Sri Krishna Janmastami

Kṛṣṇa’s birthday ceremony is observed in India by all Hindus, irrespective of different sectarian views. Originally, in Vṛndāvana, all the cowherd women and men were invited to participate, and they arrived in jubilation. A nice band played, and the assembled people enjoyed it. Brāhmaṇas chanted Vedic hymns for the good fortune of Kṛṣṇa. During the chanting, Kṛṣṇa was bathed. This bathing ceremony is technically called abhiṣeka, and even today this is observed in all the temples of Vṛndāvana as Janmāṣṭamī Day, or the birthday anniversary of Lord Kṛṣṇa. (Kṛṣṇa Book, Chapter 7)

The New Dvārakā Janmāṣṭamī celebration goes well beyond midnight with twenty-four hour bhajan, kīrtana and reading from Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. Exotic flowers hang everywhere in the temple, hundreds of food preparations are offered to the Lord from dawn to midnight, including grand elaborate cakes, newly-embroidered jeweled clothing, and a flower-laden garment offered to the Lord. Kṛṣṇa will be covered with sandalwood paste from head to toe and take a long ride in His fresh flower decorated swing. Eager bhaktas arrive from all directions to help swing and bathe Him. The weather is usually warm, so He and his consort Śrī Rādhā are lavishly bathed in fresh fruit purees, molasses, honey, milk, yogurt, ghee (clarified butter), sesame, flower petals and clear water. Outside the temple, guests of Kṛṣṇa’s birthday mingle on a street packed with exhibits, musical entertainment, dance, drama, and opulent prasādam.

Outdoor Performance Stage Schedule 

7:00 - Clytie and Friends - Kids Kirtan Ki Jai!

8:00 - Temple Bhajan Band - Kirtan

9:00 - Krishna's Pastimes - Movie

9:50   Vishaka -  Classical Dance Fusion

10:00 Shakti Dancers - Bharat Natyam

11:30 End of program