5252nd Birth Anniversary of Lord Krishna: Krishna Janmashtami 2025 Date, Puja Timings, Rituals & Significance
Krishna Janmashtami, the joyous festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, will be observed this year on Friday, August 15, 2025. This year marks the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, revered as the divine embodiment of love, wisdom, and righteousness. Devotees across India and worldwide will engage in fasting, devotional singing, midnight prayers, and grand celebrations like Dahi Handi to honor the beloved deity.
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Krishna Janmashtami 2025 Dates and Key Events
- Krishna Janmashtami Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Nishita Puja Time: 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM, August 16 (Duration: 43 minutes)
- Midnight Moment: 12:26 AM, August 16
- Dahi Handi Celebration: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Tithi & Nakshatra Details
- Ashtami Tithi Begins: 11:49 PM, August 15, 2025
- Ashtami Tithi Ends: 09:34 PM, August 16, 2025
- Chandrodaya (Moonrise) Moment: 10:46 PM, Krishna Dashami
- Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 04:38 AM, August 17, 2025
- Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 03:17 AM, August 18, 2025
Parana Timings for Krishna Janmashtami 2025
Parana refers to the breaking of the Janmashtami fast after the completion of rituals.
Parana as per Dharma Shastra
- Parana Time: After 09:34 PM, August 16
- On Parana day, Ashtami Tithi ends at 09:34 PM.
- Alternate Parana Time: After 05:51 AM, August 16 (following next-day sunrise after Deva Puja and Visarjan).
Parana as per Modern Tradition
- Parana Time: After 12:47 AM, August 16
- In many places in India, Parana is done immediately after Nishita Puja (Hindu midnight).
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
Krishna Janmashtami holds deep spiritual meaning for Hindus. Lord Krishna’s life and teachings, as narrated in the Bhagavad Gita, emphasize the triumph of good over evil, devotion over ego, and truth over falsehood. His birth in Mathura during Dvapara Yuga symbolized hope in a time of darkness, as He ended the tyranny of King Kansa.
The festival is not only a reminder of Krishna’s divine play (Leela) but also a celebration of joy, music, dance, and the eternal message of righteousness (Dharma).
Rituals and Celebrations
1. Fasting and Devotional Worship
Devotees observe a nirjala fast (without water) or phalahar fast (fruits and milk only) until midnight, the believed time of Krishna’s birth. Temples and homes are decorated with flowers, rangolis, and lights.
2. Nishita Puja (Midnight Worship)
The highlight of Janmashtami is the Nishita Puja, conducted between 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM. During this time, idols of baby Krishna are bathed in milk, honey, and ghee, adorned with new clothes and ornaments, and placed in decorated cradles. Devotees sing bhajans and chant mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
3. Jhanki & Raslila Performances
Cultural programs reenact episodes from Krishna’s childhood—stealing butter, playing with the Gopis, and defeating demons like Putana and Kaliya.
4. Dahi Handi Festival
Celebrated especially in Maharashtra, Dahi Handi on August 16, 2025 recreates Krishna’s playful act of stealing butter. Youth form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high, symbolizing unity, courage, and teamwork.
Krishna Janmashtami Celebrations Around the World
- Mathura & Vrindavan (India): Thousands of devotees gather in temples like Dwarkadhish Temple and Banke Bihari Temple for grand festivities.
- Dwarka (Gujarat): Famous for its Dwarkadhish Temple celebrations, featuring continuous devotional music.
- International Celebrations: ISKCON temples across the USA, UK, Australia, and other countries organize kirtans, lectures, and feasts.
Spiritual and Cultural Importance
Lord Krishna’s birth story reminds humanity to live with love, compassion, and devotion while performing one’s duties without attachment. His teachings on Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga remain relevant even today, guiding people through moral dilemmas and life’s challenges.
Summary of Krishna Janmashtami 2025
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Krishna Janmashtami Date | Friday, August 15, 2025 |
| Nishita Puja Time | 12:04 AM – 12:47 AM, Aug 16 |
| Ashtami Tithi Begins | 11:49 PM, Aug 15 |
| Ashtami Tithi Ends | 09:34 PM, Aug 16 |
| Dahi Handi | Saturday, August 16, 2025 |
| Chandrodaya | 10:46 PM, Krishna Dashami |
| Rohini Nakshatra Begins | 04:38 AM, Aug 17 |
| Rohini Nakshatra Ends | 03:17 AM, Aug 18 |
All mentioned times follow the 12-hour clock format and are based on New Delhi, India’s local time, with Daylight Saving Time adjustments applied where relevant.
Times that fall after midnight are marked with the date of the following day. In the Panchang, a day is considered to begin and end at sunrise.
