Many Happy Returns...........Krishna

A News Item In The Hindu

ISKCON temple is all set to usher in Krishna Janmashtmi

If there is a god for all seasons, it is Krishna. His teachings, his personality and his aura transcends generations. As we celebrate one more birth anniversary of the loveable god, temples are decked up for Krishna Janmashtmi. One of the biggest centres of activity is ISKCON temple in East of Kailash.

Formed by a group of Hare Rama Hare Krishna followers in 1998, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness propagates Krishna's beliefs and path to attain enlightenment.

According to Vrajendra Nandan Prabhu, ISKCON India Communications, for the first time there will be a Radha Krishna swing pastime (jhulan yatra jhaanki).

“It is one of the top most attractions with life size forms of Radha and Krishna seated on a swing under a kadamba tree. Thousands are expected to rock the swing and receive transcendental mercy of their lordships.”

In the mini amphitheatre of the temple there is all encompassing Krishna dancing on the multiple hoods of the serpent Kaliya crushing his false ego. The transparent blue waters add to the mystique of this timeless tale.

During the celebrations, a play on ‘Krishna Leela' was staged by Bhakta Prahlad School.

Science and spirituality

In an interesting mix of science and spirituality, a committed team of IIT and DTU students have set up a multimedia presentation stall with a question and answer booth where principles of Vedic wisdom are scientifically answered. For the inquisitive, ISKCON's Youth Forum wing has designed presentations on various themes like God, peace, Vedic culture, etc to give the celebrations an intellectual tone.

At midnight, there will be maha-abhisheka of the lord in the midst of sankirtan, dance and prasadam. The lord's attire has come from Vrindavan. The altar of Krishna has been decorated with flowers and fruits from India and abroad.

“Last year, we witnessed four lakh devotees and this year we expect half a million devotees. One of the biggest challenges that we face is people getting carried away. They start dancing in a trance. Security and traffic issues become a problem, but this year security will be extra-tight,” assures Prabhu.