Mumbai: Sep 6 (UNI) International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temples throughout India are set to reverently mark Janmashtami, the auspicious occasion commemorating the divine birth of Lord Krishna, st the stroke of Wednesday-Thursday midnight.
Janmashtami, a deeply significant festival for Vaishnavas, aligns with Ashtami, the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu lunar calendar’s Bhadrapad month.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj, ISKCON Spiritual Leader, shared, “Janmashtami celebrations at the Radha Gopinath Temple, ISKCON Girgaum Chowpatty, are meticulously crafted to honour our timeless traditions”
On Thursday, the rituals will start with the Mangal Aarti dedicated to Lord Krishna at 5 AM, followed by the Tulsi Arti and Guru Puja.
The day’s programmes include captivating Katha and Kirtan sessions, leading up to the Sandhya Aarti at 7 P.M. and culminating in the grand Maha Abhishek ceremony at 10 p.m.
The Kalash Abhishek will be observed from 5 P.M. to 9 P.M. The festivities would conclude with the majestic Maha Aarti on Thursday-Friday midnight.
Radhanath Swami Maharaj added, “This day marks the supreme personality’s divine appearance, and Lord Krishna will be adorned in resplendent attire, decked up with the most exquisite gemstones. Gopinath radiates royal grace, showering blessings upon His devoted followers”.
Lucky Kulkarni, Spokesperson of ISKCON Chowpatty Temple, said the ceremonial Abhishek of the Lord is a sublime offering of various fresh fruit juices, Ahimsa milk, curd, ghee, and honey, generously poured in copious amounts.
“Following the Maha Abhishek, this sacred Charnamrut is then distributed to all devotees who come to take the dive darshan of Lord Krishna and seek his blessings,’ he said.
The sumptuous feast for Janmashtami includes a lavish spread featuring 56 distinct culinary preparations during the afternoon, and an opulent array of 108 delectable dishes is planned for the evening bhoga offering. The offerings encompass 21 types of rice preparations, nine varieties of Roti and Puri, three kinds of Kachoris, nine flavoursome paneer dishes, 25 delectable sweet treats including Gulab Jamun, Rasmalai, Burfis, Pedas, an assortment of Bengali sweets, Channe ka Halwa, an assortment of fruits, dry fruits, 11 types of rejuvenating juices, three varieties of lassi, two types of chaas (buttermilk), and 25 diverse vegetable preparations.
