Last Updated:
Janmashtami 2025: If the fast is broken accidentally, devotees can seek Lord Krishna’s forgiveness, perform rituals, and continue the fast to receive its spiritual benefits
Janmashtami 2025 will be celebrated on August 16. (AI Generated)
The auspicious occasion of Janmashtami is one of the most spiritually significant festivals in Hindu culture. In 2025, the Janmashtami fast will be observed on Saturday, August 16.
According to tradition, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura during the Dwapar Yuga on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapad month, when the moon was in Taurus and the day was Wednesday.
Devotees across the country celebrate the birth of Laddu Gopal at midnight, observing a fast that is traditionally broken after sunrise the following day.
During the Janmashtami fast, devotees can consume fruits, milk, curd, and water, while eating regular meals is prohibited. However, questions often arise about what should be done if the fast is accidentally broken. Is it still possible to gain the spiritual benefits of the fast? Religious scriptures suggest that if a devotee unintentionally eats food or breaks the fast, sincere repentance and prayers for forgiveness are required.
Experts advise that in such situations, devotees should purify themselves and sit before Lord Krishna to pray for forgiveness. Mantras such as “Mantraheenam Kriyaheenam Bhaktiheenam Janardan Yatpujitam Maya Deva Paripoorna Tadastu Me,” “Om Shri Vishnuve Namah Kshama Yachana Samarpayami,” or chanting “Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay” at least five or eleven times using a Tulsi rosary are recommended.
After praying, devotees should bow to Lord Krishna and request his mercy, acknowledging that the fast was broken unintentionally.
Devotees can then choose to continue the Janmashtami fast. At midnight, the birth of Laddu Gopal is celebrated with rituals including bathing the idol with Panchamrit, offering Tulsi, butter, sugar candy, and Panjiri, performing Aarti, and distributing Prasad. Fruits from the Prasad can also be consumed by the devotee.
The following morning, after taking a bath, devotees can perform Puja at home or in a Vishnu temple. Donations of yellow clothes, bananas, jaggery, gram, sugar candy, and gram flour laddus are encouraged. During this time, devotees should pray for the fulfilment of their wishes.
Spiritual experts emphasise that Lord Krishna values the sincerity of devotees. If the apology is made with a pure heart and the fast is completed afterwards, the devotee’s wish can still be fulfilled. This guidance is particularly intended for those who accidentally or unintentionally broke the Janmashtami fast, with no deliberate intent to violate the tradition.
view comments
Read More
