Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated with devotion across India, marking Lord Krishna’s birth. Vrindavan’s Premanand Ji Maharaj has shared the correct Puja Vidhi and fasting rules. He says following them brings blessings, removes 100 sins, and ensures spiritual growth, making the festival more meaningful for every devotee.
When Is Janmashtami 2025?
Janmashtami, the festival celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, is officially observed on Saturday, August 16, 2025. This marks the 5,252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna .
- The Ashtami Tithi (the eighth lunar day) begins at around 11:49 PM on August 15 and ends at approximately 9:34 PM on August 16 .
- The midnight (Nishita) Puja, signifying the exact moment of Krishna’s birth, occurs roughly between 12:03 AM and 12:47 AM on August 16–17 .
The Spiritual Significance
- Krishna Janmashtami honors the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Lord Vishnu, viewed as a divine hero who restored righteousness (dharma) in the world .
- It’s celebrated with heartfelt devotion, rituals, fasting, devotional singing, and temple ceremonies, deeply rooted in timeless traditions .
Traditional Rituals & Celebrations
- Fasting (Vrat): Devotees observe a day-long fast, which is broken after the midnight puja .
- Midnight Puja: Core ceremony at the moment of Krishna’s birth, featuring singing of bhajans, scripture recitations, and puja offerings .
Bhog Offerings:
- Traditional offerings include makhan-mishri, panchamrit, sweets, fruits, and other prasadam .
Dahi Handi (Matki Phod):
- A lively event especially in Maharashtra and parts of North India, where youth form human pyramids to break pots filled with curd or butter, symbolizing Krishna’s playful act of stealing butter .
Decor & Cultural Acts:
- Homes and temples are decorated with flowers, lights, and rangoli; devotional dances like Raas Leela, enactments of Krishna’s life, and Kirtans enliven the celebrations .
Tips for Celebrating at Home:
- Clean and decorate: Prepare your home, add flowers, lights, rangoli, and set up Krishna’s cradle (jhula) or idol .
- Perform abhishekam: Offer Panchamrit (mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar) to the idol, then dress Bal Gopal with fresh clothes and jewellery .
- Fasting options: Choose between Nirjal Vrat (no food or water) or Phalahar Vrat (fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly snacks); avoid grains, onions, garlic, and heavy meals .
- Perform midnight puja: Do aarti, chant mantras, and offer bhog at the auspicious Nishita Puja time .
- Listen or participate: Recite Krishna’s stories, sing bhajans, or watch Raas Leela enactments for added devotion .
- Create community spirit: If possible, organize or join Dahi Handi events or satsangs with family and friends.
Premanand Maharaj also Explains the Right Way to End Janmashtami Fasting – Gain Freedom from 100 Sins
According to Premanand Maharaj,
- On Janmashtami one should adorn Lord Krishna with new clothes and ornaments.
- Chanting Krishna’s 108 names, listening to stories from his life, and doing devotional singing (kirtan) at home are highly recommended.
- He advises maintaining celibacy and avoiding tamasic foods like non-vegetarian dishes, onions, and garlic.
- The fast should be broken only after Lord Krishna’s midnight birth celebrations, by first offering bhog (prasad) to him and then partaking of it yourself.
Should You Visit a Temple on Janmashtami?
Premanand Maharaj says that visiting a Krishna temple on Janmashtami and having his darshan brings great spiritual benefits. Performing the rituals with proper devotion is very auspicious. He also mentions that offering Krishna rice-based malpua and homemade butter on this day is especially pleasing to him, as these are his favorites.
Janmashtami Fast Equals 100 Ekadashi Fasts?
Hindu scriptures state that the Ekadashi fast holds immense importance, believed to free one from sins. It is also said that the Janmashtami fast is equal to observing 100 Ekadashi fasts. By keeping this fast, one can be freed from 100 sins and find relief from life’s troubles.
In today’s fast-paced world, where distractions and wrongdoings are common, the teachings of Premanand Ji Maharaj on Janmashtami fasting hold even greater value. Observing the Janmashtami vrat with proper Puja Vidhi not only honors Lord Krishna’s birth but also purifies the soul, offering the spiritual strength to overcome life’s challenges. As Maharaj explains, this sacred fast is equal to 100 Ekadashi fasts, granting freedom from sins and filling life with divine blessings—a timeless path to inner peace in modern times.
To get the photos for janmashtami click on the link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dp_Lz7rHxl0UcM_NnZE4HlhfXOSKBMe5
