Krishna Janmashtami, a prominent Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, will be observed on August 26, 2024. As we prepare for the festival,Sri Gaur Prabhuji, Vice President of the ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) Temple inDwarka, Delhi, shares with us what Lord Krishna means to ISKCON and details of the planned celebrations.
Q. What celebrations are planned by ISKCON for Janmashtami this year? Can you tell us something unique about ISKCON's Janmashtami celebration?
This year’s festivities promise to be bigger and more vibrant than ever before, with an estimated 5 lakh devotees expected to participate. One of the main attractions this year will be the offering of 1 lakh different types of special bhog (offerings) to the deity, a first in the history of ISKCON Dwarka. Additionally, a 100 kg cake will be cut as part of the celebrations and distributed as Mahabhog Prasad to the devotees.
To accommodate the large number of visitors, a massive waterproof tent is being erected, capable of sheltering up to 41,000 devotees at a time. The two-day festival will also feature various cultural programs, including dance and drama competitions by students from different schools in Dwarka, scheduled for August 25 and 26. Given the anticipated large crowd, robust security measures have been put in place. Over 5,000 ISKCON volunteers, along with Delhi Police personnel and Civil Defence volunteers, will be on hand to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all attendees. CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the premises to monitor activities closely. Special arrangements have also been made for the elderly and disabled, including the availability of over 20 wheelchairs and separate queues for easy access. To manage the flow of devotees from the parking area to the temple, around 200 e-rickshaws will be available. Additionally, all queuing areas will be covered to protect visitors from the heat and crowds, with seating arrangements and refreshments such as water, juice, and cold drinks provided in the waiting areas. This year also marks the one-year anniversary of ISKCON Dwarka’s pioneering 'Metaverse Experience', launched last Janmashtami. This innovative digital initiative allows devotees worldwide to connect with the temple virtually, offering a profound and immersive spiritual experience.
Q. What does Krishna mean to the ISKCON community?
Krishna holds a central and profound significance to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) community. For devotees, Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the source of all creation, the ultimate truth, and the object of their love and devotion. Here’s a more detailed understanding of Krishna’s meaning to the ISKCON community:
- Krishna as God: In ISKCON, Krishna is worshipped as the Supreme Being, the source of all other forms of God. He is considered the original person (Ādi-puruṣa) and the ultimate cause of all causes. ISKCON teachings are rooted in the Vaishnavite tradition of Hinduism, which emphasizes devotion (bhakti) to Krishna as the highest spiritual practice.
- Bhakti Yoga/Devotional Service: The ISKCON community practices Bhakti Yoga, the path of loving devotion to Krishna. This involves activities such as chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, engaging in temple worship, reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, and participating in festivals dedicated to Krishna.
- Krishna’s Teachings: The teachings of Krishna, as presented in the Bhagavad Gita, are central to ISKCON’s philosophy. Krishna’s discourse to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra forms the foundation of ISKCON’s spiritual practice, emphasizing the importance of duty, righteousness, and devotion to God.
- Role Model/Protector: For ISKCON devotees, Krishna is not just a distant deity but also a personal guide and protector. His life stories, especially those from the Srimad Bhagavatam, serve as examples of divine play (leela) and provide moral and spiritual lessons.
- Spiritual Identity: ISKCON teaches that the ultimate purpose of human life is to re-establish a loving relationship with Krishna. Devotees believe that they are eternal servants of Krishna, and their goal is to return to the spiritual world, Goloka Vrindavan, Krishna’s eternal abode.
- Festivals and Rituals/Celebration of Krishna: The ISKCON community observes numerous festivals centered around Krishna, such as Janmashtami (Krishna’s birth), Ratha Yatra (the chariot festival), and Govardhan Puja. These celebrations are filled with music, dance, chanting, and offerings to Krishna, reflecting the joy and reverence devotees feel for Him.
- Prasadam/Sacred Food: In ISKCON, food that is prepared and offered to Krishna with devotion is considered sacred (prasadam). Consuming prasadam is seen as a way to receive Krishna’s mercy and blessings, further strengthening the devotee’s connection with Him.
- Chanting/Mantra Meditation: The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is a central practice in ISKCON. It is believed that by chanting this mantra, devotees can purify their hearts, develop love for Krishna, and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Q. How can people deepen their connection with Bhagwan Krishna, especially during Janmashtami?
To deepen your connection with Bhagwan Krishna during Janmashtami, chant, sing, and recite the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and participate in kirtans (devotional songs) to immerse yourself in Krishna's divine presence. Read the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam to reflect on Krishna’s teachings and pastimes. Observe a fast and spend time in prayer and meditation, focusing on Krishna’s form and leelas. Join the midnight celebrations marking His birth. Apart from offering seva (service) at temples or engaging in community service as an offering to Krishna, decorate your home altar, perform puja, and offer special dishes to Krishna, sharing prasadam with loved ones. Lastly, reflect and meditate by spending quiet moments in meditation, visualizing Krishna, and expressing gratitude for His blessings.