Krishna Janmashtami

Krishna is one of the most beloved and joyful divine incarnations. He is often depicted playing the flute and smiling, because He beckons us to a life filled with love, joy, and closeness to God. Paramahamsa Vishwananda teaches that Krishna is the embodiment of unconditional love, and by celebrating His birthday, we open our hearts to that love.

“Krishna is Love incarnate. Now, on His birthday, ask Him to be born inside of you. Ask Him to manifest Himself inside of you. ” – Paramahamsa Vishwananda.

Janmashtami is the night when, by chanting mantras and praying, we invite Krishna into our hearts. Krishna was born at midnight, so this event will start in the evening and continue until midnight, when we will celebrate His birth with songs, dances, and special rituals.

One of the most beautiful moments of the festival is when we lull Krishna on a swing. This ritual symbolizes care and love for the Divine Child. As we gently sway Him, we invite Him to enter our lives and fill our hearts with joy. The festival will also feature yagna – an ancient fire ceremony that helps to purify the mind and heart, as well as bring light and blessings to all those present. We will sing mantras and take part in beautiful rituals that help us feel Krishna’s presence. The evening will end with prasad and sweets.

You can support the festival with your presence, flowers, donations, or some vegan sweets for Krishna, as He is very fond of sweet treats.

Janmashtami is more than a religious celebration, it is an opportunity to pause for a moment and feel that love, peace and joy truly always reside within us. It is a night when our hearts can open to Love that is greater than ourselves.

Programme:

18.00 Ram Puja, evening prayers
19.30 OM Chanting
21.00 Arati
21.15 Odissi dance
21.30 Krishna Bhajans
22.30 Stories about Krishna
23.00 Bhajan or kirtan
00.00 Arati to Krishna and abhisheka
~1.00 Lulling of Krishna and flowers offering

Do you want to receive even greater punya and help us organise a beautiful celebration?
When we offer our love to the Divine, the Divine showers us with blessings. Giving from the heart is a true blessing in and of itself. Giving without expecting anything in return multiplies the blessings even more, especially when you selflessly sponsor an event. Your donation helps to support the event. Everyone who makes a contribution benefits from the prayers that are done, even if you are unable to attend! As a sponsor, your name will be mentioned during the rituals.