Flower shower powers Holi ritual at Iskcon temple

Lucknow: Devotees gathered in large numbers at the ISKCON Temple on Sunday to celebrate Phoolon Ki Holi as part of the annual Anandam Mahotsav, filling the temple courtyard with a colourful shower of petals.As kirtans echoed through the temple complex, priests distributed baskets filled with rose, lotus and marigold petals. As the rituals began, devotees gently tossed the petals in the air, recreating the traditional flower Holi. The atmosphere became fragrant as petals rained down across the ground, covering the floor and devotees in shades of red, yellow and pink.
A rock band sang bhajans, as groups of devotees sang and clapped along. Children and elderly participants joined the celebration, smiling as petals were exchanged in place of colours."Phoolon ki Holi symbolises joy and devotion. Instead of colours, we offer flowers to express love for the Lord," said Aparimay Shyam, president of the temple.Neha Vatsalya, who attended the programme with her family, said the celebration was peace-giving and uplifting. "Playing Holi with flowers inside the temple is a beautiful experience as the fragrance and chanting together make the moment special," she said.Media spokesperson of the temple, Rati Vallabh, said, "Anandam Mahotsav is held every year ahead of Holi and draws devotees from different parts of the city."Later, two dance dramas were performed. The ISKCON girls forum showcased a musical performance based on 10 avatars of Lord Vishnu, while ISKCON youth forum appealed through their presentation to youth to quit addiction to drugs and social media and connect to God.The programme concluded with aarti and distribution of prasad, as devotees continued singing kirtans amid the lingering fragrance of flowers.