Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Date, History, and Why Krishna's Birth Is Celebrated

Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Date, History, and Why Krishna's Birth Is Celebrated

Krishna Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16, 2025. It marks the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. This sacred Hindu festival, also known as Gokulashtami, Krishnashtami, Ashtami Rohini, and Srikrishna Jayanti, commemorates the divine birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Devotees across India and around the world observe a day-long fast, midnight prayers, and devotional singing to honor his arrival.

Krishna Janmashtami 2025 Date and Time 

Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna in Mathura, believed to be at midnight on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell, Krishna’s life is a symbol of righteousness, protection of dharma, and divine love. Stories from the Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana inspire millions to live with devotion, courage, and truth.

Smarta vs Vaishnava Traditions

Often, Janmashtami appears on two consecutive days. The first is observed by Smarta Sampradaya, and the latter by Vaishnava Sampradaya (including ISKCON followers).

• Vaishnava Tradition: Follows Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra, never observing on Saptami.
• Smarta Tradition: Prioritizes Nishita Kaal and combines Ashtami with Rohini Nakshatra for the most auspicious alignment.

Why Krishna's Birth Is Celebrated?

Krishna's birth is celebrated because he is revered as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appeared to restore dharma, destroy evil, and guide humanity towards righteousness, devotion, and love.

Celebrations Across India

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with great fervor across India. Temples are beautifully decorated, devotional songs are sung all night, and Dahi Handi events symbolizing Krishna’s playful nature which will take place on the next day, August 17, 2025.