Introduction

Krishna Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that marks the birthday celebration of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated all over the world with great joy & enthusiasm by Lord Krishna devotees. It is a divine day to celebrate and engage in activities like Puja, worship, fasting, and other religious rituals. But more than the worship & religious activities, it is also the day for organizing grand feasts, large celebrations, dance programs, birthday theme decoration, and even cake cuttings.

Who Is Lord Krishna?

Lord Krishna is the most charming and attractive personality in the universe. He is one of the most prominent Hindu deities who lived in the Dwapar Yuga and orated the teachings of the Bhagavad Geeta to Arjuna. He is the royal king of Dwarka, the great lover of ‘Radha Rani Ji’, &  the greatest diplomat of Aryavrat. Actually, it is difficult to define ‘Who Krishna is?’, because he is the supreme Atman, whom we know as ‘Parmatma’. He is formless, yet has many forms, he is limitless yet has ‘Maryada’, he is boundless, yet bound in boundaries of love and affection. Thus, he is everything, and still exists even in nothingness. 

Read More: Why Lord Krishna is all – attractive?

Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami marks the day when the 8th Avatar of Lord Vishnu took birth as Lord Krishna. His birthday commemorates the 8th day (Ashtami tithi) of Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight) in Bhadrapada month in Rohini Nakshatra. However, some news reports suggest the exact date of Lord Krishna’s birth, 3228 BCE on July 18, but still, the data is based on assumptions or emerged out of some astrological calculations from the details given in the Shastras and sacred texts. 

See Here: Outlook reports suggesting the birth date of Lord Krishna

Why Does It Rain On Krishna Janmashtami?

Lord Krishna was born as the 8th son of Devki and Vasudev. Before his birth, his seven siblings had been killed by “Kansa – his maternal uncle & the brother of Devki”. Hence, the birth of Lord Krishna was prophesied as the slayer of “Kansa”.

Kansa, to prevent his death, imprisoned his sister Devki and her husband Nandbaba. He even killed the earlier babies of Devki, but was not able to harm lord Krishna. Because Lord Krishna was a divine baby, the “Maya, a Hindu goddess for Illusion,” played her game to protect baby Krishna.

The heavy rain started and filled the entire ‘Mathura’ village with the Yamuna River’s water. Vasudev was instructed to carry baby Krishna to Yashoda Maa & Nandbaba in Gokul so that his life could be saved from Kansa. Vasudev did so. He reached Gokul by walking through the neck-deep water of the Yamuna, and left the baby Krishna in Yashoda’s home. He then returned to the prison in Mathura and waited for Lord Krishna to come to set them free. 

Therefore, the devotees believe ‘Raiuning’, the blessings of Lord Krishna, and a must ritual on Krishna Janmashtami. I have been observing this incident since my childhood and learnt the same from elders in my consciousness stage of life. 

Krishna Janmashtami in 2025

Krishna Janmashtami in 2025 is falling on 16 Aug 2025. According to the Hindu Panchang, the ‘Ashtmi’ tithi will start from 11:49 PM on Aug 15 and will continue till 9:34 PM Aug 16. Hence, as per the ‘Udaya Tithi’ rule in Hindu Philosophy, the day of Aug 16 will be considered the day for fasting, worship, puja & celebration. 

Krishna Janmashtami Celebration In India

In India, Krishna Janmashtami is widely celebrated across the region. People from all walk of life, celebrate the day in their own style –   parents dress up their kids as Little Krishna, celebrate the birthday manifesting him/her as Krishna, Schools organize fancy dress competition, Dahi Handi program in streets, clubs & institutions, Grand holy feast in temples & Hindu charitable organizaiton, Mall & Supermarket decorated in Krishna, pandals housing little krishna at every oorner of the street, ISKCON temples organizes special Kirtan programms & the activities to celebrate the day with great joy. 

Conclusion

Lord Krishna’s birthday is a significant event not only in India but also abroad. His influence is beyond the boundaries. Therefore, devotees from all parts of the world come together to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami with pure devotion. So, this Janmashtami, let’s welcome the rain, and celebrate the day with joy than ever before. 

May Lord Krishna on this Janmashtami bless you with a joyful life and cherished personality. 

Happy Krishna Janmashtami!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)