The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Special events at ISKCON for Krishna Janmashtami

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 25, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Special events at ISKCON for Krishna Janmashtami

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: Hundreds of beautiful lamps, chanting of mantras and the sweet smell of incense will mark the birthday of the "makhan-chor."

The birth of Lord Krishna is observed everywhere as Janmashtami and devotees do not just throng temples but also have all-night celebrations in their homes. In Bangalore, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) organises mega celebrations that get better every year. This year is no different.

To herald the birth of Lord Krishna, ISKCON temple has lined up various events on August 27 and 28, including special "abhishekas," musical performances, concerts and special feasts, which are expected to draw large crowds.

Some of the major highlights of the celebrations include a musical performance by an orchestra of 80 students on the temple premises and the "Nandotsava," a sumptuous feast with over 3,000 dishes.

According to Madhu Pandit Dasa, president, ISKCON, "Elaborate arrangements will be made such as special abhishekas and `jhulan seva' to Lord Krishna on both days.

For devotees there is cause for much rejoicing. On August 27, a special feast (naivedya) of 108 dishes that include rice items, sweets, fried items, cookies, cakes and juices will be offered to the deity. The day will end with a grand ceremony from 9 p.m. to midnight. Simultaneously, "Samuha Gayana," a music festival by 80 children will be held at the open-air theatre of the temple.

On August 28, the day after Janmashtami, which is celebrated as "Nandotsava," hundreds of devotees will take part in cooking 3,000 varieties of dishes for an elaborate feast.

This day also coincides with the 109th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON.

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