A brief overview of Janmashtami 2025
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 is the celebration of the divine appearance of Lord Krishna from his transcendental abode into this world. Lord Krishna is the 8th avatara or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Also known as Shri Krishna Jayanti, Gokulashtami, and Ashtami Rohini, this holiest festival is celebrated among the Hindus and dedicated devotees of Lord Krishna.
On one hand, most of the regions in India celebrate Janmashtami in August, but Udupi city celebrates it in September as it is rooted in the temple culture and solar calendar. Let's elaborate on why Janmashtami 2025 is significant, the way it is celebrated across various regions of India, and what makes the Janmashtami of Udupi so significant.
Significance of Janmashtami 2025
Mythological significance
Lord Krishna's advent took place under the Rohini Nakshatra as per the Hindu mythology, a time which is considered extremely auspicious. Thus, Janmashtami is celebrated on the 8th day or Ashtami Tithi of the dark fortnight on the Rohini Nakshatra. It was a dark and stormy night when the lord came to the world to liberate the soul and end all evil. The birth month of Lord Krishna comes in Shravan according to the Amanta calendar.
Many virtuous people have asserted that the birth of Lord Krishna is a divine intervention for maintaining the balance of the world.
Spiritual importance
Janmashtami emphasises the morals like righteousness or dharma, selflessness and compassion that are the core teachings that we need to incorporate from Krishna's life. The festivities at temples of Shri Krishna reach the peak during midnight with singing the holy songs, dancing and performing “Aarti”, a prayer ceremony, along with blowing the conch shell and rocking a beautifully decorated cradle of the lord. The devotees observe a fast the whole day on the propitious day of Janmashtami, chant the mantras, including the Hare Krishna mahamantra. People also refrain from falling asleep to witness the heavenly hour of lord Krishna's birth.
How is Janmashtami 2025 celebrated across India?
Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated with various regional traditions which reflect the cultural diversity of India. The idol of Lord Krishna is bathed with “Panchamrit”, made of ghee, milk, oil, honey and water of the Holy river Ganga. The panchamrit was later distributed as “ prasadam” or the blessed food. People enjoy this day by dancing “Raaslila”, which is also called the dance of Krishna and Radha. The description of some significant parts of India on how they celebrate Janmashtami has been given below.
North India
Uttar Pradesh shows a vibrant and rich culture when it comes to celebrating Janmashtami. Birthplace of Krishna, Mathura and Vrindavan, which belong to Uttar Pradesh become one of the prominent pilgrimage places at this time. It illustrates the dramas, midnight “arti” and temple decoration related to Krishna Leela that attracts the hearts of devotees of the Lord.
The local temples and colonies of Delhi organise jhanki competitions.
Gujarat
In places like Ahmedabad and Dwarka, Janmashtami celebrates Dandiya and Garba dances, where devotees decked up in traditional attire dance throughout the night in folk songs.
Maharashtra
In Pune and Mumbai, Dahi Handi is celebrated. Inspired by the childhood of lord stealing butter from the pyramid structure of the pot filled with makkhan, or butter, Dahi handi is marked with sparkling celebration.
South India
In places like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu, people decorate the temples and their homes with rangoli, which is known as Kolams in the local language and the footprints of the lord leading to the houses. Children wear the dresses like Radha and Krishna and offer the fruits, butter and sweets. The recitation of the Bhagavatam and the Bhagavad Gita is one of the pious activities that most devotees and temples observe.
Why does Udupi celebrate Janmashtami 2025 in September?
Historical reason
The people of Udupi celebrate Janmashtami mainly on 14th September 2025, whereas the other parts of India will celebrate this festival on 16th August 2025. The devotees in this place will also celebrate Janmashtami on 14th September, but they will give special significance to 16th August 2025 as the Rohini Nakshatra and Ashtami tithi appear on the same day. According to some other sources, Udupi follow the Solar calendar compared to the lunar calendar, which is mostly followed by North Indian people. This could also be a probable reason why the people of Udupi celebrate this celestial festival after 25 to 27 days later of the other part of this country.
Celebration in Udupi
Janmashtami celebration in Udupi is associated with full spiritual vehemence. Udupi city observes Janmashtami with the traditional events, competitions and cultural programs at Shri Krishna Matha or temple. The majestic procession of the Lord Krishna idol is one of the significant events in the city. Day and night sevas for the lord, including bhajans and kirtan, are held in Krishna Matha. A folk dance, which is known as Hulivesha or tiger dance, is organised where the artist paint their bodies like a tiger and dance with the rhythm of the drumbeat.
Way forward
Janmashtami is the festival that unites India culturally and diversely. The testament of cultural diversity and spiritual unity is the main essence of this festival.
It is not only a festival for many devotees but a time of devotion, joy and reflection.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and independent analysis. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent the views or endorsements of any religious body, organisation or government.