Festivals

ISCKON, established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, celebrates a wide array of spiritually significant occasions throughout the year. These festivals are more than mere events; they are vibrant celebrations of devotion, culture, and spiritual learning. Here are some of the most cherished special occasions observed at ISKCON centers worldwide:

1. Janmashtami The Birth of Lord Krishna: Janmashtami marks the divine appearance of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast until midnight, the exact time of Krishna’s birth, followed by an exuberant celebration with bhajans, kirtans, dramas, and feasting.

2. Ratha Yatra The Festival of Chariots: A grand procession where the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out on elaborately decorated chariots. This festival symbolizes Krishna’s return to Vrindavan and is celebrated with great fanfare in major cities worldwide.

3. Gaura Purnima The Appearance Day of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Gaura Purnima commemorates the birth of Lord Chaitanya, who is considered an incarnation of Krishna. Devotees engage in special kirtans, fasting, and feasting, celebrating the life and teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

4. Nityananda Trayodashi The Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda: Celebrated with great enthusiasm, this day honors Lord Nityananda, a principal companion of Lord Chaitanya, who played a crucial role in spreading the sankirtan movement.

5. Ekadashi A Day of Fasting and Devotion: Observed twice a month, Ekadashi is a day of fasting and increased devotional activity. Devotees abstain from grains and legumes, focusing instead on chanting, reading scriptures, and offering prayers.

6. Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja The Appearance Day of ISKCON’s Founder: This day is dedicated to honoring Srila Prabhupada with offerings of gratitude, remembering his teachings and contributions to the global spread of Krishna consciousness.

7. Radhashtami The Appearance Day of Srimati Radharani: Radhashtami celebrates the appearance of Radharani, Krishna’s beloved consort. Devotees honor her with special prayers, kirtans, and discussions on her divine qualities.

8. Rama Navami The Birth of Lord Rama: Rama Navami marks the appearance of Lord Rama, an avatar of Krishna. Celebrations include reading from the Ramayana, devotional singing, and plays depicting Rama’s pastimes.

9. Narasimha Chaturdashi The Appearance of Lord Narasimha: This day celebrates the divine appearance of Lord Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion avatar of Vishnu, who appeared to protect his devotee Prahlada. Devotees engage in special prayers and homas (fire sacrifices).

10. Kartik Month (Damodara Vrata) The Holiest Month: Kartik is considered the holiest month in the Vaishnava calendar, where devotees offer special lamps and sing the Damodarastakam, seeking blessings and spiritual advancement.

if you participate in these chariot festivals and see the deities riding on these chariots, you will go back home, back to godhead at the end of this life.

! His Divine Grace A. C. Srila Swami Prabhupada

These special occasions not only bring devotees together in joyous celebration but also provide opportunities for spiritual learning and growth. Each festival is a chance to deepen one’s devotion, connect with the divine, and engage in the timeless traditions of bhakti yoga.