Enthusiastic Janmashtami celebration in Boston

Devotees singing Bhajans
Devotees singing Bhajans

BOSTON: The anniversary of birthday of Lord Krishna “Janmashtami” was celebrated with great gusto and passionate fervor by devotees in Greater Boston, especially in ISKCON temple of Boston.

On the occasion, hundreds of devotees paid obeisance to the Lord at this temple on Thursday, 25 August. Lord Krishna, the most revered and devoutly worshipped god of Hindu mythology, was believed to be born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Shravan in the Hindu calendar which generally comes in the months of August-September of English calendar.

This festival was a time of jubilation with its beautifully decked temples and deities. It was celebrated in the temple with Vedic rituals from early morning until midnight. Early morning session started at 4:45am with Mangala and Tulasi Aarti, Japa, and Darshan Arotik followed by Kirtana at 8:00am. Later Guru Puja, Shrimad Bhagavatam and Hari Katha were performed with utmost devotion. The Raj Bhoga Aarti started at 12. After this, the afternoon session from1pm to 6 pm started with melodious Lord Krishna Bhajans.

The evening session of the event started at 6:00pm with Special Prayer Bhajans. It was followed by Puppet Show, Songs, and Sayana Arati. His Holiness Chandramauli Maharaj led the Aarti and Jhulan Yatra and narrated inspirationally many Krishna stories and sang songs in his praise along with the devotees. Bhadra Prabhu led the Abhishek and Kirtan of Lord Krishna.

All the devotees in the temple enjoyed the bathing ceremony (Abhishekam) of Lord Krishna idol with milk, curd, ghee, honey, khandsari and herbal powders along with the chanting of Vedic Mantras. All the deities were adorned in colorful dresses, jewels and pearls after the sacred bathing ceremony.

The statue of infant Krishna was placed in a cradle, which is rocked amidst the blowing of conch shells and the ringing of bells. All devotees sang devotional bhajans in chorus and danced by immersing themselves in joy on celebration of this festive occasion.

All the devotees were greeting beautiful and delightful baby Krishna by singing in chorus, “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama.” A grand Lord baby Krishna Janma Utsav was celebrated with lots of joy and midnight Aarti. Nandani Priya, Vrajeahwari, Prema Nandani Priya and Gagandeep prepared beautiful flower outfits and garlands. Vishaka Priya and Vanamali Pandit planned and structured meticulouslysuch a grand special festive event of the temple.

Mahadeo family sponsored a very delicious Prasadam which was distributed with love to all the devotees by the volunteers. Preeti Sharma and team organized the book tables where they sold many Krishna and Bhagvad Gita books. The Temple committee thanked all the devotees, sponsors, and dedicated devotees for making this event a grand success.

Geetha Patil