janma karma ca me divyam
evaṁ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaṁ punar janma
naiti mām eti so ’rjuna
"One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna." - Bhagavad Gita 4.9
Janmashtami
Krishna is the supreme personality of Godhead. Janmashtami marks the earthly arrival of Krishna, revered in India’s sacred texts as the Divine. Though God is timeless and transcends birth and death, His manifestation can be compared to the sun’s rise and set. Krishna's appearance is viewed as His birth, which is celebrated globally in a grandeur way. Krishna grants us the greatest blessing by revealing the way to achieve happiness, peace, and return to His divine abode: through dedicated service, learning about His life and actions, and chanting His glories. Although God is eternal and beyond birth and end, His manifestation to us is akin to the sun rising and setting. Krishna bestows the ultimate blessing by teaching us the path to happiness, peace, and returning to His divine realm: through devoted service, understanding His life and deeds, and chanting His praises.
Celebration
As one of the largest religious festivals globally, it is observed by approximately 930 million people worldwide, including 2 million in the US alone. For devotees, it combines the significance of Christmas and New Year’s into one celebration, serving as a profound day of spiritual renewal and festivity that closes the old year and ushers in a new one. Celebrated by millions worldwide each year, this festival involves several traditions. Early in the morning, people bathe and don new clothes. Temples are adorned with Krishna’s deities dressed in exquisite garments, jewels, garlands, and flowers. Devotees visit temples to view Krishna, sing hymns praising His deeds, and read His teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, often distributing copies of this sacred text. At home, a variety of sweets, savories, and festive dishes are lovingly prepared and offered to Lord Krishna, then, enjoyed by everyone. Friends and relatives exchange sweets and well-wishes, and on this auspicious day, people chant Krishna's name to bring peace and joy to all.
Event
This festival is designed for the pleasure of the Lord and to inspire your hearts with kirtans, recitation of Krishna’s pastimes, drama, dance, a sumptuous prasadam feast, an opulent maha-abhishek (bathing), and a spectacular evening arati (a ceremony to honor Krishna with musical chanting of Holy Names)
Volunteers
We continuously seek passionate individuals eager to offer their skills, talents, and time in service to Lord Krishna, a practice we call "seva." In Sanskrit, "seva" means “selfless service” – work done without any expectation of reward or compensation. Engaging in seva brings personal joy and fulfillment while also benefiting the broader community. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer with our dynamic community of both resident and non-resident members. To express your interest and availability, please complete the Google Form linked below, indicating your preferred areas of service and available days.