It would be piety and entertainment at the Sri Radha Damodar Temple in the Auckland suburb of Panmure on August 29 as Krishna Janmashtami, denoting the Birth of the Avatar of Vishnu is celebrated by His devotees.
The International Pure Bhakti Yoga Society (IPBYS), Auckland, which owns and manages the Temple is organising the event for the first time in the Centre, which opened on June 23 (see Indian Newslink, July 1, 2013) with a Temple, Community Hall, a vegetarian restaurant and other facilities.
Damodar Das (better known as Dhansukh Amarsee), said that Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and staying awake until midnight, when the Lord was born.
“Images of Krishna’s infancy are placed in swings and cradles in Temples and homes. At midnight, devotees gather to render songs, dance and exchange gifts,” he said.
The Festival at the Damodar Temple will include prayers, kirtans, reading chapters from Bhagavad Gita, honouring the main Deity with Abhishekams and distribution of Maha Prasad.
“Savita Gupta, otherwise known as ‘Savita Didi,’ a lifelong ‘Brij-basi (one dedicated to noble deeds) and a Vaishnava (follower of Lord Vishnu) will be in Auckland to give nightly discourses on Lord Vishnu (Hari Katha) from August 25 to 29, 2013.
“The discourse will be held daily from 7 pm to 930 pm followed by Maha Prasad.
The Hari Katha will reach its climax on August 30 with the Birth of Lord Krishna and the appearance of Shrila Bhakti Vedanta Prabhupada Swami Maharaj, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON),” Mr Amarsee said.
Further details can be obtained from him on 021 2703424, Kishore Das (Yogesh Punja) on 021-786520 or Astha Sidhi on 021-1252965.
