Glory of Lord Krishna highlighted

KATHMANDU, Aug. 29: On the occasion of the Srikrishna Janmastami or the birth anniversary of Lord Srikrishna, the Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti Central Committee, Krishna Pranami Service Committee, various religious institutions and organizations associated with the Omkar Family, Sanatan Dharma Sewa Samiti Kathmandu District Branch and Matri shakti Yuva Shakti jointly organized a grand procession here on Saturday.

The Rising Nepal

Sri Krishna Sweets, now at Triplicane

Chennai, Aug 30: With a rich tradition for more than 57 years, Sri Krishna sweets is all set to open its new branch at Triplicane on 31 August. Adding to the illustrious list, this will be the eleventh branch in the city and forty first in India.

Newstodaynet.com

Janmastami Dharsan - Iskcon New Orleans

"We reached the temple around 8 pm. There were some cultural programmes like bharatnatyam and bhajans for some time. After that , just like any other ISKCON temple, a couple of Hare Krishna's started singing the maha mantra . That was around 9 pm .Folks who have been there would know how blissful it is to sing the mahamantra. This continued till 1 am in the morning."

Aham Brahmasmi Blog

Janmastami Celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor

"I was actually lucky to get these particular pics, as the ones I took when I had my first darshan did not turn out very good due to being in a pushing queue. These two pics were taken after midnight (the birth hour) just befoe the curtains closed for the night."

Gaurasundara's Musings Blog
More pictures

Krishna Vrindavana Applet Wallpaper

Applet Wallpaper of Vrindavana Dhama, In India. The Birth place of The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, who appeared 5000 Years ago and who spoke the Bhagavad-gita to His dear friend Arjuna.

Publisher: The Gauranga Team

Free download at Download.com

Namamrta: The Nectar of the Holy Name Download page

Mathura Janmasthmi



Janmashtami, the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great devotion in the whole of north India. Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna, where his parents lived in captivity of the evil Kansa and he as a young boy came and vanquished his maternal uncle Kansa to ascend the throne and free his parents. This weekend I was in Mathura to capture some of the intense piousness. :)

A photoset on Flickr by CellarDoor

Sri Krishna Janmastami. Illustrated

Article prepared for the devotee children, by Parama Bhakti Dasi: 440 K PDF file.

A Hare Krishna ceremony



A Hare Krishna ceremony / Photo: Kirill Kallinikov, Moscow News Picture Agency

Soldiers celebrate Janmashtami

Imphal, August 28: 22 Maratha Light Infantry located at Tulihal Airport, Imphal celebrated Shri Krishna Janmashtami with traditional gaiety and religious fervor yesterday.

Puja was offered to Lord Krishma in the Unit mandir and a 'Dahi Handi' competition which is a unique and traditional way of celebrating Janmashtami in Maharashtra was also organised.

e-pao.net

Janamashtami celebrations reach zenith

Fervent Janamashtami celebrations continued in various schools of the city today as well. At BVM Shishu Vatika, Cemetery Road, students of nursery and kindergarten were dressed as characters of Mahabharata. A swing was decorated for ‘Lord Krishna, Radha, Bal Gawal and sakhian’.

A theme-based fancy dress competition was also organised in which the schoolchildren were dressed as characters from the longest epic Mahabharata. Winners from nursery are Anmol, Tushar, Sonia, Kundan, Kritika, Tarandeep. From the kindergarten, Karan, Vanshika, Vaibhav, Pratibha, Gaurav, Geetanhu, Keshav, Dinesh, Harishtnoor and Yukta bagged the top honours.

Expressindia.com

Devotees throng Sri Krishna temples

New Delhi, August 28: Platters of sweets and marigold garlands in hand, devotees thronged brilliantly adorned temples across the country today to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, the Hindu god who vanquished the evil king Kansa.

Festivities began early at Brindavan with the deity being bathed in curd, milk, honey, khandsari (molasses) and turmeric to Vedic hymns in Dwarkadeesh temple after which it was shifted to Sri Krishna Janmasthan.

Chennaionline.com

Hinduism propagating peace: His Majesty

KATHMANDU, Aug. 28: His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has said that the Hindu Sanatan Dharma has always been propagating peace and universal brotherhood creating appropriate environment for harmonious co-existence.

