Janmashtami 2025 is the sacred festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees who observe the fast worship from morning onwards and celebrate the birth of Krishna at 12 midnight. It is essential to follow certain rules during the fast, such as avoiding tamasic foods, not plucking tulsi leaves, and staying away from anger.
New Delhi: The festival of Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated with devotion and joy throughout the country. This festival holds special significance as the birthday of Lord Krishna. On this day, devotees who observe the fast wake up before sunrise, take a bath, worship, and celebrate the birth of Krishna at 12 midnight. Following several religious rules is mandatory in this fast so that the fast may be fruitful. Information about the method of worship and what to do and what not to do during the Janmashtami fast is important for every devotee.
What to do on the day of Janmashtami fast?
Waking up and bathing before sunrise
Waking up before sunrise is considered extremely auspicious on the day of Janmashtami. This ensures that the day's tasks are completed properly. Be sure to take a bath and wear clean clothes. According to religious beliefs, wearing yellow clothes is considered auspicious, as it is the favorite color of Lord Krishna.
Cleaning and purifying the place of worship
After bathing, clean the place of worship thoroughly and purify it with Gangajal (Ganges water). This is a symbol of religious purity and also purifies the mind during the worship of God.
Take a vow of fasting
Before starting the puja, install idols of Lord Krishna and other deities. Take water, flowers and akshat (unbroken rice) in your hand and take a vow to fast. In the resolution, say that you are keeping this fast to receive the grace of Lord Krishna and ask for the strength and blessings to complete it.
Preparation for worship
Bathe the idol of Lord Krishna with Panchamrit, which includes milk, yogurt, ghee, honey and Gangajal. After this, offer sandalwood, kumkum, akshat and tulsi leaves. Offer peacock feathers, flute and Makhan-Mishri (butter and sugar candy) to the Lord, which are considered his favorite offerings. Lotus flowers and tulsi leaves have special significance in worship.
Singing Bhajans-Kirtans and chanting Mantras
Chant the Mahamantra 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare' throughout the day. Worship the child form of Lord Krishna and sing bhajans and kirtans in his praise. Listening to or reading the story of Janmashtami is also very auspicious, which deepens the feeling of devotion in the mind.
Celebrate the birth anniversary at night
At midnight, which is considered the time of Lord Krishna's birth, welcome him with the sound of conch shells and bells. Swing the Lord on a swing and perform aarti while placing him in the cradle. Offering bhog (food offering) is essential at this time. Keep in mind that the fast should be broken only after 12 o'clock at night. Do not leave Baal Gopal (child Krishna) alone and take special care of him.
What not to do on the day of Janmashtami fast?
Avoid Tamasic food
On this auspicious day, do not consume garlic, onion, non-vegetarian food, fish or any other tamasic food. This affects the purity of the fast. Also, stay away from alcohol, tobacco and smoking.
Do not consume grains
Consumption of rice, wheat, pulses and other grains is completely prohibited during the Janmashtami fast. Take only simple and pure food like fruits, milk, ghee, honey in the fast.
Do not pluck Tulsi leaves
The Tulsi plant has special significance on this day. Therefore, plucking Tulsi leaves on the day of Janmashtami is considered prohibited. If you need Tulsi leaves for worship, pluck them a day in advance.
Avoid anger and disputes
Do not quarrel with anyone on this holy day. Do not insult anyone or cause mental distress to anyone. The day of Janmashtami brings a message of love and harmony, so make it full of positivity.
Importance of Janmashtami fast
The Janmashtami fast, observed in commemoration of the birth of Lord Krishna, bestows spiritual purification and the blessings of happiness and prosperity in life to the devotees. By observing this fast properly, wishes are fulfilled and the grace of God remains forever. Also, this fast purifies the body and mind, which brings peace and joy in life.
