Sri Krishna Janmastami
Appearance of Lord Sri Krishna
August 26 2024
“By observing Sri Krishna Janmashtami, one becomes free from the sinful reactions committed in seven lives. One gets good children, good health, and great wealth…. One will not have to fear enemies and will get sufficient rainfall and never have to suffer from drought. One will not have to fear natural calamities, hellish conditions, snakes, disease, or the attacks of rogues and thieves”
Hari-bhakti-vilasa (Texts 283-284, 289-292)
Importance of Sri Krishna Janmashtami
For ISKCON devotees, Janmashtami is a time to celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast throughout the day, and then participate in a midnight celebration, which marks the exact moment of Krishna’s birth.
During the celebration, devotees sing devotional songs, offer prayers, and engage in other rituals that help them deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Krishna. The festival is also an opportunity for devotees to share the message of Krishna consciousness with others, and to inspire them to live a life of devotion and service.
Overall, Janmashtami is an important festival for ISKCON devotees, as it allows them to express their love and devotion to Lord Krishna, and to deepen their understanding of his teachings and message.
Activities
Fasting : Many ISKCON devotees fast on Janmashtami as a way to purify their minds and bodies and focus their thoughts on Lord Krishna.
Deity worship : Devotees offer special prayers and perform aarti to the deities of Lord Krishna in the temple.
Kirtan and bhajan : Devotees engage in devotional singing and chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra, and other devotional songs to glorify Lord Krishna.
Reading and hearing Srimad Bhagavatam : Devotees read and hear the pastimes of Lord Krishna and his teachings from the sacred scripture, Srimad Bhagavatam.
Procession: Devotees may also take out a procession of the deities of Lord Krishna on Janmashtami, accompanied by devotional music and dancing.
Prasadam distribution: Devotees offer special food preparations to Lord Krishna and distribute prasadam (sanctified food) to others as an act of charity and goodwill.
Cultural programs: Devotees may also organize cultural programs like dramas, skits, and traditional dance performances to celebrate the occasion.
Overall, the activities done by ISKCON devotees on Janmashtami are aimed at fostering devotion, deepening spiritual connection with Lord Krishna, and sharing the message of Krishna consciousness with others.
