Upcoming Festivals

Festivals are an integral part of ISKCON. With myriad of colourful decorations, multi-course feasts, elaborate rituals, kirtans, dance and dramas, the festivals makes spiritual progress a fun-filled experience. The original Vedic flavor is thus revived, and anyone who participates in them can vouch that there is no modern day substitute for these soul-satisfying experiences.
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) celebrates a variety of festivals throughout the year, each of which holds great spiritual significance in the Hare Krishna tradition. These festivals are marked by joyful devotion, music, dance, worship, and communal feasting. Here are some of the most significant festivals celebrated in ISKCON

Janmashtami

Janmashtami is the celebration of Lord Krishna’s appearance on Earth. It falls on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (usually in August). Devotees fast until midnight when Lord Krishna is believed to have been born. The festival typically includes elaborate decorations of the temple, singing and dancing, midnight arati (ritual offering), and the breaking of a butter pot (dahi handi) to commemorate Krishna’s childhood pranks.
Janmashtami, also known as Krishnashtami or Gokulashtami, is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Radhashtami

Radhashtami celebrates the birth of Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. It occurs on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada (usually in September). Devotees offer special prayers, kirtan, and bhajans to honor Radharani’s divine qualities and her relationship with Krishna.
Radhashtami is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm by followers of the Vaishnavite tradition and devotees of Radha and Krishna. It is a day to remember and honor Radha’s selfless love for Lord Krishna and to seek her blessings for devotion and spiritual growth.

Gaura Purnima

Gaura Purnima, also known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti, celebrates the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. This festival falls on the full moon day (Purnima) in the month of Phalguna (usually in March). Devotees engage in kirtan, reading of Lord Chaitanya’s pastimes, and serve large quantities of prasadam (sanctified food) to the public.
Gaura Purnima is not only celebrated in India but also by devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and other Gaudiya Vaishnava communities worldwide.

Ratha Yatra

Ratha Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is a grand procession in which the deities of Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), Baladeva, and Subhadra are taken on beautifully decorated chariots through the streets. This festival is celebrated in many cities worldwide and often involves the pulling of chariots, kirtan, dancing, and distribution of prasadam.
Ratha Yatra is not only celebrated in Puri but also in other cities and countries with significant Hindu populations, thanks to the efforts of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and other Hindu organizations. It is a vibrant and spiritually uplifting festival that showcases the devotion and cultural richness of the Jagannath tradition.

Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut or the Festival of the Cows, commemorates the lifting of Govardhan Hill by Lord Krishna to protect the residents of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Lord Indra. Devotees create elaborate mountain-shaped offerings made of various foods and sweets, which are offered to the deities and then distributed to all attendees.
It is an occasion for devotees to express their love for Lord Krishna and to partake in acts of service and charity.

Appearance and Disappearance Days of Acharyas

ISKCON also observes the appearance and disappearance days of its spiritual leaders, including A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and other prominent gurus and acharyas. These occasions are marked by special lectures, readings, and remembrance of their contributions to the movement.It’s important to note that the specific dates for these observances may differ between different regions and lineages within the Vaishnava tradition. Devotees use these occasions to deepen their understanding of their acharya’s teachings, strengthen their faith, and connect with the spiritual lineage they belong to.

Various Other Festivals

ISKCON communities often celebrate other Hindu festivals, such as Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and Ram Navami (Lord Rama’s appearance day), with devotional fervor, including kirtan, prasadam distribution, and decorations.
There are countless festivals celebrated throughout the world, each with its own unique cultural, religious, and historical significance.
These are just a few examples of the diverse festivals celebrated around the world, each offering a unique cultural experience and an opportunity to learn about different traditions and customs.