Confused about whether Janmashtami 2025 falls on August 16 or 17? Here’s a clear guide to the actual date, shubh muhurat, and key rituals of Gokulashtami to help you celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth the right way.
The pious festival of Janmashtami in 2025, which would herald the birth of Lord Krishna, has been giving rise to confusion this year. To many, they do not know if it will be on August 16 or August 17. However, to break it down in terms of the Hindu calendar tithis and rituals.
Actual Date of Janmashtami in 2025
On Saturday, the 16th of August, Janmashtami would be observed in 2025.
The Ashtami Tithi that falls on the 8th lunar day begins from 11:49 PM on August 15 to 9:34 PM on August 16.
Since most of Hindu tradition follows the Udaya Tithi or sunrise-based system, August 16 is considered to be the correct day for puja and fasting.
Why the Confusion Over Dates?
The tithi (Ashtami) starts late at night on August 15, which some persons tend to think is the main Janmashtami night.
However, it is tradition that the birth celebration of Lord Krishna occurs when Ashtami and Rohini nakshatra overlap at midnight which falls on August 16 in most places.
Shubh Muhurat & Puja Timings
Nishita Kaal (Midnight Puja):
August 16, 12:04 AM-12:47 AM
This is the most holy window to perform puja for Janmashtami, decorate the jhoola (cradle), and chant mantras.
Fasting Parana (Breaking Fast):
Can be done after 9:34 PM on August 16, once Ashtami ends.
Rohini Nakshatra Timings
Rohini Nakshatra will begin at 4:38 AM on August 17 and go on to 3:17 AM on August 18.
This star is certainly the birth nakshatra of Lord Krishna but does not change Janmashtami this year.
How Devotees Celebrate Janmashtami
Fasting: Most of the fasts fall on August 16 and are continued up to the falling of midnight or at the breaking of the Ashtami tithi.
Midnight Celebration: Bhajans, Aarti, and ceremonial jhulan (swinging of Baby Krishna) are conducted at midnight when Krishna was born.
Dahi Handi: In Maharashtra and some other regions, Dahi Handi events are held the next day (August 17), showcasing Krishna’s playful nature.
Celebrations Across India
Mathura and Vrindavan begin celebration days in advance as they lay in the heart of Krishnadevam.
Temples are lit up in beauty; all Krishna idols are adorned, and Raslila performances are shown to capture glimpses of Krishna’s life.
In South India, footprints of baby Krishna and butter and sweet offerings are signature of the Gokulashtami celebrations.
However, based on the sunrise rules and midnight puja timing, Janmashtami in 2025 would be official as well as traditionally celebrated on August 16. So keep your rituals and fasts planned for Saturday-the real birth night of Lord Krishna.