“The preaching of ‘Geeta’ by Lord Krishna, in this strife-ridden turbulent world, is as relevant today as it was yesterday”, His Majesty has observed in the message and expressed the belief that the Federation would promote, preserve and provide continuity to Hindu Sanatan Dharma all over the world in the years to come.

The Rising Nepal

India celebrates Janmashtami with great fervour

Mumbai/Indore, Aug 27 (ANI): People across India celebrated Janmashtami, with great fervour on Saturday to mark the birthday of Lord Krishna.

In Mumbai, young men and women formed huddles and climbed as high as 40 feet to break the "matka" a pot filled with milk to mark the occasion.

The jig, attended by hundreds of people, is an annual feature in fond memory of Krishna's love for fresh butter.

"We have been practising for the past two months. We exercised a lot so that we can be fit," said Prashant, a local.

News.yahoo.com

Human pyramid to break a 'Dahi Handi'

Indian youth make a human pyramid to break a 'Dahi Handi', an earthen pot filled with yogurt, as they celebrate Janamashtami, the birth anniversary of Hindu God Krishna, in Mumbai, India, Saturday, Aug. 27, 2005. The pot is broken as depiction of Krishna's childhood antics. (Third) Crowds gather in the packed lanes to witness the traditional pot breaking ceremony during the Hindu festival of 'Janmashtami' in Mumbai. on Saturday.

View picture

Centralchronicle.com

Lord Krishna the greatest magician

Satna, Aug 28 On the occasion of Shree Krishna 'Janmashtami' generally the atmosphere is full of religious and sacred feelings and usually people do fasting to please the almighty. But if a foreigner is seen dancing in full religious fervor and traditional attire then one wonders how could it happen. But this was seen here Saturday, when a foreigner was chanting the name of 'Hare Rama-Hare Krishna' and was enjoying the 'Janmashtami' celebration and he also told that he was also keeping a fast to mark this occasion.

While talking to our correspondent this foreigner said 'lord Krishna is the greatest magician of the world'. Whereas Anthoniyo and Alisiya from Italy told that in Italy a programme was organised on the life sketch of lord Krishna. This programme inspired them to know more about lord Krishna and they started to gather more information about the mighty. And if they got the chance to visit India they planned to visit Mathura.

Centralchronicle.com

Janmashtami celebrated with zeal and devotion

Bhopal, Aug 27 The Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with devotion and ardour in the Capital on Saturday. Various religious and cultural programmes were organised to mark the festival. The devotees had started thronging the temples from early morning to participate in 'maha arti' and other rituals. Special preparations for the festival had been made at the temples. The Janmashtami procession and 'matki phod' competition at Nehru Nagar Chowk were the main attractions.

Attractive tableaux of Devkinandan were displayed in the temples. Even in Central Jail the birth of the Lord Krishna was celebrated and inmates participated enthusiastically in the programmes. At several places the 'Matki phodo' contests were organised. Prasads made of panjiri were distributed among devotees and children. Children dressed like Krishna of childhood participated in cultural programmes and contests.

Centralchronicle.com

Hare Krishna MP3 Bhajans

Jagjit Singh's "Hare Krishna" MP3 Bhajans
Download and listen to some extraordinary bhajan's sung by ghazal maestro Jagjit Singh in his inimitable style.

Hey Govind He Gopal
Hari Tum Haro Jan Ki Pir
Tum Meri Rakho Laaj Ari
Deenan Dukh Haran Dev
Sabse Oonchi Prem Sagai
Jai Radha Madhav
Murli Manohar Gopala

Source: Vaishnodevi.com

Monmouth Hindu community celebrates Krishna's birth

"If you put the offering in the fire, the smoke will rise to the heavens and carry it to God," said Guy Gundanna, vice-president of the Morganville-based Hindu-American Temple and Cultural Center.

"It's a form of wireless communications," said the 62-year-old Matawan resident, searching for a more modern explanation.

Krishna is believed to be the reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave Hindus the guiding principles of life, known as the Bhagwat Gita. The event is equivalent to Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ for those of the Christian faith, said Nandukumar Balija, 57, of Piscataway, the temple's president.

For worshipers such as Nathan Shivakumar of East Brunswick, a 51-year-old software company president, Janmasthami is one of the most significant holy days to Hindus.

