- By Kashish Rai
- Thu, 14 Aug 2025 10:39 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Banke Bihari Mangala Aarti Janmashtami 2025: The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is a revered centre of faith for millions of devotees, where every tradition and festival holds deep significance. Throughout the year, devotees have the opportunity to witness the deity at set times, but one day stands apart – Krishna Janmashtami. On this auspicious day, the temple transforms completely, radiating unparalleled devotion and joy. The highlight is the ‘Mangala Aarti,’ performed only once a year at midnight, marking the exact moment of Krishna’s birth. Devotees often wonder why this ritual occurs just once, making it an extraordinary and deeply spiritual experience.
This year, Shri Krishna Janmashtami falls on 16th August 2025. Check out all the relevant information about the timings and significance of the grand once-a-year Mangala Aarti of Lord Shri Banke Bihari Laal of Vrindavan on the sacred occasion of Janmashtami below:
Banke Bihari Mangala Aarti Janmashtami 2025 Timings
The Mangala Aarti of Lord Shri Banke Bihari on Janmashtami 2025 will be performed at midnight, around 12 AM, which is believed to be the time when Lord Krishna took birth.
Generally, the Shringar aarti of Lord Banke Bihari is performed at 8 AM during the morning, which is the first aarti of the day. However, on Janmashtami, the first aarti is believed to be the Mangala Aarti, which is performed during the midnight hours.
Banke Bihari Mangala Aarti Janmashtami 2025 Significance: Why Mangala Aarti Of Bihari Ji Is Performed Once A Year?
According to the temple priests and attendants, Banke Bihari is worshipped here in his ‘child’ form. It is believed that waking a child too early is inappropriate, and similarly, the deity is allowed to rest until late morning. This ensures that he remains energetic throughout the day to bless devotees with his darshan. This tender and affectionate approach is the reason why the Mangala Aarti is not performed daily at the temple.
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Lord Shri Banke Bihari Laal is worshipped as the combined (yugal) form of Lord Shri Krishna and Radha Rani. (Image Source: Instagram)
Another belief highlights the meaning of ‘Mangala’ as ‘auspicious.’ The Mangala Aarti is performed on the night of Janmashtami because it marks the most sacred and propitious moment of Lord Krishna’s descent to earth. Devotees believe that witnessing Banke Bihari at this hour removes all hardships from their lives and grants them spiritual liberation, making this ritual a deeply revered and transformative experience.
Rituals Of Banke Bihari Mangala Aarti On Janmashtami
The sight of the Mangala Aarti at Banke Bihari Temple on Janmashtami night is truly magical and unforgettable. At the stroke of midnight, as the temple doors open, the chants of ‘Jai Kanhaiya Lal Ki’ echo across Vrindavan. Thousands of devotees, filled with longing, eagerly await a glimpse of their beloved deity. Thakurji is bathed in panchamrit, adorned in fresh and beautiful attire, and then worshipped in the sacred Mangala Aarti. Devotees feel blessed to witness this divine moment. Prasad and makhan-mishri are then distributed, adding joy and enthusiasm to the already charged and devotional atmosphere.