Why Do We Celebrate Shree Krishna Janmashtami?

The Astami of Bhadrapada Krishnapaksha is celebrated as Krishna Janmashtami. As the legend says, this is the day when Shree Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudev.  On this day, devotees observe fasts and keep awake during the night singing praises of the lord. This year, the holy occasion of Janmashtami falls on 16^th August. Nandotsav will be observed on the following day. 

As per ritual, the idol of Shree Krishna is decorated and adorned on this auspicious day. Not only in temples, but people in their houses too, adorn the deity and follow the rituals of the occasion. Both men and women observe a fast till midnight and then blow conch and ring the bell (ghanta) as a sign of welcoming the Lord.

In the temples, at this hour that is 12:00 hours midnight, the place echoes with the united chants of the devotees as the priest performs the aarti of Lord Krishna. Krishna Janmashthami is celebrated in a grand way in places such as Vrindavan and Mathura. During this festival, the atmosphere in these places seems to be filled with the glorious tales of Shree Krishna.

How Is This Auspicious Day Celebrated?

On Friday the 15^th August 2025 followers of Smartha sect will celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami during ‘Maha Nisith Kaal’ or ‘Midnight’. However, Vaishnavites will observe Vrat and Puja on Saturday, the 16^th August 2025 by rule of ‘Udiya Tithi.

Rituals of Janmashtami

There is a ritual to observe a day long fast on this occasion. The devotee wakes up early and gets ready for the pooja. On this occasion, the main door of a house is usually decorated with flowers, leaves of Ashok or Mango trees and traditional decorative pieces. A mangal kalash (water pitcher) is also installed at the main door of the house. At night, the idol of Shree Krishna is bathed with panchamrita and Vishnu poojan is conducted following the 16 pooja rituals (shodoshopachar). Then the devotee offers prayers to the lord while reciting the mantra, “Om Namoh Bhagawate Vasudevaye”. After this, the deity is adorned with bright new clothes and ornaments and installed in a beautifully decorated cradle. Apart from flowers, Lord Krishna is offered a bhog which comprises of a variety of sweet delicacies, naivedya, salty savouries, different seasonal fruits and coconut sweets.

Janmashtami – A Day of Fun and Frolic

The devotee spends the day singing bhajans and kirtans of the lord. At night, as the clock strikes 12:00, a large size cucumber is broken as a symbol of the birth celebration of Lord Krishna. After this, camphor is lit and aarti is performed while singing devotional songs dedicated to the lord.

The fun-filled ceremony of ‘dahi-handi’ is performed in many places such as Mathura, Vrindavan and Mumbai. It is a ritual in which young boys enact the scene of little Krishna stealing butter from a handi (pot). This is one of the traditions associated with this festival which brings lots of fun and amusement with it.

Janmashtami is one of the popular festivals of India. It is celebrated in almost all regions of the country. It is said that one who observes this vrata wholeheartedly, finds his place in Vishnuloka.