FESTIVALS

The birth of Lord Krishna is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, celebrated all over the world. Krishna appeared on earth over 5,000 years ago in Vrindavan, India. Krishna means "the all-attractive one". He is the cause of all causes, the Supreme personality of the entire creation, both material and spiritual, He is the God of all gods, and the Lord within everything and separate from everything at the same time. This is the day devotees celebrate His beautiful pastimes, His presence in their lives, taking time to remember their eternal loving relationship with Him and His presence within all of our hearts. Devotees fast till midnight on this day, followed by a feast in His honour.

This is a very special day for all ISKCON devotees as they joyfully glorify Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, on the anniversary of his appearance in this world. Devotees honour him by reading aloud heartfelt appreciations and homages of his profound influence in their lives and pray for blessings from him. Devotees observe a fast till noon on this day, followed by a feast in his honour.

Srimati Radharani’s glorious appearance on this planet occurred on this day around 5,000 years ago. She is the divine female energy of Lord Krishna, His loving potency, which He is all attracted by. Srimati Radharani is the queen of Lord Krishna’s heart and the queen of all living entities. She is Lord Krishna's eternal love and His dearmost devotee, exemplifying the standard of excellence of love and devotion towards Krishna. Devotees fast till noon on this day, followed by a feast in Her honour.

Sharad Purnima refers to the full moon of the autumn season. On this day, devotees celebrate Lord Krishna performing a beautiful dance called "rasa lila" with His dear-most devotees, the gopis - the cowherd damsels of Vrindavan. Devotees come to the Temple to take a breathtaking night darshan of the Deities who adorn beautiful outfits, glittering ornaments and fresh flower garlands. An ambience of the starlit, full moon night of Vrindavana, filled with fragrant flower bushes and tender green creepers is created. The enchanting atmosphere surcharged with melodious kirtans is a beautiful experience!

Kartik, also known as the month of Damodara, is a month for deepening one's love for Krishna. It is considered by devotees of Krishna to be the holiest month of the year. During this month, devotees make extra vows, perform extra spiritual activities, and generally worship Krishna in His form as a young boy, Damodara, who was once bound at the waist by His mother, Yashoda, as a punishment for His mischievous childhood pastimes. Every morning (at 7.00am) and evening (at 7.00pm) at the Temple, everyone has an opportunity to show their heartfelt love and devotion to the Lord by offering ghee lamps and singing before Him.

This festival celebrates the pastime of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill on His little finger for seven days to protect the residents of Vrindavana from torrential rains sent by the demigod, Indra. To celebrate this festival, devotees build a replica of Govardhan Hill made with various opulent foods, worship Lord Krishna as the lifter of Govardhan Hill, worship the hill as His incarnation, and worship the cows and bulls who are dear to Him. After the worship of the hill, the food items that make up the hill is distributed to everyone to relish.

The Bhagavad Gita is a sacred text across all Hindu traditions and is considered a summary of all ancient Vedic philosophical texts. The Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna Himself to His best friend Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, 5,000 years ago. The Bhagavad Gita, literally means "The Lord’s Song" and is understood as a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna but meant for the whole world’s benefit. On this day, devotees gather to recite all 700 verses together remembering this sacred conversation between the Lord and His dear devotee.