Krishna janmashtami celebrated in Mayapur

The devotees at Iskcon’s spiritual headquarters, Mayapur, celebrated Janmashtami and appearance day of Swami Srila Prabhupad, founder of International Society for Krishna Consciousness with fervour at the temple premises. The festivities spanned three days, beginning August 14. Several spiritual, devotional and cultural programmes were held during this time informed Sankarshan Nitai Das, chairman of the Iskcon Mayapur festival committee.
The whole temple campus was illuminated with dazzling lights. The build up to the mega celebrations had begun a week ago as devotees got engaged in various activities to welcome their Lord. On August 14 evening, adibhas and nonstop kirtan started. There was performance of dance by young devotees clad in Krishna vesh who depicted the life and various pastimes ( leela) of Lord Shri Krishna. On August 15, the entire temple was exquisitely decorated with fragrant & colourful flowers and tulsi leaves by specialized decorators.The auspicious day of Janmashtami began with “Mangal Arti” at 4.30am, Srimad Bhagwatam class at 6.30 am,“Darshan Arti” at 8.00am, Kirtan mela at 10.00am, “Rajbhoga Arti” at 12.30pm, “Sandhya Arti” at 6.30pm. Later 10.00pm onwards the “ Mahaabishek” of the Lord was performed, followed by “Mahaarti” at 12.00am midnight. Bhaktivedanta Academy students performed Vedic mantras throughout the day.
Sankarshan Nitai Das further informed that Lord Krishna, known as Kanha was adorned with a set of newly stitched gorgeous silk dress. Further His body was be embellished by ornaments and garlands. On His appearance day Kanha was offered to savour variety of sweet delicacies prepared of pure milk. Other than this many dishes made like luchi, kachauri, rice, bajiya, sabjis, dal, pulao, halwa, malpoa made of fresh ingredients will be offered. The cooking was done by devotees with lot of care and devotion as it is believed that the Lord gleefully accepts the feeling of love from the devotee. The “Mahaprasadam” was distributed to the devotees, pilgrims at 12.00am midnight. More than 25 thousand of exuberant devotees, pilgrims, and visitors thronged to the temple premises from across India and everyone got the opportunity to sing, dance, enjoy the ecstatic religious ambience and welcome their beloved Kanha.
On 16th August morning, the appearance anniversary of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was celebrated, who was the first Vaishnav saint who spread the glorious message of Shri Krishna in the western countries and established ISKCON in 1966. He was the global ambassador of peace and Vedic knowledge. HG Nareswar Das discussed about his life and teachings. The festival of Janmashtami and Srila Prabhupad appearance day was celebrated with zeal and pomp in all the 650 centres of ISKCON said Subroto Das Media coordinator of Mayapur.