Hyderabad: The Hare Krishna Movement in Hyderabad is all set to usher in the grandeur of Sri Krishna Janmashtami at the illustrious Hare Krishna Golden Temple in Banjara Hills. This year’s festivities, spread over August 25th and 26th, promise a mesmerizing spiritual experience, with every detail carefully planned to enhance the divine celebrations.
Devotees will have the rare opportunity to witness and worship Lord Sri Krishna in four distinct divine forms: Sri Radha Govinda, Sri Godha Krishna, Sri Radha Gopinath, and Sri Laddu Gopal/Makhan Krishna. Adding to the spiritual fervor, participants will be blessed with the chance to engage in the sacred Jhulan/Unjala Seva to Makhan Krishna, offering a special connection with the Divine.
The celebrations each day will begin with the awe-inspiring Shringara Arati, where the Deities, Sri Radha Govinda, will be magnificently adorned with Nava Vastrams, intricate jewelry, and vibrant floral arrangements, followed by the offering of Visesha Naivedyam. A Sri Narasimha Homa, a traditional Vedic fire sacrifice, will be conducted to invoke auspiciousness and prosperity. Devotees will also be invited to perform the Unjala/Jhulan Seva to Sri Laddu Gopal.
A highlight of the festivities will be the Chappan Bhog, a grand offering of 56 food items specially prepared by devotees for the pleasure of the Lord, followed by the Raja Bhoga Arati at noon. The evenings of August 25th and 26th will feature the Visesha Sandhya Maha Abhishekam, a divine spectacle of spiritual significance.
On August 26th, a special event will take place—a grand Abhishekam performed with 108 Kalashas for Sri Radha Govinda, starting at 10:30 PM, and culminating in the majestic Maha Mangala Arathi at midnight. These celebrations are not just limited to Banjara Hills; parallel Janmashtami festivities will be held at the Hare Krishna Heritage Tower in Narsingi and the upcoming Hare Krishna Cultural Center in Kandi, Sangareddy. Devotees in these areas are encouraged to partake in the grand celebrations at their nearest center.
In addition to these spiritual activities, to promote the rich cultural heritage of India among the younger generation, the temple will host the Hare Krishna Challenge and Krishna Kids contests on the temple premises.
Special arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth distribution of Prasadam and the comfort of visitors, guaranteeing a seamless and enriching spiritual experience. The celebrations will continue on August 27th with Sri Nandotsavam, featuring special Naivedyas and Harinama Sankirtana offered to Sri Krishna. The evening will also witness the grand 128th Vyasa Puja celebrations, honoring the Divine appearance of Srila Prabhupada, the Founder Acharya of the Worldwide Hare Krishna Movement (ISKCON).
His Grace Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, President of the Hare Krishna Movement Hyderabad, unveiled the detailed plans for the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival and extended a warm invitation to all to join in the celebrations and seek the blessings of Lord Sri Krishna.
