Step-by-Step Guide, Nishita Puja Timings And Rituals News24 –
Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is one of the most celebrated festivals across India. In 2025, devotees will once again decorate temples and homes, sing bhajans, and observe fasts to welcome Shri Krishna. Performing the Janmashtami Puja with devotion brings peace, happiness, and prosperity. Here’s a step-by-step guide in easy language to help you perform the puja at home.
As noted in Drik Panchang, the most sacred portion of the celebration, Nishita Puja, for marking exactly the time of Lord Krishna’s birth, will be performed from 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM on August 16.
In Maharashtra and other areas of Northern India, Dahi Handi will be celebrated on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with people climbing traditional human pyramids to replicate the divinity of stealing butter.
Many devotees observing the Janmashtami fast will break their fast after midnight, following Nishita Puja.
Step 1: Clean And Prepare The Puja Area
Clean your home and especially the place where the puja will be performed.
Decorate the puja room or mandir with flowers, rangoli, and lights.
Place a small swing (jhula) or cradle for baby Krishna.
Step 2: Set Up Lord Krishna’s Idol
Place a picture or idol of Bal Gopal (baby Krishna) in the cradle or swing.
Decorate the idol with new clothes, ornaments, peacock feathers, and flowers.
Step 3: Sankalp (Taking a Vow)
Sit in front of the idol, fold your hands, and take a vow to perform the puja with devotion.
Offer water (achaman) and flowers to begin.
Step 4: Offerings To Lord Krishna
Light a diya (lamp) and incense sticks.
Offer fresh flowers, tulsi leaves, fruits, butter, and sweets (especially makhan and mishri, Krishna’s favorites).
Chant Krishna mantras like “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” or recite Shri Krishna Ashtakam.
Step 5: Abhishek (Bathing the Idol)
At midnight, the time of Krishna’s birth, perform abhishek of the idol with:
Panchamrit (a mix of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee).
After the ritual bath, wipe the idol gently and dress it again in new clothes.
Step 6: Sing And Celebrate
Sing bhajans, aartis, and play devotional songs.
Rock the cradle of baby Krishna with love and devotion.
Perform Maha Aarti and distribute prasad among family and friends.
Step 7: Breaking The Fast
Many devotees keep a fast on Janmashtami. After the midnight puja and aarti, break the fast with prasad and light food.