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Janmashtami 2025: According to the Drik Panchang, the festival falls on August 15, the Mithila Panchang places it on August 17, and several other Panchangs cite August 16
August 16 is considered the most auspicious day for celebrating Janmashtami as both Ashtami and the Taurus Moon align on this date. (AI Generated/News18 Hindi)
This year, there has been considerable confusion surrounding the date of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Is it on August 15, August 16, or August 17? Various Hindu calendars have listed different dates.
According to the Drik Panchang, Janmashtami falls on August 15; the Mithila Panchang places it on August 17; while several other Panchangs cite August 16. Naturally, this has left many devotees unsure of the correct day for the festival.
How Is The Date Of Janmashtami Determined?
According to texts such as the Shiva Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Brahma Purana, the Janmashtami fast is observed on Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami Tithi, the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadrapada. Lord Krishna is believed to have been born at midnight on this Tithi, on a Wednesday, under the Rohini Nakshatra, with the Moon in Taurus.
Scriptures recognise two methods for determining the fast: Shuddha and Viddha.
- Shuddha refers to the Tithi that spans from sunrise to the following sunrise.
- Viddha ranges from Saptami to Navami.
If the Tithi spans two days, preference is given to the one during which midnight falls. If both days have portions of the Tithi, Viddha Saptami is disregarded, and Viddha Navami is considered.
This Janmashtami fast is regarded as suitable for all devotees, regardless of their chosen method.
Tithi Timing For Janmashtami 2025
This year, Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami Tithi begins at 11:49 pm on August 15 and continues until 9:34 pm on August 16. Thus, August 16 is considered the most auspicious day for celebrating Janmashtami.
On August 16, the Udaya Tithi (Tithi at sunrise) is Ashtami, making it more appropriate. Sunrise on this day is at 5:51 am, confirming that Ashtami is in effect at that time.
Although Rohini Nakshatra does not align with Ashtami this year, it begins at 4:38 am on August 17 and ends at 3:17 am on August 18. The Moon enters Taurus at 11:43 am on August 16. This means the combination of Ashtami Tithi and Moon in Taurus occurs on August 16, making it the best match.
On August 15, only Ashtami is present and on August 17, only Rohini is present. Only August 16 aligns both Ashtami and Taurus Moon.
Auspicious Muhurta For Janmashtami
As Lord Krishna was born at midnight, the auspicious time (shubh muhurta) for Janmashtami celebrations this year falls between 12:04 am and 12:47 am on August 16.
- For those who break their fast immediately after Lord Krishna’s birth, it can be done after 12:47 am on August 17.
- For those who break their fast after sunrise, the suitable time is after 5:51 am on August 17.
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