App.com

Indore jail inmates celebrate Janmashtami with gusto

“Lord Krishna was born in jail. So, we thought we should also celebrate. After getting permission from the Superintendant of Police, a month back we started working on it. We have made everything—the sets, the hill with cotton and the lighting. We wanted to emphasise that Lord Krishna was born here, in prison, where we live. People from outside have also been allowed to come and celebrate with us. I don’t feel that I am in jail. I am enjoying this thoroughly. We all will try to follow Lord Krishna when we go out”, says Sushil Tiwari, an inmate.

Newkerala.com

Janmashtami Celebrated in Houston

Thousands of Hindus marked Sri Krishna Janmashtami in a citywide celebration here amidst religious services and art and cultural programmes.

The festival, organised at the George Brown Convention Center yesterday, saw the venue wear a festive look, with lights, floral garlands, balloons, chariots, sumptuous Indian food and devotees wearing colourful traditional outfits.

According to the organisers, "Sixteen years ago, Houston was the first city in the USA to celebrate community-wide event. The objective was to celebrate these festivals collectively, with representation from temples, institutions and organisations that help the Indian community".

Daijiworld.com

ISKCON temple to come up in Vizag

“Our main intention is to educate people, mainly the youth about Indian heritage and inculcate spiritual knowledge as they are now being attracted towards western culture,” Mr Samba Das, President of Iskcon, Visakhapatnam chapter said.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone, he said devotion had no religion and the society was built on it. This temple would give a great fillip to the government’s plans to make the Port city a tourist center.

Newindpress.com

ISKCON plans mega project at Sagar Nagar

VISAKHAPATNAM: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Visakhapatnam centre has planned a mega project with an estimated cost of Rs 12 crore at Sagar Nagar.

Giving the details in a press conference here on Thursday, ISKCON president Samba Das said that this four-year period duration project would be different from those of the 71 ISKCON centres across the country with regard to ambience.

“The temple would be one of its kind with huge constructions, gardens and under-water meditation hall apart from the mandirsof Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Lord Nrisimha Deva, Lord Radha Krishna, Lord Balaji and Lord Baladev Subhadra. The mandirs will be constructed in first phase,” he added.

Newindpress.com

Janmastami, India will celebrate the festival on Saturday

The ISKCON temple made it clear that it would celebrate the festival only on Saturday.

"Vaishnavs and Shaivyas have always celebrated the festival on different days. That's why the confusion usually arises. Lord Krishna was born at midnight. Vaishnavs celebrate it the day after Vasudeva ji took him away to Gokul while the Shaivyas celebrate it a day before," said a representative of the ISKCON temple at East of Kailash.

Times of India

Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the Appearance Day of Lord Krishna, will be celebrated tomorrow. Here is an article by Madhava Ananda Dasa of ISKCON, Mysore, about Lord Krishna based on Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.

The most auspicious appearance day of the Lord in this material world is of great spiritual and festive significance. Just by chanting His holy name, by remembering His pastimes, by sincerely praying to Him, or even by rendering a little service to him on His appearance day, one can become eligible to go back home, back to Godhead, Goloka Vrindavana, the eternal abode of Sri Krishna.

Star of Mysore

The right way to celebrate is to chant his name

Swami Jasumatinandan Das, the head of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Ahmedabad, says playing cards and gambling is not the right way to usher the appearance of Lord Krishna.

Regarding the link between playing cards and Janamashtami, he said, "Playing cards or gambling is not part of our tradition at all. I don't know how it came into practice but it must be very recent. It has no reference in the Hindu scriptures".

"Janmashthami is all about the appearance of Lord Krishna and on that day the right way to celebrate is to chant his name.," he said.

Rediff.com

UK hosts biggest Hindu gathering outside India

Up to 75,000 people were expected to flock to Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford, northwest of London, to mark the festival of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, born around 5,000 years ago.

The manor was donated in 1973 by George Harrison, the late Hare Krishna-influenced former Beatles guitarist.

Sify News

Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated in different fun ways across India

Janmashtami (or Gokulashtami, Krishna Jayanthi, Krishna-ashtami - what have you!) is perhaps one of the only festivals that’s celebrated across India with such enthusiasm, not to forget the pomp and splendour. All those who are thankful for the birth of Lord Krishna, who saved mankind from all evil, brought us the Bhagavad Gita, the Mahabharata and heralded the world we live in today, package their gratefulness and deliver it on Janmashtami to the Lord above. The stories of Krishna and how the great Lord came to be are pretty much the same in all regions- North and South; and we’ve all heard, read and seen depictions of his exploits somewhere or the other. But what we don’t normally get to see or hear is how Janmashtami is celebrated in different places.

