Janmashtami 2025: Honouring the divine birth of Lord Krishna

August 12, 2025 Incredible India Valli Sarvani

Devotees across India are preparing for Janmashtami 2025, which will be observed on August 16.

This deeply spiritual festival commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, and is celebrated with great devotion, joy, and cultural richness.

According to Hindu tradition, Krishna was born at midnight on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha).

His divine birth, over 5,200 years ago, marked the beginning of the end of tyranny under King Kansa.

Despite numerous threats from his uncle, Krishna’s survival and eventual victory signify the eternal triumph of good over evil.

Janmashtami is often celebrated over two days due to lunar calendar calculations.

Since Krishna was born at midnight and the Hindu day starts at sunrise, the Ashtami tithi may overlap across two dates.

Thus, some regions celebrate on the first day, while others observe it on the next.

The first day marks intense spiritual practice, and the second day, called Nanda Utsav, is filled with festive celebrations.

Here are the key rituals and observances:

Fasting and Midnight Worship:

Devotees observe a strict fast, refraining from grains and breaking it only after midnight prayers. Temples and homes hold Jagran (night vigils), with bhajans, aarti, and the ceremonial rocking of Krishna’s cradle.

Decorative Celebrations:

Temples and households are beautifully adorned with flowers, lights, and rangolis. The idol of baby Krishna is dressed in vibrant clothes and placed in a decorated jhoola (cradle). Renowned temples like ISKCON Vrindavan and Prem Mandir attract massive crowds during this time.

Celebrations Among Children:

Schools often organise events where children dress up as Krishna, Radha, or other characters, and perform scenes from Krishna’s playful and divine life.

Janmashtami is not just about rituals; it’s a celebration of faith, righteousness, and love.

Lord Krishna’s teachings, especially from the Bhagavad Gita, continue to inspire generations.

Whether through midnight devotion, community festivities, or personal reflection, the festival offers a moment to reconnect with dharma, bhakti, and karma, principles that remain timeless.

Image by Subhash nr from Pixahive (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

Image Published on October 15, 2020