Krishna Janmashtami, the revered Hindu festival commemorating Lord Krishna’s birth, will be celebrated nationwide on August 16, 2025, according to the sources. This sacred occasion, also known as Krishnashtami, Gokulashtami, or Shri Krishna Jayanti, marks the birth of Lord Krishna on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. Devotees honor Krishna’s child form, affectionately called Laddoo Gopal, through special worship and rituals.
The Ashtami Tithi begins at 11:49 PM on August 15 and ends at 9:34 PM on August 16, as per AajTak. The auspicious puja timing, known as Nishita Puja, is set for August 17 from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM, lasting 43 minutes. Devotees can break their fast after 5:51 AM on August 17. Notably, this year’s Janmashtami lacks the Rohini Nakshatra alignment, which starts on August 17 at 4:38 AM and ends on August 18 at 3:17 AM.
To observe the festival, devotees should rise early, bathe, and take a vow to fast. The ritual involves adorning a statue or image of baby Krishna, performing an abhishek with milk and Ganga water, and dressing the deity in new clothes, a crown, and a flute. Offerings include tulsi leaves, fruits, butter, and mishri, followed by aarti and distributing prasad among participants.
Essential puja items, include a cradle or swing, a Krishna idol, flute, jewelry, tulsi leaves, sandalwood, rice grains, butter, saffron, cardamom, Ganga water, turmeric, betel leaves, nuts, a throne, clothes (white and red), kumkum, coconut, sacred thread, perfume, coins, incense, lamps, fruits, camphor, and peacock feathers.
The pattern recommends fasting, performing Krishna’s birth celebration at midnight, and offering panchamrit, butter, mishri, and peda as prasad. Devotees are encouraged to chant Krishna’s aarti and pray for wish fulfillment during this spiritually significant festival.