Deccanherald.com

Reuters pictures Krishna Janmashtami on Yahoo

Sri Krishna Janmasthami today

KATHMANDU, Aug 26: The Sri Krishna Janmasthami, the birthday of Lord Krishna is being celebrated by the Hindus throughout the nation today.
Devotees throng the temples of Lord Krishna from early morning.
They visit the famous Sri Krishna temple at Mangal Bazaar, Lalitpur and offer worship at the temple.

The Rising Nepal

Janmastami today

The main ideal of Lord Krishna’s life and philosophy was to consolidate fraternity and amity in the society, Iajuddin said.

Khaleda said all communities in Bangladesh set a rare example of communal harmony by living together with deep fraternity and amity for long.

‘Unconditional respect of all to each other’s religion, faith and opinion is the main basis of mutual tolerance and respect in Bangladesh, which speaks of our national unity and glorious tradition,’ she said.

News from Bangladesh

Thousands join Hindu celebrations

The largest gathering of Hindus outside India is due to take place with 75,000 people set to take part.

Celebrations marking the 5,000-year-old festival of Janmashtami are to take place at the Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple in Watford, Herts.

BBC News

Playing Holi with butter and milk in Uttaranchal

By Ashish Goel, Dayara (Uttarkashi): People of Dayara, living at a height of 3,048 metres near Uttarkashi, celebrate Andudi festival, which is quite similar to the festival of colours -- Holi, but has a distinctive style of its own. Butter and milk are thrown on each other in place of colours.

During the festival, episodes from Lord Krishna’s life are enacted and villagers commemorate the occasion using curd, milk and butter with abandon and enthusiasm.

Celebrated between Rakshabandhan ( the festival of siblings) and Janmashtmi (the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna) in the month of August, the central attraction of Andudi festival is a couple dressed up as Lord Krishna and Radha who go around the village playing Holi with the villagers.

Newkerala.com

Janmashtami weekend at ISKCON in Juhu

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Juhu, is celebrating its annual Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival on Saturday and Sunday on a larger and grander scale than ever before in the last 25 years. Over ten lakh devotees are expected to have darshan over the weekend. The day-long festivities on Saturday will include melodious kirtans, spiritual discourses depicturing the pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna, the abhishek of Lord Krishna, while the chanting of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra will reverberate over the entire temple. Worship of Lord Krishna (arati) will be held during scheduled hours of the day, there will be cultural performances, dramas, programmes for children (Bal Utsav) and prasadam distribution

Cybernoon.com

Shethia to release 3D animated feature on Lord Krishna

"Another enchanting aspect of Lord Krishna's life of playing the flute and bewitching the gopis, who become eternally devoted to him and indulge in Ras Leela, is beautifullly depicted in this entertaining feature" he added.

The 95 minute movie has been produced at the Pune based animation studios ECATS and Media Solutions. Pre pro began in October 2003 and the entire film took 2 years in the making.

"We are looking to release it worldwide, as the subject is sure to appeal to people from all parts of the globe. We may not have a simultaneous worldwide release but are looking at a staggered release process. It shall be screened first in India and then released in various parts of the globe. At the moment we are in the process of finalising our release strategy and finalising our distribution and marketing partners" quipped Chedda.

Indiantelevision.com

President, PM greet people on Janmashtami

''On this auspicious festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, let us remember one of his messages from the Bhagwat Gita -- He who is free from malice towards all beings, friendly and compassionate, rid of 'I' and 'Mine', balanced in joy and sorrow, forgiving by nature, ever contented is dear to God.

''May this day strengthen our commitment to pluralism, unity and brotherhood.'' Dr Singh said the teachings of Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita have a profound significance, which continue to enlighten and guide us in our daily life.

Deepikaglobal.com

Sri Krishna nee begane baro

One of the most loved Gods of the Hindu pantheon, Lord Krishna’s birthday falls on the eighth day (ashtami of Krishna Paksha) of a lunar fortnight, that is the eighth day after Raksha Bandhan, in the month of Shravana. Hence it is also known as Krishna ashtami and is celebrated over two days. The first day is Krishna ashtami or Gokul ashtami. The second day is called Kaal ashtami or more popularly Janamashtami.

