New Delhi, August 16, 2025 (Saturday): The festival of Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion across the country today. On this special occasion, temples of Lord Krishna are beautifully decorated with colorful lights and flowers.
According to the Hindu calendar, Janmashtami is observed on the Ashtami Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, Ashtami Tithi began on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11:49 PM and will end on Saturday, August 16, at 9:34 PM. Therefore, Krishna Janmashtami is being celebrated today, August 16.
Significance of Krishna Janmashtami
Lord Krishna is worshipped as the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that observing a fast on Janmashtami brings the same spiritual merit as that of Ekadashi fasting. According to scriptures, Lord Krishna was born at midnight under the Rohini Nakshatra to Mata Devaki and Vasudeva.
Rohini Nakshatra Timings (2025)
- Begins: Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 4:38 AM
- Ends: Monday, August 18, 2025, at 3:17 AM
Auspicious Puja Muhurat
Devotees can perform Krishna Janmashtami Puja during the auspicious time on Saturday, August 16, from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM (a duration of 43 minutes). This is considered the most sacred period for worship.
Puja Samagri (Essential Items for Worship)
- Wooden Chowki (altar)
- Clothes for Laddu Gopal
- Throne/seat, Asan
- Ganga Jal, raw milk, curd, Panchamrit, honey, cow ghee
- Turmeric, roli, sandalwood, saffron
- Flowers (especially yellow), lotus, incense, kapoor (camphor), akshat (rice)
- Tulsi leaves, sacred thread (mouli), kajal, betel leaves, supari
Krishna’s Favorite Bhog (Offerings)
On Janmashtami, devotees prepare 8 special offerings for Kanha Ji:
- Butter with sugar (makhan-mishri)
- Panch-meva (five types of dry fruits)
- Cucumber
- Dhania Panjiri
- Tulsi leaves
- Cardamom
- Cloves
- Coconut
Apart from these, many households also prepare the traditional 56 Bhog (Chhappan Bhog) for Lord Krishna.
Puja Vidhi (Rituals)
- At midnight, place Laddu Gopal inside a cucumber (symbolizing his birth) and then bring him out.
- Bathe the idol with raw milk, curd, honey, ghee, Panchamrit, and Ganga Jal.
- Dress the deity in new clothes and adorn with ornaments such as flute, peacock feather crown, and garlands.
- Apply tilak with sandalwood, turmeric, and saffron.
- Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and Krishna’s favorite bhog.
- Perform aarti and distribute prasad among devotees.
On this divine night, devotees also engage in bhajans and kirtans to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna and seek his blessings for happiness, prosperity, and protection from obstacles.