Sri Krishna Janmastami – The divine advent of Sri Krishna holds is one of the most important festivals for Hindus all over the world and in a broader sense for the entire world.
There is one Absolute Truth or “God is one “– goes the famous saying.
Any festival is in essence the exchange of loving dealings between the members expressed subjectively in various ways in different traditions. The Janmastami is also a festival of loving dealing between the devotees centered on their common love for Krishna. Janmastami in essence is the festivity to celebrate Krishna‘s love for all of us. Janmastami is hearing about Krishna, glorifying Krishna, worshipping Krishna, cooking for Krishna, serving Krishna and to love Krishna through our heart and soul.
This love is transcendental and no material condition can check this love. Srila Prabhupada – Founder Acharya of ISKCON celebrated Janmastami on Jalduta ship in 1965 in his historic voyage to America. He cooked for the crew members, spoke about Krishna, held small kirtan, and distributed Prasad…on a cargo ship…in the middle of sea. And even as of modern times, when there is lockdown due to pandemic or risk involved in physical gathering….devotees have found ways to celebrate Janmastami in different ways this year.
ISKCON Punjabi Bagh’s premises will stay closed the entire day and instead the celebrations will be in individual homes of devotees. Earlier times, there would be one temple and thousands of families would congregate at the temple to celebrate. This year, along with the temple, the festivities will be held in those thousands of homes as well.
All ceremonies from the temple (Deities Darshans, Aarti, Discourse, Abhishek, Kirtan) will be broadcasted live on ISKCON Punjabi Bagh YouTube channel. There are exciting online events – Online Krishna book contest | Online drama | Make your home Vrindavan Contest. For kids- Vaisnava Song | Shloka Recitation | Fancy dress competition | Story telling competitions…
There are online Aarti and Abhishek as well that you can do with your family.
Yes, the situation is new for all of us. But if one knows the essence – of Janmastami and the way this world works will embrace changes and progressively advance in sharing the love of Krishna with others.
Here are some things in addition that you can do at home to be the part of divine celebration chain of love:
- Decorate home for Krishna along with family members. Involve them (especially kids) in helping to make garlands, put decorative items and make homes beautiful to invite Krishna home.
- Call your friends and relatives and discuss Krishna katha. (Topics from Bhagawat Gita/ Pastimes of Krishna)
- Sing some Vaishnava Bhajans from Vaishnava Song book, like “Yashomati Nandan”, “Radha Krishna Prana mor”, “Vrajarajsuta-ashtakam”.
- Chant more Japa – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
- Read a few chapters of Krishna Book, especially Krishna’s advent and pastimes of Krishna.
- Get new outfits for the home deities and decorate the altars lavishly and devotionally.
- Cook a nice bhogafeast for the Lord on the day of Janmashtami. Then distribute prasad to family members/ neighbours/ guest/ employees.
- Create a festive mood in and around yourself by engaging everyone around you in singing kirtans, decorating home, listening lectures etc.
- Watch all Artis, Darshans, Abhishek LIVE on ISKCON PB YouTube channel and ISKCON Punjabi Bagh App.
- Participate in various competitions organized by the temple and enjoy the celebrations.
