Sri Krsna Janmastami: Appearance of Lord Sri Krsna

The appearance of Lord Sri Krishna at midnight — observed with fasting, midnight abhishek, kirtan and a grand feast.

Significance of this day

Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrates the appearance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Mathura at midnight on the eighth day of the waning moon in Bhadra.

In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna explains that one who understands the transcendental nature of His appearance and activities is not reborn in this material world but attains His eternal abode.

The next day, Nandotsava, celebrates Nanda Maharaja's jubilant distribution of gifts in Vrindavan — and is also the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON.

How it is observed at ISKCON Asansol

• Fasting till midnight, mangala arati, continuous kirtan and Bhagavatam classes through the day.
• Midnight maha-abhishek of the deities, arati and darshan, followed by a 108-preparation feast.

Dates follow the authentic Gaudiya Vaishnava calendar observed at ISKCON Mayapur, calculated for our region. Timings for fasting and breaking the fast are announced at the temple.