Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the Ashtami tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This sacred day holds immense significance for devotees across India and around the world. Temples are decorated, devotional songs are sung, and elaborate rituals are performed to honor the beloved deity.

This year, the festival will be observed on 16 August 2025, as per the Ashtami tithi calculations. Both householders and Vaishnav devotees will observe the Janmashtami fast on the same day, which is a Saturday. The alignment of the lunar phase and nakshatras has made this year’s schedule especially significant for worshippers.

Start and End of Ashtami Tithi

The Ashtami tithi will begin on 15 August 2025 at 12:58 AM and will end on 16 August 2025 at 9:34 PM. Traditionally, devotees consider the Ashtami tithi along with the Chandrodaya (moonrise) and the Rohini nakshatra to determine the exact time for puja.

This year, Kritika Nakshatra will begin at 8:08 AM on 16 August and will continue until early morning on 17 August. After Kritika, the Rohini Nakshatra will start, which is considered highly auspicious for Janmashtami celebrations.

Moonrise and Nakshatra Timings

Moonrise on Janmashtami will occur at 11:32 PM on Saturday, 16 August. According to the Smarta tradition, which follows the Chandrodaya Vyapini Ashtami, the puja is performed after moonrise during the Nishita Kaal. Vaishnav traditions, on the other hand, prefer celebrating during the Rohini Nakshatra at sunrise. This year, both Smarta and Vaishnav followers will be observing the fast on the same date.

The Rohini Nakshatra will begin at 4:38 AM on 17 August and will end at 3:17 AM on 18 August. Devotees following the Vaishnav tradition will incorporate this nakshatra into their celebrations.

Krishna Janmashtami Puja Muhurat

The most auspicious time for Janmashtami puja this year falls during Nishita Kaal, which is the midnight period considered ideal for Lord Krishna’s worship. The Nishita Puja Muhurat will begin at 12:04 AM on 17 August and end at 12:47 AM.

The Panchamrit Abhishek, a key part of the puja, is recommended at 12:25 AM. Panchamrit, made of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar, is used to bathe the idol of Lord Krishna before offering new clothes, ornaments, and special bhog.

Fasting and Parana

Devotees observing the Krishna Janmashtami fast will break their fast on 17 August at 5:51 AM. The fast is traditionally observed without consuming grains, and only fruits, milk, and certain vrat-friendly foods are eaten during the day. After the midnight puja, devotees often engage in bhajans and kirtans until the early morning, after which the fast is concluded.

Detailed City-wise Puja Timings

Different cities will have slightly varied puja timings due to geographical differences. The following are the Nishita Puja Muhurat timings for major cities:

• Pune: 12:16 AM to 1:01 AM

• New Delhi: 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM

• Chennai: 11:50 PM to 12:36 AM

• Jaipur: 12:09 AM to 12:53 AM

• Hyderabad: 11:58 PM to 12:43 AM

• Gurgaon: 12:04 AM to 12:48 AM

• Mumbai: 12:20 AM to 1:05 AM

• Noida: 12:03 AM to 12:46 AM

These timings are calculated to ensure that puja is performed during the exact Nishita Kaal in each location.

Rituals and Traditions of Janmashtami

On Janmashtami, devotees decorate temples and home shrines with flowers, lights, and rangoli designs. The idol of Lord Krishna is adorned with new clothes, jewelry, and peacock feathers. The ritual bathing of the idol, known as Abhishek, is performed with Panchamrit, followed by offerings of butter, sweets, and fruits.

Devotional singing and the chanting of Krishna mantras continue through the night. In many places, traditional dances and dramas known as Raslila are performed, depicting episodes from Krishna’s life. In Maharashtra and some other states, the Dahi Handi celebration, inspired by Krishna’s love for butter, is held the day after Janmashtami.

Smarta and Vaishnav Observance

The Smarta tradition observes Janmashtami based on the Chandrodaya Vyapini Ashtami, which means the Ashtami tithi must be prevailing at moonrise. The Vaishnav tradition, however, places emphasis on celebrating during the Rohini Nakshatra at sunrise.

This year, due to the unique alignment of nakshatras and tithi, both Smarta and Vaishnav communities will celebrate Janmashtami on the same day, creating a unified observance across India.

Spiritual Significance of Midnight Puja

Midnight is considered the most sacred time for Krishna’s worship, as it is believed to be the exact time of his birth. The Nishita Kaal puja involves chanting hymns from the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana, singing devotional songs, and offering bhog.

Lighting lamps and offering tulsi leaves to Lord Krishna during this time is believed to bring blessings, peace, and prosperity. Devotees also meditate on Krishna’s childhood stories, reflecting on his teachings of love, righteousness, and devotion.

Preparing for Janmashtami Puja

Devotees begin preparations for Janmashtami days in advance. Homes are cleaned, puja rooms are decorated, and ingredients for bhog are arranged. On the day of the festival, many people observe a Nirjal fast, refraining from food and water until midnight. Others follow a Phalahar fast, consuming only fruits and milk.

It is also customary to read passages from the Srimad Bhagavatam, especially the chapters narrating Krishna’s birth and childhood. Children are often dressed as Krishna or Radha, and family members participate in singing and storytelling sessions.

Krishna Janmashtami is more than a religious festival; it is a celebration of divine love and moral values. The meticulous observation of tithi, nakshatra, and muhurat reflects the deep-rooted traditions of Hindu worship. This year’s unified celebration on 16 August 2025 offers devotees across India a chance to engage in collective devotion, whether at home, in temples, or in community gatherings.

By following the correct puja timings, performing rituals with sincerity, and reflecting on Krishna’s teachings, devotees believe they can invite peace, happiness, and divine blessings into their lives.