Janmashtami 2025: Saturday August 16, Shubh Muhurat, Puja Timings and More

Janmashtami, also revered as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokulashtami, marks the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna — the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In 2025, this sacred festival will be observed with deep devotion, spectacular celebrations, and community participation across India and beyond. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you understand every aspect of Janmashtami 2025, from the correct date to the auspicious puja timings, rituals, and significance.

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When is Janmashtami 2025? The Date Debate Settled

Janmashtami in 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16. The religious confusion around August 15 and 16 stems from lunar calculations in the Hindu calendar. The Ashtami Tithi (eighth lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada begins August 15, 2025, at 11:49PM and ends on August 16, 2025, at 9:34PM. According to the astrologically significant tradition, the celebration peaks during the Nishita Kaal (midnight), the time considered to be when Lord Krishna was born.

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Shubh Muhurat and Puja Timings for Janmashtami 2025

Nishita Puja Muhurat:
The most auspicious window for Janmashtami puja in 2025 falls on the midnight bridge of August 15–16.

• Nishita Puja Mühurat: 12:04AM – 12:47AM, August 16, 2025
• The exact moment symbolizing Krishna’s birth is calculated as 12:26AM.

This 43-minute Nishita Puja period is highly recommended for performing the main rituals, offering prayers, bathing and adorning Krishna idols, and breaking the fast.

Other Auspicious Timings:

• Brahma Muhurat: 4:24AM – 5:07AM, August 16 (ideal for meditative worship)
• Vijay Muhurat: 2:37PM – 3:30PM, August 16
• Twilight Puja: 7:00PM – 7:22PM, August 16

Shubh muhurats vary slightly by city; most major Indian cities’ Nishita Puja falls within this same window, but check local panchang for minor adjustments.

Parana Time (Breaking the Fast):

• Traditionally, Janmashtami fast is broken after the puja or after the Ashtami Tithi ends.
• In 2025, Parana can be performed after 9:34PM on August 16 or the next morning after sunrise according to custom.

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Why is Janmashtami Celebrated?

Janmashtami marks the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna was born at midnight in Mathura’s prison to Devaki and Vasudeva. His arrival ended a reign of oppression, as he would one day vanquish his evil uncle Kamsa. Krishna’s life and teachings from the Bhagavad Gita stand at the core of Indian devotional and philosophical thought, emphasizing dharma (righteousness), karma (action), and bhakti (devotion).

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Rituals and Fasting (Vrat Vidhi)

How is Janmashtami Observed?

• Fasting: Many devotees observe a day-long fast (nirjala or phalahar) and eat only after the midnight Krishna Janma puja.
• Midnight Puja: Vidhi includes bathing the Krishna idol (abhishek), offering new dresses and jewelry, “jhulan” (placing the idol in a swing), and adorning the altar with flowers and vibrant decorations.
• Offerings: Krishna’s favorite foods—white butter, milk, curd, sweets, and fruits—are presented as offerings. The classic “chhappan bhog” (a spread of 56 dishes) is prepared in many homes and temples.
• Kirtan and Bhajan: Devotees chant Krishna bhajans, recite his mantras (like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”), and read passages from the Bhagavad Gita.

Dahi Handi Celebrations:
On August 16, especially in Maharashtra and Mumbai, communities form human pyramids to break the “dahi handi,” a pot filled with curd and butter, recreating Krishna’s playful childhood exploits as “Makhan Chor” (butter thief).

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Decorations, Jhankis, and Social Media Festivities

Homes and temples come alive with elaborate “jhankis” (tableaux) depicting scenes from Krishna’s life—his birth, childhood pranks, and Raas Leela. Digital platforms witness a flood of wishes, themed graphics, and live streams of festivities, bringing the spiritual energy of Janmashtami to every home.

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City-wise Puja Timings (Examples for Major Indian Cities)

City	Nishita Puja Time	Date
New Delhi	12:04AM – 12:47AM	August 16, 2025
Mumbai	12:20AM – 1:05AM	August 16, 2025
Bengaluru	12:01AM – 12:47AM	August 16, 2025
Kolkata	11:19PM – 12:03AM	August 16–17, 2025
Chennai	11:51PM – 12:36AM	August 16, 2025

Always check your local panchang for the most accurate city-specific muhurat.

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Countdown to Janmashtami 2025

Summary Table of Key Timings

Event	Date & Time
Ashtami Tithi Begins	11:49PM, August 15, 2025
Ashtami Tithi Ends	9:34PM, August 16, 2025
Nishita Puja	12:04AM – 12:47AM, August 16, 2025
Fast Parana	After 9:34PM, August 16, or sunrise Aug 17
Dahi Handi	Daytime, August 16, 2025

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Why Janmashtami Matters

Krishna Janmashtami is more than a festival; it is an embodiment of India’s faith, resilience, and unity in diversity. From fasting and singing to painting divine tableaus and participating in Dahi Handi, the festival brings generations together in joy, devotion, and celebration. In 2025, let the midnight bells, the decorated swings, and melodious bhajans inspire you to embrace Krishna’s message—live with courage, act with love, and be ever joyous in the face of every challenge.

Wishing you a very Happy Janmashtami 2025! May Krishna’s blessings fill your home with happiness, peace, and prosperity. Jai Shri Krishna!