Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead descended 5000 years ago and enacted His glorious pastimes for the benefit of all. In the Bhagavad-gita (Song of God), Lord Krishna states:
yadā yadā hi dharmasya
glānir bhavati bhārata
abhyutthānam adharmasya
tadātmānaṁ sṛjāmy aham
Translation: Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself. (BG 4.7)
The most auspicious day that marks the divine appearance of Lord Krishna is referred to as Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Devotees all across the globe celebrate this sacred occasion by engaging themselves in a plethora of devotional activities with great enthusiasm and fervor. The preparations begin many months before the festival. Especially in India, the Janmāṣṭamī ceremony is observed in almost every home just as Christmas is observed in most of the homes in the west.
On this day, the deity of Lord Krishna is most gorgeously dressed with exquisite cloth materials, garlands, jewelry and other paraphernalia in thousands of temples.
Sevas (Service Opportunities)
Several volunteers capitalize this occasion to render sevas (services) to the temple for the pleasure of the Lord and His devotees. Many temples, pandals (tents) and homes are decorated with flowers and festoons to give a vibrant, festive experience.
Numerous bhaktas (devotees) and musicians enrich the ambience of the temples by singing the holy names, activities and glories of the Lord with various musical instruments, adding divinity and grace to the festivities. Many drama artists and dancers also give stage performances enacting the awe-inspiring and unparalleled pastimes/ activities of Lord Krishna.
Another major highlight about this glorious festival is that devotees cook varieties of special delicacies with love & devotion and offer to Lord Krishna as His birthday offerings.
Abhishekam (Sacred ceremonial bath) of Their Lordships:
The festival culminates with a grand Abhishekam that takes place at mid-night during the hour that marks the advent of the Supreme Lord.
Small sized deities of Lord Krishna along with His consorts are anointed with fragrant oils and given ceremonial Abhishekam with auspicious items like milk, yogurt, ghee, honey, sweet water and fresh juices. They are then smeared with turmeric paste and bathed in Ganges water. Varieties of flowers are showered until the deities are submerged in a soft bed of flowers.
India Heritage Foundation Boston celebrates Sri Krishna Janmashtami in a similar fashion every year. Over 500 residents of Massachusetts (from Boston, Framingham, Northborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury etc.) visit and participate in the festival organized by IHF Boston.
Devotees of IHF Boston also conduct Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations in MIT and Harvard University every year.
Come, receive the blessings of the Lord at IHF Boston
Witness the specular celebrations of the Supreme Lord’s appearance day, experience divine vibes and feel nourished at IHF Boston.
Four divine experiences that you can experience on Sri Krishna Janmashtami:
- View the resplendent forms of Their Lordships decorated with beautiful paraphernalia
- Witness grand aratis (sacred fire-based worship) and abhishekam
- Participate in soul-stirring spiritual music
- Relish delicious vegetarian food
Darshan is open all day starting at 5 am on both Aug 25 and 26.
Special festivities begin from 5:30 pm on Aug 25 and from 6:00 pm until midnight on Aug 26.
Festivities include kirtans, abhishekam, cultural programs, jhulan utsav, arati, lecture, prasadam, kids activities and much more
RSVP: tinyurl.com/ihfkrishna24
