Ambassador Kristensen shares a ghee lamp during his August 5th visit to ISKCON Delhi.
Earlier this month, Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, paid a special visit to the ISKCON Delhi temple—his first visit to a Krishna temple since assuming his new role. Sharing his thoughts on X, he remarked that he was “impressed by the efforts to promote the learnings of Krishna as well as your community services, including the distribution of food.”
Yudhistir Govinda Das, ISKCON’s
"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."– Bhagavad Gita 4.7
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
As the auspicious occasion of Bhadra Purnima draws near, the global Bhadra Campaign, led by Vaisesika Dasa, has brought together devotees from around the world in a powerful and inspiring mission to distribute Srimad Bhagavatam. This united effort reflects the collective devotion and determination to share the timeless wisdom of the sacred text.
Vaisesika Dasa, sharing the campaign’s vision of distributing at least 68,000 sets of Srimad Bhagavatam worldwide, sa
By Rasasekhara Dasa
Inspired by the Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji temple in Dallas and with the blessings of senior Vaishnavas, an expanding community of devotees from North Dallas, Texas, recently kicked off a new project to construct a grand Hare Krishna temple named “Gita Mandir” in the heart of Frisco, TX, an area of the state that has seen phenomenal growth.
On September 7, 2024, devotees from various North Dallas areas, including, but not limited to, Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, McKinney, Prosp
By Aditya Devi Dasi
On the eve of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, ISKCON New York City unveiled a beautiful work of art, a mural of Sri Maha-Vishnu hand painted on the north-west facing side of the temple building.
Bhakti street artist Jamuna Pritti spent one week finalizing this artwork which took several weeks of preparation. She describes it as “a fusion between the Sri Isopanisad cover and the mantra mandala I created back in 2015, with a little zine street art vibe.”
From Mayapur to Melbourne, Brazil to Bangkok, New York to New Delhi, hundreds of thousands of Krishna devotees gathered at ISKCON temples and centers worldwide to celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami. ISKCON devotees first celebrated the festival with Srila Prabhupada at the New York storefront in 1966. Here are some highlights from reports shared with ISKCON News from Dublin, Finland, Juhu, Mayapur, London, Sandton, South Africa, and Washington, DC.
Janmashtami commemorates the earthly appearance
By Krsnanandan das, Bhagavati Kripa dd, Bhaktin Samhita
NICE (Narasimha Institute for Children Education) – an education of ISKCON Mira Road has got 50+ teachers who conduct Gita classes every week in their residences. Apart from this they conduct value education classes and Gita classes in different private schools around Mumbai.
For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this time NICE planned to celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami in schools.
Kapol Vidyanidhi International School (ICSE board) – cel
We read from Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto Ten, Chapter Two: “Prayers by the Demigods for Lord Krsna in the Womb.”
TEXT 18
tato jagan-mangalam acyutamsam
samahitam sura-sutena devi
dadhara sarvatmakam atma-bhutam
kastha yathananda-karam manastah
SYNONYMS
tatah—thereafter; jagat-mangalam—auspiciousness for all living entities in all the universes of the creation; acyuta-amsam—the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is never bereft of the six opulences, all of which are present in all His plenary expa
Back in 1972 I was a 17 year-old sea cadet. My ship had docked in Bombay and I stepped onto that exotic shore in search of reasonably priced souvenirs. Under the intense encouragement of a shopkeeper I came close to purchasing a fine ivory chess set costing most of my week’s wages before I spotted a little figurine of Krishna. He exerted a strange attraction over me and after handing over my hard-earned rupees I left with him in my pocket. The god of love, I thought. I could do with a bit of lo
From Gopal Campu by Srila Jiva Goswami and and Ananda Vrindavan Campu by Kavi Karnapura
In Gopal Campu Srila Jiva Goswami describes that the father of Nanda and Upnanda was Sri Parjanya who was chief of the cowherds in the lineage of the Yadus. Sri Parjanya had five sons. When he retired from family life he installed his eldest son Sri Upnanda as heir. Upnanda accepted the title in accordance with his father’s wish but he immediately deferred the title of chief to his younger brother Sri Nanda.
