Janmashtmi Celebrations @ ISKCON New Delhi

Lord Krishna appeard on the eighth day of bright fortnight of Month Magha. So we celebrate the anniversary of this day every year with great festive spirit. We were very fortunate to have Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead who appears only once in a day of Brahma so kindly appeared in Dwapar Yuga that passed by, followed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Prabhupada carries on the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and it is because of his devotion, that this day is now celebrated across the globe.

I would share some of the activities that went on in ISKCON New Delhi, Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple on August 14, Friday.

Amidst strong security measures owing to the proximity of Independence day on Aug 15 to Janmashtmi, ISKCON temple was fortified with police security. Even at 4 AM in the morning there was frisking. Somehow we managed to get inside, but could not take our mobiles and cameras inside. It was disappointing to be not able to click photos. The temple hall was filled with devotees awaiting the opening of the gates of the altar. When they opened, their lordships were greated with great roars and Kirtan. Their Lordships were marvellously dressed in a green outfit. HG Mohan Rupa Prabhu, the Temple President of ISKCON New Delhi led the Mangala Arati Kirtan.

After that some announcements were made regarding the services and Kirtan schedule followed by Japa. Then it started raining heavily, turning the weather pleasant with cool breezes throughout the day.At 7:30, there was Guru Puja and 8:30 AM, the Lord appeared in his festival dress. There was loud Kirtan and devotees sung and danced in ecstasy.

It was really good to have association of all the devotees viz Chakravarti pr, Saurabh Pr, Prateek pr and Sagar pr. Avyanga Pr also later joined us after he finished services at home. But during the day he fell very ill. Now he is ok!!

After that the devotees got engaged in their respective services. About 1.75 lakh people visited to have the blessed darshans of the Supreme Lord. Also parallely Abhiseka of the lord by the donors was going on in Auditorium lobby and Front of IYF Seminar Hall.

The stalls that were earlier decided to be closed due to security concerns were opened and the whole pandal came into life. The main attraction was the Japa Pandal and the IYF stall replete with scientific representation of the Vedas and Relevance of Krishna Consciousness in Today’s Youth’s life.

At 11:00 PM, the Abhisheka started. Fortunately we had His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja and His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja with us who bathed the lord with milk, honey and various other auspicious items. Then the lord was offered bhoga of 1008 items.

By arrangement of Lord, i was fortunate to get the service of transferring the bhoga from the preparation area to the lift that directly goes to the altar. Consequently I could not attend the Abhiseka.

This was proceeded by Maha Arati of the Lord which ended by 1:00 AM. Guru Maharaja was at Radha parthasarathi altar. At this time, the hall was almost empty with very few devotees. The doors then closed, and devotees returned to their bases, to again come next day for celebrating the appearance day of the person because of whom, we celebrated Janmashtmi with such great fervour. Yes, the next day is Appearance Day of our beloved Srila Prabhupada.