depicting Krishna’s life as narrated in the Bhagavata Purana, devotional singing until midnight (the auspicious hour of Krishna’s birth), and observance of fasting (upavasa), among other rituals. The reverential observance of Krishna Janmashtami transcends boundaries and is joyously celebrated not only in India but also in various parts of the world.

Krishna Janmashtami Date 2025 in India: 15th August, Friday

The essence of the term “janmashtami” in Sanskrit can be deciphered by dissecting it into two distinct components, namely “janma” and “ashtami.” “Janma” denotes birth, while “ashtami” signifies the number eight. Consequently, Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the auspicious occasion of Krishna’s birth on the eighth day of the waning moon phase (Krishna Paksha) during the month of Bhadrapada (August–September).

Krishna Janmashtami Date 2025 Overview

Festival Name	Janmashtami
Celebrated by	India
Also Known as	Krishnashtami, Krishna Jayanthi, Gokulashtami, Yadukul Ashtami, Sri Krishna Jayanti
Observed by	Hindus
Celebrations	Dahi Handi (next day, in the north), kite-flying, drawing footprints of infant Krishna, fasting, traditional sweet dishes, etc.
Observances	Dance-drama, puja, night vigil, fasting
Date	Shraavana Krishna Ashtami, Bhadra Krishna Ashtami
Krishna Janmashtami Date	15.08.2025 (Friday)
Holiday Type	Gazetted Holiday
Related Festivals	Click here

History of Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna’s life story can be found in various ancient texts like the Mahabharata, Puranas, and Bhagavata Purana. He is the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva. At the time of his birth, there was widespread persecution, oppression, and King Kamsa faced a grave threat to his life. Krishna was born in a prison in Mathura, India, where his parents were held captive by Kamsa, his uncle. During Devaki’s marriage, a divine voice warned Kamsa that her eighth son would be his downfall. In an attempt to avert this prophecy, Kamsa imprisoned Devaki and Vasudeva and callously killed their first six children after birth.

When the guards fell asleep and miraculously unlocked Devaki’s cell during Krishna’s birth, Vasudeva was able to send Krishna across the Yamuna River to his foster parents, Yashoda and Nanda. This tale is commemorated on Janmashtami with fasting, devotional songs praising Krishna, and night-long vigils. In Krishna’s formative years, his half-brother Balarama was his steadfast companion, sharing in memorable escapades like butter theft, calf chasing, cow pen play, and wrestling matches that are still celebrated in Vraja, Brindavan, Dravarka, and Mathura.

Celebration of Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a joyous celebration filled with deep devotion that resonates throughout India. The day kicks off with followers dedicating themselves to a fast from sunrise to sunset. As night falls, worshippers come together in temples and households to partake in the puja, offering heartfelt prayers to Lord Krishna. Anointed with milk, curd, and honey, the idol of Lord Krishna is then dressed in fresh attire and adorned with exquisite jewels. Devotees lovingly present sweets, fruits, and various delectable treats as a gesture of their reverence to Lord Krishna.

Among the cherished traditions of Krishna Janmashtami is the captivating dahi handi ceremony, a playful re-creation of Lord Krishna’s mischievous escapades of pilfering butter and curd from the homes of Gokul. Suspended at a distance, a clay pot brimming with curd becomes the focal point as agile young men form human towers in a spirited attempt to break it open. The victorious troupe that successfully shatters the pot is duly honored with monetary rewards and coveted prizes.

Krishna Janmashtami Date and Time 2025

The 5252nd Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna, an auspicious event celebrated by millions of devotees around the world, will take place on Krishna Janmashtami, falling on Friday, August 15, 2025. The highlight of this sacred occasion will be the Nishita Puja, a ritual of great significance that is scheduled to occur from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on August 16, with a total duration of 43 minutes dedicated to honoring Lord Krishna at the moment of his divine birth. Following this, the traditional Dahi Handi celebration, where participants joyously recreate the childhood exploits of Lord Krishna, will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The Parana, an important ritual that signifies the end of the fasting period, is to be observed in accordance with Dharma Shastra. Devotees are encouraged to perform this sacred act after 09:34 PM on August 16, marking the end of the Ashtami Tithi at that precise moment. This year’s Janmashtami celebration will occur without the auspicious Rohini Nakshatra, which adds an extra layer of contemplation for the faithful.