Janamashtami is also a festival of children. They make a sand hill, decorate and light it to symbolise Mount Govardhan - the mythical mountain, which Krishna lifted on His forefinger to provide shelter to His cattle. People hand print child Krishna’s feet outside their homes to mark His entry in their houses.

Deccanherald.com

Feature film on Lord Krishna

This Animated Musical film, produced by Shashikant Chheda / Amit Chheda and directed by Aman Khan, and Globally Marketed by Fusion Films Inc., brings out all these aspects of Lord Krishna's life in a highly colourful and entertaining manner, which is sure to appeal to everyone alike. This inspired and entertaining film shall ensure the teachings and virtues of the Lord are sure to be enjoyed and passed on to present and future generations for years to come. This is a 95 minute hindi film which would release in theaters all over in December.

Glamsham.com

Animated Krishna

For the little darlings and even their parents -- here's some good news. India's first animation film based on the life of Lord Krishna will hit the theatres in December. The 95-minute Hindi film will narrate the tale of the Lord's birth through to his childhood years in Gokul and Vrindavan and his slaying of Kansa.

Times of India

Sri Krishna Janmastami, Advent of Lord Sri Krishna



Janmastami is the celebration of the advent of Lord Krishna, when He appeared on Earth to perform His pastimes. Devotees of Krishna and Hindus the world over celebrate Janmastami with pomp and circumstance equal to Christmas.

In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna states: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious principles, and a predominant rise of irreligion, at that time I descend Myself." (Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 4, Text 7)

How Janmastami is Celebrated

Krishna.com

Send a Krishna Janmashtami Greeting Card: Options: 1 2 3 4

More about Janmashtami: 1 2

Muslim tailors clothe Hindu deities in Vrindavan

By Brajesh Singh, Vrindavan: For generations hundreds of Muslims in Vrindavan are engaged in stitching clothes for Hindu deities. For the 700-odd Muslim men of the holy town, embroidering, adding motifs and sequins and tailoring resplendent attires for the idols is a way of life.

Working with sincerity and devotion, their respect for these deities is as much as their Hindu brothers.

Ikram, a Muslim dressmaker says that devotion to work is the best form of worship. “I make dresses for gods and goddesses. I don’t believe in religious differences. My devotion lies not in being a Hindu or a Muslim, but in my work,” says Ikram.

Newkerala.com

Manipuri dance

Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre recently held a Manipuri workshop under the aegis of Darshana Jhaveri of Manipuri Nartanalaya at Bharatiyam. A dancer, teacher and research scholar rolled into one, Jhaveri has been meticulously trained by Guru Bipin Singh. She is adept in both the tandava and the lasya style of Manipuri. A recipient of the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi award, she spoke of the existence of the two simultaneous traditions of Animism and Hinduism in Manipuri dance. The Laiharoba festival invoking the village gods, is mainly the dance of the priestess describing the primitive concept of cosmology. Due to the spread of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in the last two centuries, Manipuri dance developed into a stylised, classified and dignified art form around the theme of Lord Krishna and Radha.

Thestatesman.net

Vrindavan saints worried over mining in Brij Caurasi in Bharatpur

Saints of various hermitages in Vrindavan are worried over the indiscriminate mining being carried out in the Brij Chaurasi area, adjacent to Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, which is causing an ecological threat to which are of mythological importance to the people.

Thousands of people inhabiting the green and hilly northern belt, which is home to the folklore of Krishna, are planning to wage a grim campaign to save their land from this indiscriminate mining .

Webindia123.com

Spanish porcelain makers produce Radha Krishna piece

Lladro, the Spanish creators of fine porcelain sculpture, have unveiled Radha Krishna, the fifth piece in their Hindu series.

"Taking inspiration from this ancient culture and religion, artisans convey in this great shepherdess (Radha) the spirituality of the Hindu tradition and the handcrafted skill of Lladro," the statement said.

"On many occasions, Lladro artists have shown a fascination in their work for Eastern cultures, and very especially for India," the Valencia-based creator of porcelain art said, introducing its series, "The Spirit of India".

Hindustantimes.com

Newkerala.com

We all are human beings whatever be our religions

"We all are human beings whatever be our religions. Our main identity is that we all are Bangladeshis here. Let us work together in the interest and greater good of the country by maintaining this identity," Begum Zia told the leaders of Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha- Christian Kalyan Front who called on her on the occasion of the Janmastami festival of the Hindu community.

