Sri Krishna Janmashtami
4th September 2026
Become Part of Something Beautiful this Krishna Janmashtami
Janmashtami is not just a festival… It’s a chance to serve Lord Krishna Himself. On this night, when the whole universe celebrates the appearance of the Supreme Lord, every offering made with love becomes eternal spiritual credit. Even a single flower or drop of water offered in devotion is accepted by Krishna Himself. But on such a grand day with Thousands of pilgrims at Belagavi, Krishna’s devotees need your help. Come join our hand in serving Lord Krishna
The Importance of Sri Krishna Janmashtami
It is believed that Lord Krishna descended on Earth over 5,000 years ago in Mathura, India. His birth is considered, the victory of good over evil because He was responsible for removing unrighteousness, known as adharma, and making a place for righteousness or dharma. The festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami is a celebration of His birth and a reminder of His divine play, leela, and His teachings.
Preparations at ISKCON Belagavi
We at ISKCON prepare tirelessly and enthusiastically for the festival of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. The preparations begin weeks in advance, and the devotees get involved in cleaning and decorating the temple with lights, flowers and rangolis. A festival highlight is the beautifully adorned deities of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda at the temple.
Srila Prabhupada's Appearance Day
The auspicious appearance day of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON, is celebrated as Vyasa Puja. Born in 1896 on Nandotsava (the day after Janmashtami), Srila Prabhupada is honored as the 32nd Acharya in the disciplic succession from Srila Vyasadeva, the compiler of the Vedic scriptures and author of Srimad Bhagavatam. On this auspicious day, devotees observe a half-day fast, offer bhoga to the spiritual master (which is then offered to Krishna), read heartfelt homages, and perform a grand abhisheka of Srila Prabhupada’s deity. For ISKCON devotees, this is one of the most significant festivals of the year—a time to express gratitude and dedication to our beloved spiritual master. Offer your prayers and contribute to the seva opportunities below.
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Program Timings
4:30am – Mangal Arati
7:30am – Shringar Arati
7:40am – Guru Puja
8:00am – Shrimad Bhagavat Katha
5:00pm – Abhishek
9:00pm – Drama
10:45pm – Special Lecture
12:00am – (midnight) Maha Arati
Sri Krishna Janmashtami
4th September 2026
“By observing Sri Krishna Janmashtami, one becomes free from the sinful reactions committed in seven lives. One gets good children, good health, and great wealth…. One will not have to fear enemies and will get sufficient rainfall and never have to suffer from drought. One will not have to fear natural calamities, hellish conditions, snakes, disease, or the attacks of rogues and thieves”
Hari-bhakti-vilasa (Texts 283-284, 289-292)
Importance of Sri Krishna Janmashtami
For ISKCON devotees, Janmashtami is a time to celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast throughout the day, and then participate in a midnight celebration, which marks the exact moment of Krishna’s birth.
During the celebration, devotees sing devotional songs, offer prayers, and engage in other rituals that help them deepen their spiritual connection with Lord Krishna. The festival is also an opportunity for devotees to share the message of Krishna consciousness with others, and to inspire them to live a life of devotion and service.
Overall, Janmashtami is an important festival for ISKCON devotees, as it allows them to express their love and devotion to Lord Krishna, and to deepen their understanding of his teachings and message.
Activities
Fasting: Many ISKCON devotees fast on Janmashtami as a way to purify their minds and bodies and focus their thoughts on Lord Krishna.
Deity worship: Devotees offer special prayers and perform aarti to the deities of Lord Krishna in the temple.
Kirtan and bhajan: Devotees engage in devotional singing and chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra, and other devotional songs to glorify Lord Krishna.
Reading and hearing Srimad Bhagavatam: Devotees read and hear the pastimes of Lord Krishna and his teachings from the sacred scripture, Srimad Bhagavatam.
Procession: Devotees may also take out a procession of the deities of Lord Krishna on Janmashtami, accompanied by devotional music and dancing.
Prasadam distribution: Devotees offer special food preparations to Lord Krishna and distribute prasadam (sanctified food) to others as an act of charity and goodwill.
Cultural programs: Devotees may also organize cultural programs like dramas, skits, and traditional dance performances to celebrate the occasion.
Overall, the activities done by ISKCON devotees on Janmashtami are aimed at fostering devotion, deepening spiritual connection with Lord Krishna, and sharing the message of Krishna consciousness with others.
Special Attraction
ISKCON temples around the world offer special attractions on Krishna Janmashtami to celebrate the appearance of Lord Krishna. Here are some of the common attractions that devotees can expect on this auspicious day:
Midnight Abhishek : One of the most significant attractions of Janmashtami is the midnight abhishek (bathing) ceremony of Lord Krishna’s deity. Devotees gather in the temple to witness the ceremony, which is accompanied by devotional music and chanting.
Special Darshan : The deities of Lord Krishna are beautifully decorated with new clothes and ornaments for the occasion, and devotees can have special darshan (viewing) of the deities throughout the day.
Cultural Programs : Many ISKCON temples organize cultural programs like dramas, skits, and traditional dance performances to celebrate the occasion.
Feast : Devotees prepare and offer special food preparations to Lord Krishna, and the prasadam (sanctified food) is distributed to everyone as an act of charity and goodwill.
Kirtan and Bhajan : Devotees engage in devotional singing and chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra and other devotional songs throughout the day and night.
Jhulan Yatra : Some ISKCON temples also organize Jhulan Yatra, which is the festival of swing, where devotees celebrate the playful pastimes of Lord Krishna by swinging the deity on a beautifully decorated swing.
Special classes and lectures: ISKCON temples may also organize special classes and lectures by senior devotees and scholars to share the teachings and pastimes of Lord Krishna with the devotees.
Overall, the special attractions on Krishna Janmashtami by ISKCON are aimed at deepening the spiritual connection of devotees with Lord Krishna and fostering devotion in the hearts of everyone who participates.