For convenience and to suggest a celebration, we sometimes say that Janmastami is Krishna’s birthday, since anyone we know of on Earth, either past or present, is apparently “born” into this world. However, this is not an accurate description for Krishna (who we understand as the original feature of God), or for any of God’s other incarnations.
Why?
There is no “birth” or “death” for God, since by definition He is primeval, always existing, the source of everything, who has no material form with
By Ananda Vrinavana Devi Dasi
In spiritual parlance there are ‘thin’ places in the world. These are holy places, sacred spaces, where the line between the spiritual and materials worlds is very thin and the ability to feel and perceive our relationship with Krishna is heightened. It’s easier to chant there, to call Krishna deeply from the heart, and thus to call ourselves to experience our spiritual selves.
There are also thin days (and even thin times in the day). Janmastami is one such day.
So, the countdown has officially begun! Sri Krishna Janmashtami is on the 26th of August, and there are numerous opportunities for everyone to render service to their Lordship and receive His divine mercy. Let us embrace the divine presence of Krishna, celebrating His pastimes and seeking His eternal blessings.
We cordially invite the entire worldwide devotee to join us in celebrating this year’s Sri Krishna Janmashtami! Come with a heart open to receive the mercy of the Lord!
Hare krsna Hare
By Atma Tattva Das
As environmental challenges continue to escalate, integrating sustainable practices into every aspect of life has become crucial. Religious festivals, often marked by large gatherings and elaborate preparations, provide an opportunity to promote environmental awareness. The Hare Krishna community, guided by Lord Krishna’s teachings, is uniquely positioned to lead by example. Krishna, often depicted as the protector of nature, embodies the principles of environmental stewardshi
By Dhirnayak dasa, Utkal-Banga Padayatra leader
The Utkal-Banga Padayatra reached Sheragada village, a former market town in the Ganjam district of Odisha, a few days before Janmashtami, parking our chariot in front of the Jagannath temple.
The padayatris fasted on Janmashtami and during the day were busy with preparations of fifty-six bhoga and decorating the chariot with fruits and flowers. The previous day we had sankirtan in Sheragada and invited the residents for the two-day celebration o
Hare Kṛishna!
Please Accept Our Humble Obeisances, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
ISKCON Mayapur welcomes all you for a Festive Month!
An all-auspicious Month and one you wouldn’t want to miss out!
Festivals are the Summum Bonum of ISKCON. exude with colourful decorations, palatable feasts, elaborate rituals, kirtans, dance and dramas, the festivals make spiritual progress a fun-filled experience for the devotees of ISKCON. The original Vedic flavor is thus revived, and anyone who participate
Janmastami, the sacred occasion of Lord Krishna's appearance, (celebrated on August 30th this year) is a special day that is extremely powerful and inspirational for bhakti practitioners. Devotees often remember their early Janmastami festivals as a foundational experience. Here, three generations of devotees recall some of their favorite Janmastami memories:
One of my favorite parts of Janmastami has always been going through Village of Vrindavan in Alachua, where eve
By Madhava Smullen
“This year, Janmastami Goes Digital,” reads the massive billboard that can now be seen all over Mumbai.
The billboards are advertising “Krishna Fest,” presented by ISKCON Chowpatty and Govardhan Eco-Village from August 22nd to 31st. The ten-day event is an ingenious way of celebrating a massive Janmastami festival with thousands of people during the pandemic – a virtual experience that mimics the in-person one.
Among the team who developed and organized the Fest are Govardha
By Ananda Vrinavana Devi Dasi
In spiritual parlance there are ‘thin’ places in the world. These are holy places, sacred spaces, where the line between the spiritual and materials worlds is very thin and the ability to feel and perceive our relationship with Krishna is heightened. It’s easier to chant there, to call Krishna deeply from the heart, and thus to call ourselves to experience our spiritual selves.
There are also thin days (and even thin times in the day). Janmastami is one such day.
