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Devotees Await Moonrise to Complete Krishna Janmashtami Fast
16 Aug
Summary
- Janmashtami fast concludes only after sighting the moon
- Moonrise timings vary by city on August 16, 2025
- Specific prayers and rituals performed to worship the moon
As of August 16, 2025, at 10:10 PM UTC, devotees across India are preparing to observe the auspicious festival of Krishna Janmashtami. A key aspect of these celebrations is the ritual of moon worship, which marks the completion of the day-long fast.
According to tradition, the Janmashtami fast is not considered complete until the devotees sight the moon and offer prayers to Lord Krishna. However, the moonrise on this day occurs relatively late, with timings varying by city. Devotees are advised to begin their moon worship by chanting a specific mantra and making offerings of water, fruits, sacred grass, flowers, and sandalwood paste.
Once the puja is complete, devotees are encouraged to spend the rest of the night in devotional singing and prayer. The fast is then broken the following morning after a ritual bath. Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is observed with deep spiritual significance by millions of devotees across India, with the festival including fasting, temple visits, devotional music, and night-long vigils.
