The festival of Janmashtami is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over India. This day marks the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna, who was born in the Dwapar Yug in the home of Vasudev and Devaki in the jail of Mathura. This festival is celebrated every year on the Ashtami tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadon, which this time falls on [16 august 2025]. Every year on this day people celebrate with fasting, bhajan-kirtan, and Krishna Janam ki aarti at 12 o’clock in the night.
Significance of Janmashtami
The biggest message of this festival is “protection of religion and destruction of religion”. Shri Krishna showed in his life that it is never wrong to fight for truth and justice. The teachings of Gita even today inspire at every turn of life.
Janmashtami is not just a religious festival but an occasion when family and society come together and an atmosphere of devotion and love is created. Children dress up as Krishna and Radha, which makes the festival even more colourful.
Preparations for Janmashtami
Preparations begin a day or two before Janmashtami. The house is cleaned, the temple is decorated with flowers and feathers. The demand for butter, sugar candy, panjiri and small Krishna’s clothes increases in the market.
Some people observe a fast on this day which they break on the next day (Paran) of Nandotsav. In this fast, only fruits, milk, butter and satvik food are consumed.
How to Perform Janmashtami Puja at Home – 3 Simple Steps
It is not difficult to worship at home on Janmashtami. If you are not able to go to the temple, then you can worship at home with full devotion in these 3 steps:
- krishna swing installation:
First of all, prepare a small temple or place of worship in a clean place. Place a swing in it which has an idol or photo of Bal Krishna. Decorate the swing with flowers, peacock feathers and colorful clothes. - Adornment and enjoyment:
Dress Krishna Ji in clothes, apply tilak and offer him a garland of flowers. Make sure to keep butter-sugar, panjiri, milk and Tulsi leaves in the bhog. As soon as it is 12 o’clock in the night, offer bhog and perform aarti. - Bhajan-Kirtan and Aarti:
On the night of Janmashtami, it is considered auspicious to sing bhajans and kirtans. This purifies the atmosphere of the house. After the puja, perform aarti of Lord Krishna together with the family and distribute prasad.
Some popular events of Janmashtami
- Dahi Handi: This is an entertaining and traditional activity in which people come together to break a mat hanging at a height.
- Krishna Leela Natak: This is a drama based on stories from Krishna’s life, such as the killing of Kansa, the lifting of Govardhan mountain, or the theft of a house.
- Rasleela: A performance of dance and songs based on the love and devotion of Radha-Krishna.
What is the importance of fasting and what are the rules?
The meaning of keeping fast on Janmashtami is not only to stop eating and drinking but also to keep mind pure, to help others and to remain engaged in devotion. In Falahaar you can consume water chestnut flour, sago, milk, butter and fruits.
12 o’clock in the night is the time of Krishna’s birth. At that time pooja, bhajan and aarti have special importance.
Conclusion
Janmashtami is a festival that gives the message of devotion, love and unity. While worshipping at home or while going to the temple, if we keep our mind pure and remember the teachings of Krishna, then the joy of this festival increases even more.
Disclaimer
This article is based on general information and traditional customs. The specific method, time and rules of worship may vary in different traditions. Adopt the worship method according to your clan or community.