When is Janmashtami?

Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great devotion and joy throughout India. However, the festivities and rituals are spectacularly grand in Mathura and Vrindavan, cities where Krishan was born and spent his childhood years respectively.

The exact date of Janmashtami varies each year because it is determined according to the Hindu lunar calendar (which is different from the calendar we use for our everyday lives - the Gregorian calendar). Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on the 16th of August, which is a Saturday. 

Do you know what the word ‘Janmashtami’ means?

It is easier to understand what is krishna janmashtami if you break it down into two parts. ‘Janma’ means birth. And ‘Ashtami’ is the eighth day of the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada (which is generally in August or September in our calendars). So when we say Janmashtami, we are describing Lord Krishna’s exact birthday as per the Hindu lunar calendar.

How is Janmashtami celebrated?

Wondering what to do on Janmashtami? Everyone has their way of celebrating Krishna’s birthday and showing their devotion. Maharashtra is famous for organising Dahi Handi. An event where groups of youth create human pyramids to crack open a pot of curd - a celebration of Krishna’s love for butter. 

In Mathura and Vrindavan, which are Krishna's birthplace and childhood home, the energy is unmatched. The temples open up and stay open throughout the night, and devotees line up to take darshan of the deity and sing bhajans (devotional music) and witness the dramatic enactments of Krishna's life (Raslila). At midnight, where Krishna is believed to have been born, the idols of baby Krishna are washed with milk, dressed in silk, and placed in cradles which represent Krishna's birth.

In Gujarat and Rajasthan, Krishna's birthday celebrations include devotional dances such as Garba and Raasa. The temples are decorated with colourful items, and people dress up in Krishna and Radha costumes for their community performances.

Across the country, the elderly fast on Janmashtami while offering their families delicious traditional delicacies. In the South, this auspicious festival is never complete without sweets such as Athirasam, Seedai and Halwa. Sweet Karam Coffee has curated a Janmashtami Combo, containing your favourite Snacks And Sweet Gift Boxes, to bring authentic and homely flavours to your celebration. Check out our Janmashtami Combo here and order one for yourself today! 

What to offer lord krishna on Janmashtami? 

No Janmashtami is complete without the Chappan Bhog, a grand offering of 56 bhog for Janmashtami laid out before Krishna. According to legend, while lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect his devotees from torrential rains, Krishna fasted for seven days. Once the storm passed, the villagers prepared a massive spread of food to thank him; eight items for each day. This symbolic gesture evolved into Chappan Bhog, representing gratitude, abundance, and love. It is a way for devotees to show their appreciation for his divine protection and benevolence. The variety of dishes in the Chappan Bhog also reflects the abundance and prosperity that the villagers sought from Krishna. 

Krishna Janmashtami Sweets are a fundamental part of the Janmashtami bhog. They signify love and devotion and are a nod to lord Krishna’s love for sweets. Tulsi is sacred to Krishna. A single tulsi leaf, offered with devotion, is believed to be more valuable than gold in his eyes.

Preparing lord krishna’s offerings at home is an integral part of every Janmashtami celebration at home.  Janmashtami prasad recipes offer easy and delicious ideas to serve homemade treats to lord Krishna and your family! 

A Festival of Devotion, Joy, and Abundance

Janmashtami traditions are about connecting with the values that Krishna stood for: love, compassion, and devotion. Whether you celebrate with Chappan Bhog, Dahi Handi, or simple prayers at home, what matters is the intention behind your Janmashtami celebrations.

So come Janmashtami, light a diya, sing a bhajan, share a sweet and let Krishna's spirit of joy and devotion enter your home. Sweet Karam Coffee reflects the deep Indian ethos of seva, serving God with what you have, at your best.