Krishna Janmashtami (कृष्ण जन्माष्टमी)

Krishna Janmashtami marks the midnight birth of Lord Krishna on Bhadraba 8 (Ashtami) and is one of Nepal’s most jubilant Vaishnav festivals. Devotees observe a strict fast, chant Hare Krishna, enact temple dramas and break pots of curd in lively Dahi-Handi games.

The Bhagavata Purana narrates how Krishna appeared in Kansa’s prison, freed his parents and subdued evil. Fasting till midnight symbolises standing with Krishna against ignorance; breaking the fast with butter recalls the divine child’s love for makhan.

1. Jhulan Yatra (8–15 Aug 2025): Krishna and Radha idols placed on ornate swings for evening kirtans.
2. Janmashtami Fast (16 Aug 2025): Devotees bathe pre-dawn, wear yellow or peacock-hued attire and read the Gita.
3. Nishita Puja (16 Aug, 23:46 – 00:30 NST): Midnight abhishek, blowing of conch and offering of 56-item chhappan bhog.
4. Parana & Nandotsav (17 Aug 2025): Fast broken after 05:35 NST with makhan-mishri; distribution of sweets, temple fairs and Dahi-Handi competitions.

• Dahi-Handi pyramids in Kathmandu’s Basantapur and Bhaktapur Taumadhi squares
• 12-hour kirtan marathon at ISKCON Budhanilkantha streamed internationally
• Flute-recital contests and children’s fancy-dress as Bal Gopal

Main venue: Patan Krishna Mandir, Durbar Square (≈150 000 visitors).
Other hubs: ISKCON Budhanilkantha, Bal Krishna Ashram Teku, Mangalbarey Dham, and Nepali diaspora temples worldwide.
Festival window 2025: 15–17 Aug 2025.