Nation.ittefaq.com

Dwarka all set for Janmashtami

DWARKA is gearing up for the upcoming Janmashtami festival on August 27 as preparations for the same have been started in full swing by the Dwarkadheesh Devasthan Samiti under the leadership of its chairman and district collector T Natrajan. Parimal Nathwani, vice chairman of the samiti said that work to illuminate the temple precincts and peaks have commenced, making the temple visible from as far as 10 kilometers.

Expressindia.com

Sri Krishna Jayanthi celebration begins

Arrangements for the Sri Krishna Jayanthi celebrations are on full swing in the entire city.

Various programmes have been chalked out for the week from Sunday till the Sri Krishna Jayanthi Day on August 26. Announcing the Jayanthi celebrations, saffron flags will be on display at the houses and public spots.

Keralaonline.com

Wake up to Krishna Consciousness

Every time that humanity sinks down to the last depths of spiritual ignorance, then, there is the birth of an adept who undertakes a public mission of spiritual service. Janmashtami marks Krishna's birth.In the Bhagwad Gita, the central tenet expressed by Lord Krishna is that day to day activity and spirituality can co-exist. It is your mental and spiritual attitude which is most important. Krishna says: "One untainted by egoism and unentangled remains spiritually unaffected by acts done in the discharge of duty."

Cybernoon.com

One, two, three... Janmashtami countdown clock is ticking

With Janmashtami round the corner, the Dwarkadheesh Devasthan Samiti, under the guidance of its chairman and Jamnagar district collector T Natarajan, is all geared up to make this years festivity an eventful one.

For the devotees of Shri Dwarkadhish Prabhu, who can not make it to Dwarka for the Krishna Janmahotsav Celebration, the organizers at Dwarkadhish Devasthan Samiti will faclititate live web cast of Krishnajanmahotsav on Dwarkadhish.org, the official website of the Jagad Mandir, Dwarka.

Expressindia.com

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen reveals spiritual side

It turns out that Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen is "one with everything." He's been dabbling in the philosophies of Hare Krishna for quite some time - but don't expect him to turn up at the airport dancing in saffron robes and banging a tambourine.

"No, but I'll talk to those guys," he says. "They're just doing their thing, you know? It's very noble. If there were more people like Hare Krisha in this world, we certainly wouldn't be at war."

Jam.canoe.ca

Krishna: cameo hero of the Yakshagana

Lord Krishna who celebrates his birthday each Shravana masa is perhaps, the most colourful of all Indian gods. ‘Krishna consciousness’, the product of the romanticism of the Puranas, the fantastic visualisation of the epics and harsh reality of history– fits into any time-frame. Making use of strange mannerisms and interesting playfulness, Krishna showed the meaningless existence of a stagnant culture and stirred it into activity. This unique personality has inspired all Indian art media.

Deccanherald.com

Thousands to attend Watford Janmashtami

Over 75,000 Hindus and other visitors are expected to gather at the sleepy town of Aldenham, just north of London on August 26 and August 28 to celebrate the 5000 year-old Hindu festival of Janmashtami at the famous Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple.

Hindustantimes.com

Yahoo! News Photo



An Indian Hindu shopkeeper cleans idols of Hindu God Krishna (purple) and Goddess Radha ahead of the Hindu festival of Krishna Janmashtami in the northern Indian city of Amritsar August 22, 2005. Krishna Janmashtami or the birthday of lord Krishna will be marked across the country on Saturday this year. REUTERS/Munish Sharma

Yahoo! News Photo

Street parade to honour Krishna

The colourful event has been described by the head of the Hare Krishna Movement in the UK as "an amazing east-meets-west experience."

Praghosa Das added: "The traditional Indian singing, dancing and free vegetarian food and the sheer exotic pageantry make it a fun day out for all the family."

The festival was first seen outside India in San Francisco in 1967. It has been held annually in London since 1969, but this is said to be the first time the festival had come to Wales.

bbc news

A Woodstock Wedding



On the last day of the Woodstock Festival, Tara Dasa and Radha Sakhi Vrnda Devi Dasi were married on the main stage of Krsna's Village of Peace.

Dipika.org

New E-Zine: Age of Kali

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is such a spiritual master. Most people may think that to be humble and tolerant is the only qualities of a spiritual master, but, the real quality of a spiritual master is his compassion. Therefore he doesn't hesitate to speak out against an unjust and misleading civilization .

