India will celebrate Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna, with midnight prayers, bhajans, and spiritual gatherings on the night of August 15. Devotees in Delhi (12:04 am–12:47 am), Mumbai (12:20 am–01:05 am), Bengaluru (12:01 am–12:47 am) and other cities will mark the Nishita Kaal puja in the early hours of August 16.

As the world remembers Krishna not just as a divine child, but as a teacher of timeless truths, here are some powerful verses from the Bhagavad Gita that continue to inspire:

On self-mastery

O best among men [Arjuna], the person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for liberation.

On duty (Dharma)

Do not be attached to inaction. Do your duty, but do not concern yourself with the results. We have the right to do our duty, but the results are not dependent only upon our efforts.

On mind control

For one who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends. But for one who has failed to do so, the mind will remain the greatest enemy

On life and death

For the soul, there is neither birth nor death. It is unborn, eternal, ever-existing, and primeval. It is not slain when the body is slain

On faith and devotion

Those who are not a source of annoyance to anyone and who in turn are not agitated by anyone, who are equal in pleasure and pain, and free from fear and anxiety, such devotees of Mine are very dear to Me.

On detachment

One who is unattached to the fruits of his work and who works as he is obligated is in the renounced order of life, and he is the true mystic: not he who lights no fire and performs no work

On balance

He who is temperate in eating, sleeping, working, and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system.

Fresh Janmashtami wishes to share with heart and meaning

May the wisdom of Krishna not just guide your steps today but anchor your soul for all seasons of life.

Let your mind be like Vrindavan — where Krishna plays, love flows, and peace stays.

On this Janmashtami, may your karma be fearless, your heart be detached, and your spirit be forever playful — just like Krishna intended.

Wishing you a Janmashtami where dharma is not just celebrated, but lived — in your choices, your courage, and your compassion.

May Lord Krishna teach your mind to be still, your hands to serve, and your heart to love without conditions.