Janmashtami 2025: August 15 or 16? The Correct Date, Timings and Rituals for Krishna's Birth Celebration

When the midnight darkness deepens and the entire universe resonates with the sound of a conch shell, Yogeshwar Shri Krishna descends upon the Earth. His birth celebration is not merely a festival but a living proclamation of the victory of light over darkness, righteousness over unrighteousness and hope over despair. Every year, this great festival is celebrated on the Ashtami tithi (the eighth day) of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight) in the month of Bhadrapada. However, due to the subtle calculations of the Panchang (the Hindu almanac), confusion often arises regarding the date. This year as well, on the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, the question arises whether the Janmashtami fast should be observed on August 15 or August 16. Let us resolve this dilemma from the perspective of the Shastras (sacred scriptures).

Janmashtami 2025: Date and Auspicious Timings

• Ashtami Tithi Begins: 11:49 PM on August 15 2025, Friday.
• Ashtami Tithi Ends: 09:34 PM on August 16 2025, Saturday.
• Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 04:38 AM on August 17 2025, Sunday.
• Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 03:17 AM on August 18 2025, Monday.
• Moonrise Time: 10:46 PM on August 16.

On Which Day Should Janmashtami Be Celebrated?

According to the Shastras, when the conjunction of Ashtami tithi and Rohini Nakshatra does not occur on the same day, it is considered best to perform the fast and worship according to the Udayatithi. Udayatithi refers to the tithi that is prevalent at the time of sunrise. Since the Ashtami tithi will be present at sunrise on August 16, for those in household life, celebrating the festival of Janmashtami on Saturday, August 16 2025 will be scripturally appropriate and auspicious.

Important Rules for the Janmashtami Fast

The Janmashtami fast is not just about abstaining from food but is a festival of controlling the senses and purifying the mind. It is imperative to follow certain special rules on this day:

• Abstinence from Grains: Consumption of grains is forbidden during the fast. However, devotees can consume Phalahar, which includes fruits, milk, nuts and fox nuts.
• Sattvic Conduct: Follow a diet of Sattvic (pure) food and maintain pious conduct throughout the day. It is essential to stay away from Tamasic (impure or heavy) substances like non-vegetarian food, garlic and onions.
• Midnight Worship: Lord Krishna was born at midnight; therefore, the birth celebration is observed at 12 AM. Devotees welcome him by rocking the cradle of Ladoo Gopal (the infant form of Krishna), performing his aarti (ritual of waving lamps) and singing bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs).
• Breaking the Fast (Parana): The Parana or breaking of the fast, will be done the next day, that is, after sunrise on August 17. Some people break their fast right after the midnight puja but according to the scripturally approved method, it is considered purer to perform the Parana the next day.

Janmashtami 2025 at a Glance

Details	Date and Time
Ashtami Tithi Begins	11:49 PM, August 15 2025
Ashtami Tithi Ends	09:34 PM, August 16 2025
Correct Date for Janmashtami	August 16 2025, Saturday (as per Udayatithi)
Rohini Nakshatra	Begins on August 17
Moonrise (August 16)	10:46 PM
Breaking the Fast (Parana)	After sunrise on August 17

A Divine Confluence of Faith and Joy

The birth celebration of Shri Krishna teaches us that no matter how adverse the circumstances may be, the divine incarnation occurs for the establishment of dharma (righteousness) and the salvation of devotees. This festival is not limited to fasting and worship; it is a day to take a vow to abandon the evils within oneself and walk the path of love, compassion and selfless action. On this sacred occasion, celebrate the birth of Kanha with complete faith and devotion and enrich your life with his divine blessings.