These aren't someones small minded opinions that are eagerly shared hoping the change the world.

This is standard knowledge coming from the Vedic culture, the oldest culture in the world.

Age of Kali, a zine for spiritual awareness in a materialistic society, only wishes to present this knowledge as it is, showing how relevant and essential it is in our society today.

Ageofkali.com

Mahabharata video production in Spanish

Video production of selected scenes from Mahabharata, made by the devotees of Sri Sri Radha Madan Vihari Mandir, Lima, Perú.

Version en Español (9MB .mov)

A New ISKCON Centre for Brussels

For the first time in fifteen years, Europe's capital city has an ISKCON temple. Saturday, 13 August 2005 marked the official opening of this small but significant centre in one of the few major cities of the world to be without a Hare Krishna temple.

Nearby Amsterdam has one, as do Rome, Paris, Berlin, and London. Now, Lilasuka Dasa has helped a small group of Brussels residents grow into the driving force behind a new centre for Brussels.

Iskcon.com

Hands that inspire worship

Chandigarh, August 14: Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Sector 20-B, Chandigarh is busy preparing for Sree Krishan Janamasthmi which will be celebrated on August 27. Although many temples will be celebrating the same but Chaitanya Math stands out completely.

The amount of effort and creativity with which this festival has been celebrated by Chaitanya Math in the past years is marvelled at by the residents. While talking to Newsline, an activist of the Math, Vishnu Maharaj said, ‘‘Every year Chaitanya Math celebrates Janamasthmi in a grand manner. We make statues out of clay to exemplify Gods and various mythological instances’’. Further commenting, Vishnu Maharaj who had come from Delhi, told that an artist from Bihar is especially invited to make the statues. The statues are made attractive by adding light and sound effects to them.

Expressindia.com

Stories of Krishna: The Adventures of a Hindu God

Who is Krishna? Why is he blue? And why do women find him so attractive? Step into his world and join the adventures of a Hindu god.

This interactive web site allows you to explore a selection of the paintings featured in the exhibition Painted Visions from India and Pakistan, Past and Present.

Seattle Art Museum: Stories of Krishan

Disappearance Festival of Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj



Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari on this special day.

Picture book of the disappearance Festival of Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj held at the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram, Soquel, California

www.scsmath.com

Lord Balarama Appearance Day - Friday. Aug 19

Sri Baladeva Prabhu, the original Narayana, is the vaibhava-prakasa of Govinda. He is the original cause of all emanations. The Propagating Prime Cause of individuality or the All-pervading Function-Holder of the Personal Godhead is also Baladeva-He is svayam-prakasa. Sri Baladeva's color is white, different from Krsna. He carries a buffalo horn, which produces more sound than the flute of Krsna. Therefore He is known as the Horn-holder (Singadhrka). Sri Baladeva possesses qualities like Krsna. He is the fountainhead or prime source of the all-embracing, all-pervading and all-extending energy. The actual meaning of these definitions cannot be understood completely using limited mundane terminology.

By His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaj

VNN.org

Youth Retreat Empowers Second Generation

“I have never been so motivated before in my life,” exclaimed Priyanka Tyagi, a 16-year-old from Maryland. “There are so many things that I’ve always wanted to do, to help the world and to improve my own spiritual life. Thanks to this retreat, I feel like I finally have the tools I need to actually do them.” Like her fellow retreat-goers, Priyanka took part in workshops led by motivational speakers and senior devotees from the worldwide Hare Krishna community, on the subject of personal leadership and empowerment.

Iskcon.com

Congregational Preaching Festival in South America

The Ministry for Congregational Development is organizing three large festivals in South America this year. At first we were planning to hold one really big maha-festival, but then realized that it would be impossible for all interested devotees to come together at one place at the same time. We therefore decided to hold the festival at three strategically located places. The participating devotees and the equipment will have to travel from one place to the next by busses:

* La Paz, Bolivia October 14-18, 2005
* Lima, Peru October 22-29, 2005
* Guayaquil, Ecuador October 26-29, 2005

Mayapurforum.net

Joyful summerdays in Nanda Falva



A short report from the 10th European Mela of the Vrinda family from Nanda Falva, Hungary. This time the devotees could enjoy very special sadhu sanga because of the presence of many spiritual masters, sannyasis and disciples of different spiritual masters around the world. The Mela was conducted under the guidance of Srila Guru Maharaja and the nice hospitality of the Hungarian devotees and especially Srila Krishnananda acarya prabhu and Srila Harijan Maharaja.

