Janmashtami

Every year, millions of devotees across the world come together to celebrate the birth of one of the most beloved deities in Hinduism—Lord Krishna. The festival of Janmashtami, also known as Krishna Janmashtami, is a vibrant celebration of divine love, wisdom, mischief, and righteousness.

In 2025, Janmashtami will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16. Homes, temples, and hearts will be decorated with devotion, as the nation observes the birthday of the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, who was born over 5,000 years ago in Mathura, during a time of chaos and oppression. According to Hindu mythology, Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison cell, under the rule of the evil king Kansa, Devaki’s brother.

It is said that at the moment of Krishna’s birth, the prison doors miraculously opened, and Vasudeva carried the newborn across the Yamuna River to Gokul, where he was raised by Nanda and Yashoda.

This divine intervention is seen as a symbol of hope, victory of good over evil, and the beginning of a new era of dharma (righteousness).

Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm across India. Devotees fast throughout the day, decorate temples and homes with flowers and lights, and sing bhajans (devotional songs) dedicated to Krishna. At midnight—believed to be the time of Krishna’s birth—ceremonial prayers and aarti are performed, and a small idol of baby Krishna is placed in a decorated cradle and gently rocked. In states like Maharashtra, the festival features the thrilling Dahi Handi event, where teams form human pyramids to break pots filled with curd, symbolizing Krishna’s playful nature. In Mathura and Vrindavan, elaborate dramas, processions, and temple celebrations recreate scenes from Krishna’s life, making Janmashtami a vibrant and spiritually uplifting occasion.

As we celebrate Janmashtami 2025, let’s not only commemorate Krishna’s birth but also embrace the Krishna consciousness—a life of compassion, truth, love, and joy. Whether you’re fasting, singing bhajans, or simply remembering Krishna in your thoughts, may his divine energy bring peace, prosperity, and happiness into your life.

Jai Shri Krishna!