This year the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is celebrating the 125th birth anniversary of His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) which falls immediately after Janmashtami as per Hindu Calendar.
Radha Gopinath Mandir Janmashtami dressing inspired by a traditional art form – the Kerala Mural Art
Radhanath Swami, ISKCON Spiritual Guru said, “Over the ages, there have been countless teachers of Vedic wisdom from the land of India. But among them, Srila Prabhupada holds a unique position for his unparalleled achievement in disseminating bhakti all over the world without discrimination of any nationality, race, color, ethnicity, and so on.”
Swamiji added in a statement “For the people, the rich culture of bhakti-yoga, or Krishna Consciousness, had been hidden within the borders of India. Today, millions around the globe express their gratitude to Srila Prabhupada for revealing the timeless wisdom of bhakti to the world. For the benefit of humanity, it is vital that the world takes cognizance of his life and teachings, and develop an appreciation for them. This year members of ISKCON globally are focused on highlighting the contributions and teachings of Srila Prabhupada.”
Recognizing the contribution of Srila Prabhupada as an Ambassador for India’s spiritual culture all across the globe, the government of India is releasing a coin of Rs. 125/- on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada.
Commemorating this special occasion, ISKCON’s 850 Temples, centers & farm communities across the world i.e India, Nepal, North & South America, Europe, Russia, Dubai and different parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia are having huge celebration for the 125th birth celebration along with Janmashtami. Due to COVID restrictions, all the celebrations will be on virtual platform. ISKCON has released various merchandise for 125 years celebration which are available for online purchase i.e. Key chains, pens, plaques, badges, Fridge magnets, stainless steel coasters, mugs, tumblers, photo frames, T-Shirts, Track suits, Posters, tote bags etc.
ISKCON Spokesperson Ms. Lucky Kulkarni said, “Radha Gopinath Temple ISKCON Girgaum Chowpatty and Govardhan Ecovillage has together organizing a unique spiritual event called “KRISHNA FEST”. This virtual event is being held for ten days, from 22nd to 31st August 2021, starting from 5 am with Mangal Arti along with various program during the day till 8 pm Bhajan Sandhya. This 10 days festival has started from Balarama Purnima and will end on Srila Prabhupada’s birthday.”
Kulkarni added, “Devotees have been working tirelessly for past few days to put up this Mega Virtual Event “Krishna Fest” for participants all across the globe under the leadership and guidance of Radheshlal Das & Braj Mohan Das,” Senior Brahamcharis of Radha Gopinath Temple.
Gauranga Das, Director Strategy & Communications, Govardhan Eco Village said, “The objective of the unique event is to facilitate the participation of thousands of people across the world that might not be able to come to an ISKCON temple campus due to the current pandemic situation. Through this interactive event, the participants can get expert guidance in spirituality, wellness by connecting with experts through the virtual platform. This event is also intended to create awareness about Sanatana Dharma and the seven purposes of ISKCON set by Srila Prabhupada. Special programs are being organized for children, youth and families. There are multiple engagements for all kinds of audiences through breakout rooms where they attend question and answer sessions, counseling, deity darshans and online courses including special talks, see kids performance and see unique talents worldwide. This virtual platform is having live streams of all the main aartis, discourses, panel discussions and special performances of Bands, singers and motivational speakers. Discourse of Radhanath Swami Maharaj is one of the key highlight of Krishna Fest.”
Today on Janmashtami, thousands of devotees have attended online the Mangal Arati in the morning and are immersed in mesmerizing Kirtans happening in temple. Thousands of Devotees are expected to attend online Maha Abhishek at 10 pm today and Maha Bhoga offerings consisting of 108 food items to the Lord Radha Gopinath at 11 pm and finally the Maha Arti of the lord at 12 midnight virtually.
On Srila Prabhupada’s birthday, 31st August (as per Hindu calendar), devotees will hear the message by the seniors devotees worldwide offering their tributes to Srila Prabhupad Virtually on “Krishna Fest” and will also share the message of Srila Prabhupada with the devotees ISKCON New York Temple, Bhakti Center has organized grand Janmashtami celebration and Jhulan Yatra for this Janmashtami. ISKCON Amsterdam Devotees are having Kirtan Mela on Janmashtami for the Lord.
