Krishna Janmashtami is a joyful festival when we celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. Krishna ji is one of the most loved gods in Hinduism, known for his kindness, wisdom, and playful nature. People also call this day Krishna Jayanti or Shri Krishna Janmashtami.

In 2025, this festival will be even more special because of an auspicious planetary position called Buddh-Mangal

📅 Janmashtami 2025 Date and Time

Every year, Janmashtami is celebrated on the eighth day (Ashtami) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. In 2025:

• Ashtami Tithi Starts: 15 August 2025 at 11:49 PM
  
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 16 August 2025 at 9:34 PM
  
• Midnight Puja (Nishita Puja) Time: 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on 16 August
  

➡ That’s why Janmashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, 16 August 2025.

🌟 Why We Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami

We celebrate Krishna Jayanti to remember the day when Lord Krishna was born in Mathura more than 5,000+ years ago. According to Hindu belief:

• At that time, the world was suffering under the evil King Kansa.
  
• Lord Vishnu took birth as Krishna to protect dharma (righteousness) and destroy evil.
  
• He was born at midnight to Devaki and Vasudeva inside a prison.
  
• To save him from Kansa, Vasudeva secretly carried baby Krishna across the Yamuna river to Gokul, where he was raised by Nanda and Yashoda.

Krishna’s life is full of stories that teach love, friendship, courage, and the importance of truth.

🕉 How We Celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami

Celebrations start in the morning and continue till midnight:

1. Fasting (Vrat)

Many devotees do not eat anything until midnight. Some only eat fruits, milk, and vrat-friendly food like sabudana khichdi or makhana kheer.

2. Puja Preparations

• Homes and temples are cleaned and decorated with flowers and lights.
• A small cradle (jhoola) is prepared for baby Krishna.
• The idol is bathed with panchamrit (milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar).

3. Midnight Celebration

• At the exact time of Krishna’s birth, people sing bhajans and kirtans.
• The idol of baby Krishna is placed in the cradle and swung gently.
• Devotees offer makhan-mishri, sweets, fruits, and tulsi leaves.

🎉 Cultural Fun – Dahi Handi

The day after Janmashtami, the famous Dahi Handi is celebrated, especially in Maharashtra.

• A pot filled with curd or butter is hung high.
  
• Young men form human pyramids to break the pot, just like Krishna and his friends used to steal butter.
  

📖 More About Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna is one of the most important and loved gods in Hinduism.

• Childhood: Known as Makhan Chor (butter thief), loved for his naughty acts.
  
• Youth: Played the flute, danced with the gopis, and spread love in Vrindavan.
  
• Bhagavad Gita: Gave the message of karma, devotion, and truth to Arjuna in the Mahabharata.
  
• Protector: Defeated demons and protected people from evil.

Krishna teaches us to live with love, protect truth, and keep smiling even in hard times.

🍲 Special Janmashtami Foods

Some popular dishes prepared during the Krishna birthday celebration are:

• Makhan Mishri
• Panjiri
• Kheer
• Rajgira Laddoo
• Sabudana Khichdi
• Makhana Paag
• 56-dish Chhappan Bhog in temples

📜 Quick Festival Info

✨ Message of Krishna Janmashtami

Janmashtami is not only about rituals—it’s about remembering Krishna’s teachings:

• Do your duty without expecting rewards (Karma Yoga).
• Stand for truth even if the world is against you.
• Love everyone without selfishness.
• Face challenges with courage and a smile.

In 2025, let’s celebrate Krishna’s birthday with devotion in our hearts and joy in our homes.