Janmashtami 2025: History, Significance, and Importance in Hindu Culture

This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on August 16, marking the birth of Lord Krishna the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Born in Mathura’s prison to Devaki and Vasudeva under the cruel reign of King Kansa, Krishna’s arrival symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of dharma.

Names & Significance

Also known as Janmashtami, Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, Ashtami Rohini, Srikrishna Jayanti, and Sree Jayanthi, the festival is not just about celebrating his birth, but also about embracing the ideals of love, morality, and righteousness that he taught.

Shubh Muhurat 2025

The Ashtami tithi begins on August 15 at 11:49 pm and ends on August 16 at 9:34 pm. The Janmashtami puja muhurat will be from 12:04 am to 12:47 am on August 16 a sacred 43-minute window for the midnight aarti.

Rohini Nakshatra Timing

Rohini Nakshatra starts on August 17 at 4:38 am and ends on August 18 at 3:17 am.

How Devotees Celebrate

The day begins with a ritual bath before sunrise. Devotees dress in traditional clothes, adorn Krishna’s idol with new garments and jewellery, and offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and sugar candy. Houses are decorated with rangoli and flowers, while temples host kirtans, bhajans, and Raasleela performances. Fasts are observed, often broken with fruits or buckwheat-based dishes after the midnight puja.

The Midnight Moment

Festivities peak at midnight the believed hour of Krishna’s birth. Devotees sing, chant, and perform aarti with deep devotion, remembering his leelas (divine acts) and blessings.

The Story Behind Janmashtami

King Kansa, fearing a prophecy that Devaki’s eighth son would end his life, imprisoned the couple and killed six of their children. The seventh child, Balarama, was mystically transferred to another womb, and the eighth, Krishna was born under divine protection. Vasudeva carried the newborn across the Yamuna to Gokul, where Yashoda and Nanda raised him. Years later, Krishna fulfilled the prophecy by slaying Kansa.

Why His Birth Matters

Krishna’s life is a guiding light, his teachings in the Bhagavad Gita offering timeless wisdom on living with purpose, devotion, and righteousness. From playful childhood pranks to guiding Arjuna in the Mahabharata, his journey inspires love, courage, and truth.

The Spirit of Janmashtami

More than a festival, Janmashtami is a reminder to uphold dharma, cherish compassion, and seek joy in devotion. Whether it’s through fasting, singing, or storytelling, the day invites everyone to connect with the eternal charm and wisdom of Lord Krishna.