Hare Krishna Temple celebrates Krishna Janmashtmi
On September 4th, Hare Krishna Temple of Atlanta celebrated Krishna Janmashtmi, birthday of Lord Krishna with colorful and devotional festivities from 5:00 AM until midnight. The celebration in Atlanta witnessed over 1500 devotees visiting the temple throughout the day.
The temple was elegantly decorated and a beautiful Jhoolan (cradle) with baby Krishna was touched by all devotees. Dances by Gopis were performed on a decorated stage under a tent which was set up outside the temple. Kalash Abhishek by 108 families was performed under the guidance of H. H. Jayapataka Swami. For the first time in Atlanta, Jayapataka Maharaj came from Mayapur (India) to conduct the Krishna Janamshtmi ceremonies past midnight. He also delivered a discourse on this auspicious day and initiated six new disciples. An additional feature in this year's celebrations was a beautifully decorated Palki (palanquin made by Jayanti Lal Bhavan) procession around the temple by the devotees.
Devotees performed non-stop Sankirtan (devotional songs) with Mridangam (drums), Harmoniums and Kartals (cymbals) with the chanting of ,"Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare."
Prasad was distributed after the midnight Aarti. The entire celebration was very well organized by a large number of Hindu volunteers and ISKCON devotees led by the president of the temple, Vedsara Dasa, and devotees Madan Mohan Dasa, Mahguna Devi Dasi, and Amrit Karan Dasa.
~Bal Krishan Gupta
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