For those seeking alternative practices as per Dharma Shastra, the Parana can also be performed after 05:51 AM on August 16. Additionally, modern traditions within various communities across India often see the Parana taking place after the stroke of midnight, which is considered a significant moment of connection to the divine. Specifically, this year’s midnight moment will be precisely at 12:26 AM on August 16, when the heavens align to honor Krishna’s birth.

The Chandrodaya moment, when the moon rises to bless the celebrations, will occur at 10:46 PM on Krishna Dashami, setting the stage for ritualistic festivities. Ashtami Tithi will commence at 11:49 PM on August 15, 2025, and conclude at 09:34 PM on August 16, allowing devotees to immerse themselves in prayers and joyous festivities throughout this sacred period. The Rohini Nakshatra, known for its auspiciousness, will begin at 04:38 AM on August 17, 2025, and will conclude at 03:17 AM on August 18, 2025, further enriching the spiritual atmosphere surrounding this momentous occasion.

Story of Lord Krishna Birth

Lord Krishna holds a position of great reverence within Hinduism as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Legend has it that he was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura, an ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, with the prophecy foretelling the downfall of the tyrannical King Kansa, Devaki’s oppressive brother who had detained the couple.

To thwart Kansa’s malevolent intentions, Vasudeva spirited Lord Krishna across the Yamuna River to Gokul, where he was nurtured by his foster parents, Nanda and Yashoda. Lord Krishna is celebrated for his profound teachings on righteousness (dharma), action (karma), and devotion (bhakti), embodying values of love, empathy, and the vanquishing of malevolence. His timeless wisdom and life story are enshrined in the sacred Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita.

Krishna Festival 2025 in India

Krishna Janmashtami Date 2023	Thursday, September 7
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2024	Monday, August 26
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2025	Saturday, August 16
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2026	Friday, September 4
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2027	Wednesday, August 25
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2028	Sunday, August 13
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2029	Saturday, September 1
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2030	Wednesday, August 21

Significance of Krishna Janmashtami

In Hindu culture, Krishna Janmashtami is a momentous occasion that celebrates the arrival of Lord Krishna, revered as a beacon of affection, empathy, and virtue. His profound lessons on actions, righteousness, and devotion resonate globally, fueling inspiration in many hearts.

This festivity embodies the triumph of righteousness over malevolence. Lord Krishna’s advent was destined to quash the oppression embodied by Kansa, a symbol of dark forces. His narrative and wisdom embolden individuals to combat inequity and champion moral integrity.

Global Celebration of Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami is a festive occasion that transcends borders, being observed not only in India but also by Hindus globally. Nations such as Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka honor this day with fervor, designating it as a national holiday. Even in distant lands like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, temples orchestrate elaborate gatherings and cultural festivities to commemorate this auspicious event. Interestingly, in recent times, the spirit of Krishna Janmashtami has captivated individuals beyond the Hindu community. Its profound message of love, empathy, and moral integrity strikes a chord with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2025 Wishes

May you be forever blessed with joy, love, and serenity by the compassionate Krishna. Celebrating Janmashtami with your loved ones!
Wishing that Krishna’s harmonious tunes fill your heart with happiness and contentment this Janmashtami. Joyful celebrations to you!
Just as Lord Krishna guided Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra in the Mahabharata, may he illuminate your path this Janmashtami. Happy Janmashami!
Sending my heartfelt wishes for a joyous Janmashtami. May Krishna alleviate your burdens and troubles today.
Reflect on the timeless teachings of Lord Krishna in the Gita and walk the righteous path always. Toasting to Janmashtami!
May the playful Nandlal always bring countless reasons for your happiness. Warm wishes to all on Janmashtami!
Praying for Lord Krishna’s blessings to guide you and grant you the strength to pursue the correct course in life. Happy Janmashtami!
The mind is restless and unruly but can be tamed through practice. Happy Janmashtami!
Perform your duties with love, compassion, humility, and devotion, steering clear of greed, ego, lust, and envy. Happy Janmashtami!
Know that the soul is indestructible by any means – not by weapons, fire, water, or wind. Happy Janmashtami!
May Lord Krishna’s enchanting flute bring the symphony of love into your existence.
May Radhaji’s affection teach you not only how to love but to love unconditionally! Happy Janmashtami.