Festivals Celebrated in ISKCON Kalyani

ISKCON Kalyani, like other ISKCON temples, celebrates various festivals throughout the year. These festivals are filled with devotion, vibrant kirtans, sumptuous prasadam, and spiritual gatherings. Here are some of the major festivals celebrated in ISKCON Kalyani:

1. Ratha Yatra – The Festival of Chariots

ISKCON Kalyani hosts an annual Ratha Yatra festival, where Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra are taken on a grand procession in decorated chariots. Devotees pull the chariots through the streets, chanting and dancing with joy, inviting everyone to join in this joyous celebration.

2. Janmashtami – Appearance Day of Lord Krishna

Janmashtami, the divine appearance day of Lord Krishna, is one of the most significant festivals in ISKCON. Devotees celebrate with kirtan, dramatic performances, special abhishekam (bathing ceremony), and prasad distribution. The temple is beautifully decorated, and thousands of devotees gather to celebrate the birth of the Lord.

3. Radhashtami – Appearance Day of Srimati Radharani

Radhashtami celebrates the appearance of Srimati Radharani, the consort of Lord Krishna and the embodiment of divine love. Devotees offer prayers and sing songs glorifying Radharani. The deities of Radha-Krishna are adorned with special outfits, and an abhishekam is performed with various auspicious items.

4. Narasimha Chaturdashi – Appearance Day of Lord Narasimhadeva

This festival commemorates the appearance of Lord Narasimhadeva, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Krishna who appeared to protect His devotee Prahlada. Special prayers and offerings are made to seek the Lord’s protection, and an abhishekam is performed on this day.

5. Gaura Purnima – Appearance Day of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Gaura Purnima marks the appearance of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered the incarnation of Krishna in this age. Devotees observe fasting until moonrise, and the celebrations include kirtan, abhishekam, and a grand feast. This festival holds special significance as Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is known for spreading the chanting of the holy names.

6. Govardhan Puja – Worship of Govardhan Hill

Govardhan Puja is celebrated to remember the pastime of Lord Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from torrential rains. An elaborate replica of Govardhan Hill is created with food, which is then offered to the deities and later distributed as prasadam.

7. Kartika Month – The Month of Damodara

The month of Kartika is observed with special emphasis on offering lamps to Lord Damodara (a form of Krishna). Devotees offer a ghee lamp every evening while singing the Damodarastakam prayers. This month is especially auspicious for advancing in devotion.

8. Vyasa Puja – The Appearance Day of Srila Prabhupada

Vyasa Puja is celebrated as the appearance day of ISKCON's founder, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Devotees offer homage and gratitude to Srila Prabhupada for his contributions to spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide.

These are just some of the many vibrant festivals celebrated at ISKCON Kalyani. Each festival provides an opportunity for devotees and visitors to engage in devotional service and experience the transcendental joy of Krishna consciousness.

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