The anniversary of birthday of Lord Krishna known as “Janmashtami” was celebrated with great gusto and passionate fervor by the devotees in India and abroad alike and it was also celebrated with full splendor in Greater Boston especially in ISKCON temple of Boston, with most eminent devotees taking note of the occasion and conveying their greetings to the other devotees around them. On the occasion of birth festival of Lord Krishna, hundreds of devotees paid obeisance to the Lord at this temple on Thursday, 25 Aug, 2016, with great fervor and enthusiasm.

Lord Krishna, the most revered and devoutly worshiped god of Hindu mythology was believed to be born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the month of Bhadrapada 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. Janmashtami festival with all the Vedic rituals was celebrated in the temple from the early morning until midnight. Early morning session started at 4:45am with Mangala and Tulasi Aartik, 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 Aartik started at 12:00pm. After this, their afternoon session from1:00pm to 6:00 pm stated with melodious Lord Krishna Bhajans.

The evening session of the event started at 6:00pm with Special Prayer Bhajans, and followed by Puppet Show, Songs, and Sayana Arati. His holiness Chandramauli Maharaj led Arati and Jhulan Yatra and narrated inspirationally many Krishna Stories (Lecture) and sang songs in his praise along with devotees. Bhadra Prabhu led the Abhishek and Kirtan of Lord Krishna. All the devotees in the temple enjoyed the bathing ceremony (Abhishekam) of the 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 Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare.” A grand Lord baby Krishna Janma Utsav was celebrated with lots of joy and midnight Arati.

Nandani Priya, Vrajeahwari, Prema Nandani Priya and Gagandeep prepared beautiful flower outfits and garlands. Vishaka Priya and Vanamali Pandit planned and structured meticulously such a grand special festive event of the temple. Mahadeo family sponsored a very delicious 'Prasadam' and 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. Temple committee profusely thanked all the devotees, sponsors, and dedicated devotees for making this event a grand success.

“I come to this temple to see such a grand celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth day and I also wish may Lord Krishna steal all my worries and give my all the love and peace” one American devotee said very proudly.

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