Krishna Janmashtami Date 2025: Krishna Janmashtami, which is also called Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, or Krishnasthami, is one of the most loved festivals in Hinduism. This special day is all about celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. People believe Lord Krishna was the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, and he was born on the eighth day, or Ashtami tithi, during the month of Bhadrapada. According to the beliefs, his birth happened at midnight, under the Rohini Nakshatra, and that’s why every year, people celebrate this night joyfully as Krishna Janmotsav.
But this time, in 2025, there is some confusion about the exact date of Janmashtami. The reason is because the Ashtami tithi starts on the night of 15 August and finishes before noon on 16 August.
People are not sure if Janmashtami should be celebrated on 15 August at night or on 16 August, by following the Udaya Tithi (sunrise rule).
Krishna Janmashtami Date 2025
- Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
- Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Time): From 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM (midnight)
- Moonrise Timing: 11:32 PM
- Ashtami Begins: 15 August 2025 at 11:49 PM
- Ashtami Ends: 16 August 2025 at 9:34 PM
- Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 17 August 2025 at 4:38 AM
- Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 18 August 2025 at 3:17 AM
What Devotees do on Janmashtami?
On Janmashtami, many people fast the whole day. They don’t eat anything from morning till midnight because they believe Krishna was born at midnight. Some people only eat fruits or simple food like phalahar during the fast.
A lot of devotees even stay awake the whole night singing bhajans, dancing, and telling stories from Krishna’s life. After midnight, when the birth time is done, they do puja, offer food, and then they break the fast. Some people also wait to break their fast until the nakshatra or Ashtami tithi ends, depending on their family tradition.
Fasting on Krishna Janmashtami is seen as very holy. It is believed that by doing this vrat or fast, a person gets peace and happiness. It is also believed that this fast helps clean your bad karma and brings blessings from Lord Krishna.
Many devotees also feel that Krishna’s blessings keep them safe and bring joy and success in their lives. People believe this day is very lucky and full of spiritual energy, and praying on this day can bring you closer to moksha or freedom from the cycle of life and death.
Krishna Janmashtami: Powerful mantras
1. Krishnaye Vasudveaye Haraye Parmatmane Pranatah Kleshnashaye Govindaye Namo Namah
2. OM Shri Krishnah Sharanam Mamah
3. OM Krishnaya Namah
4. Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Sawan Shivratri 2025: Date, Muhurta, Rituals, and Bhadra Kaal
Why Chappan Bhog is Special on Janmashtami?
One of the most interesting things people do on Janmashtami is offer Chappan Bhog to Krishna. Chappan Bhog means 56 food items, and they are made with lots of love and care.
This tradition comes from a story from Krishna’s childhood. It is said that Krishna used to eat 8 meals in one day when he lived in Vrindavan. But once, when heavy rains came because of Lord Indra, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger to protect the people of Vrindavan. He held it like an umbrella for 7 days and didn’t eat anything during that time.
After the rain stopped, the villagers wanted to thank him. they prepared 56 food dishes because 8 meals a day for 7 days becomes 56 and they offered all that to Krishna. That is how the tradition of Chappan Bhog started.
