Khatu Shyam Baba's birthday is celebrated every year on Devuthani Ekadashi, and this year, the festival falls on November 1, 2025. Lakhs of devotees will flock to the Khatu temple in Sikar, Rajasthan. Those who cannot visit the temple can still celebrate Baba's birthday at home and receive his blessings by offering his beloved bhog.
Khatu Shyam Baba Janmotsav: As every year, Khatu Shyam Ji's birthday will be celebrated with great fervor on Devuthani Ekadashi this time too. This auspicious occasion will be celebrated on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The Ekadashi tithi will begin at 9:11 AM and conclude on November 2, at 7:31 AM. Devotees will arrive in large numbers for darshan at the famous Khatu Shyam Temple located in Sikar district, Rajasthan. However, those who cannot make it there can celebrate the Janmotsav at home with prayers, bhajans, and by offering Baba's favorite bhog. It is believed that Shyam Baba fulfills every devotee's wishes when worshipped with a true heart.
How to Celebrate Khatu Shyam Baba's Birthday at Home
If you are a Shyam devotee and wish to celebrate Baba's Janmotsav at home, you should follow some simple yet sacred rules. On this day, wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean, preferably yellow or red clothes. Purify the worship area and sprinkle Gangajal (holy water from the Ganges).
After this, spread a yellow or red cloth as an asana (seat) on a clean chowki (small low table) or patra (wooden plank). Place Khatu Shyam Ji's idol or picture on it. Decorate the worship area with flowers, balloons, and rangoli. It is believed that making rangoli promotes positive energy and creates a devotional atmosphere.
Then, light a ghee lamp, incense sticks (agarbatti) or dhoop, and apply tilak with roli and chandan to Baba. Offer him a garland of flowers. After this, sincerely chant Shyam Ji's mantras. The mantras are
‘Om Shri Shyam Devaya Namah’ or ‘Jai Shri Shyam’.
You can chant any one of these mantras 11, 21, 51, or 108 times.
Offer These Bhogs on Shyam Baba's Janmotsav
The worship for Khatu Shyam Baba's birthday is considered complete only when his beloved bhog is offered to him. Religious belief holds that by being pleased with the correct offerings, Baba fulfills every wish of his devotees.
- Raw Milk: It is said that this was the first offering Shyam Baba accepted on the land of Khatu. It is considered extremely sacred and auspicious. After the puja, distribute raw milk as prasad to all family members.
- Kheer and Churma: This offering is not only delicious but also Baba Shyam's most beloved prasad. It is believed that offering kheer and churma brings happiness and prosperity to the home and removes all troubles.
- Panchmeva Prasad: Panchmeva prasad, made from almonds, cashews, raisins, coconut, and dried dates, is offered on special occasions. It is considered a symbol of love and devotion towards Shyam Baba.
- Pede and Milk-based Sweets: Pede made from khoya are considered dear to Shyam Ji. This offering must be made on his birthday. Additionally, prasad of mishri (rock sugar) or milk-based sweets also brings auspicious results.
Perform Aarti and Bhajans After the Puja
After offering the bhog, perform Aarti with camphor or a ghee lamp and ring the bell. During Baba's Aarti, the entire atmosphere becomes devotional. After Aarti, sing bhajans and fill the home with joy through songs celebrating Baba's Janmotsav.
If you wish, you can also organize a small Bhajan Sandhya (evening of devotional songs) with family and friends in the evening. On this day, the bhajan 'Haare Ke Sahare Khatu Shyam Hamare' is sung specifically. It is said that by singing this bhajan, Baba is pleased and protects from troubles.
Why is Khatu Shyam Baba's Janmotsav Celebrated?
Khatu Shyam Ji is considered an avatar of Barbarik from the Mahabharata period. Barbarik was the grandson of Bheem and son of Ghatotkacha, who was blessed by Lord Krishna that in Kaliyuga, he would be worshipped by the name 'Shyam' and become the support of the defeated. For this reason, devotees call him "Haare Ke Sahare" (Support of the Defeated).
On Devuthani Ekadashi, Lord Vishnu awakens from his sleep, and on the same day, Shyam Baba's Janmotsav is also celebrated. This day thus becomes a symbol of dual faith for devotees.
Grand Celebrations at Khatu Temple in Rajasthan
Preparations for the Janmotsav are in full swing at Khatu Shyam Temple (Sikar, Rajasthan). The temple is decorated with colorful lights, flowers, and grand tableaux. Every year, lakhs of devotees arrive here for darshan. During this period, arrangements like bhakt niwas (devotee accommodation), bhandara (community kitchen), and satsang (spiritual gathering) are also made for devotees.
According to the temple administration, a huge crowd of devotees is expected this year as well. Special arrangements are being made for security and management at the temple.
Baba's Blessings Can Also Be Received at Home
If you are unable to visit Khatu this time, there is no need to worry. Shyam Baba's blessings are received equally when worshipped at home with a true heart as when worshipped by visiting the temple. The true meaning of devotion lies in the feeling of the heart, not in the location.
During worship at home, turn off mobile phones and TV, and create a calm atmosphere. Sit in front of Shyam Ji's picture, meditate, and pray to him for liberation from all troubles in your life.
