Though unborn and eternal, the Supreme Lord, of His free will and causeless mercy, incarnates to deliver the pious and annihilate the miscreants. Lord Krishna appeared as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki, but had His childhood pastimes at Gokula, Vrindavan.
Importance of Sri Krishna Janmastami
For ISKCON devotees, Janmastami is a time to celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast throughout the day, and then participate in a midnight celebration, which marks the exact moment of Krishna’s birth.
During the celebration, devotees sing devotional songs, offer prayers, and engage in other rituals that help them deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Krishna. The festival is also an opportunity for devotees to share the message of Krishna consciousness with others, and to inspire them to live a life of devotion and service.
Overall, Janmastami is an important festival for ISKCON devotees, as it allows them to express their love and devotion to Lord Krishna, and to deepen their understanding of his teachings and message.
By observing Sri Krishna Janmashtami, one becomes free from the sinful reactions committed in seven lives. One gets good children, good health, and great wealth…. One will not have to fear enemies and will get sufficient rainfall and never have to suffer from drought. One will not have to fear natural calamities, hellish conditions, snakes, disease, or the attacks of rogues and thieves. ~ Hari-bhakti-vilasa (Texts 283-284, 289-292)
Special Attraction
Fasting: Many ISKCON devotees fast on Janmashtami as a way to purify their minds and bodies and focus their thoughts on Lord Krishna.
Deity worship: Devotees offer special prayers and perform aarti to the deities of Lord Krishna in the temple.
Kirtan and bhajan: Devotees engage in devotional singing and chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra, and other devotional songs to glorify Lord Krishna.
Reading and hearing Srimad Bhagavatam: Devotees read and hear the pastimes of Lord Krishna and his teachings from the sacred scripture, Srimad Bhagavatam.
Prasadam distribution: Devotees offer special food preparations to Lord Krishna and distribute prasadam (sanctified food) to others as an act of charity and goodwill.
Cultural programs: Devotees may also organize cultural programs like dramas, skits, and traditional dance performances to celebrate the occasion.
Overall, the activities done by ISKCON devotees on Janmastami are aimed at fostering devotion, deepening spiritual connection with Lord Krishna, and sharing the message of Krishna consciousness with others.
Schedule
8:00am to 9:00am Darshana Arati
9:00am to 4:00pm Krishna Katha, Bhajans & Kirtans
4:00pm to 7:00pm Cultural Programs
7:00pm to 8:00pm Krsna Kathamrta
8:00pm to 12:00am Maha Abhishek
12:00am to 12:30am Maha Arati
For Janmastami donation please check here.
For the scheduled event date please check the Vaishnava calendar.