Vrindanews.com

Sri Sri Radha Madan Mandir at Parsik Hills prepares for Janmashtami

“Raasleela will be conducted from 21st to 27th of this month from 6:30 p.m. onwards. Janmashtami is on the 27th of August with Janma Abhishek and Maha Arati from 12 am to 1 am. Lighting has been arranged from Chandan Nagar in West Bengal. Trucks full of the required material will arrive on 15th, and preparations will be in full swing then”, said Mr. Tejasvi Sharma, who looks after the administrative work in the temple.

“We are also going to light up the entire road that leads upto the temple here, i.e. right from the foot of the hill to the top. Lighting will be such that it will look as if Shri Krishna is moving his hands, and eating butter”, he informs.

“A troupe of children of children will be coming here from Vrindavan to put up a few cultural programmes. The Bhagvad Gita readings, and kirtans will be taking place simultaneously”, informs the Temple InCharge Rajiv Lochan Das.

Kirtans are conducted in the temple premises everyday at 7 p.m. and in between 7:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. is the pravarchan by the Gaudiya Vaisnava Acharya Srila Bhakti Swarupa Tirtha Maharaja. And on Sundays at 5 p.m. onwards.

Vashi2panvel.com

ISKCON competitions for school children

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) will conduct fancy dress and quiz competitions on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations for children tomorrow. All children studying between LKG and Vth are eligible to participate in the fancy dress competition (Rasabihari) on the other hand school children studying from IX to XII can participate in the quiz competition (Vipra).

Newstodaynet.com

Meeting of Faiths Held

The Hindu Forum of Britain hosted an evening of Friendship and Trust with leaders from the World’s seven largest Faiths; Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Jainism and Sikhism this week.

Sruti Dharma Dasa, Vice President of Bhaktivedanta Manor ISKCON temple, who rendered the concluding prayers said, “Faith leaders have an important role to play in engaging their congregations to develop relationships of friendship and trust with other communities. We were delighted to be a part of this charming celebration that will hopefully inspire others to extend hands of friendship to other faith communities.”

Clickwalla.com

Cardiff to host first Ratha-yatra on Aug 20

Cardiff is to host its first ever "Ratha-yatra festival of Chariots" when it comes to the heart of the capital on August 20, 2005. Hundreds of pilgrims and devotees will hand pull the 40-foot high colourful wooden chariot carrying the deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama from City Hall to Coopers fields. The giant chariot will be accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians, and dancers.

"Cardiff will be pulsating to Indian spiritual sounds with instruments from across the globe," averred the Iskcon spokesperson. At Coopers fields, where the procession comes to an end, revellers will participate in a cultural and educational fair, delving into the spiritual heart of India.

Hindustantimes.com

Hindu American Philanthropy in the Diaspora

A number of recent studies have focused on the role that Indian-American philanthropic organizations play in promoting social development and goodwill both in America as well as in India.

The religious movements (and their representative nonprofit foundations/ institutions that raise funds and execute civil society and social welfare programs) studied were as follows: The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), Chinmaya Mission, The Kanchipuram Math, The Veda Vyasa Foundation, Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation Inc, The Sankara Eye Foundation, The Sathya Sai Baba organization, Swami Dayanand Saraswati and All India Movement for Seva, Ramakrishna Mission, and ISKCON.

Prof Raghunath of Kanchi Kamakoti Seva Foundation says, “Indians (Hindus) in the US are focused on donating to God (temples) and not for people. But they don't understand that donating to God is equal to donating to mankind.

Indolink.com

ISKCON's sale of sankirtan items

Srimad Bhagavatham & Bhagavad-Gita (Available in English, Tamil, Hindi,Kannada, Telugu & Malayalam), Bhagavatham and Bhagavad-Gita - based major topic books above 100 types in the south Indian languages, children books, stories and colouring books, greeting cards, Krishna Stickers, paintings - world classic Krishna related posters, cassette and CD's of Bhajans - audio and video, children interactive CD's, varieties of jaba malas etc. are on sale.

Newstodaynet.com

Indians gear up for Janmashtami

About 200 to 300 volunteers are meeting every evening for a month to paint, cook, create exhibits, design costumes, practice plays, film videos, construct stages and scores of marquees to prepare for the largest and most colourful Hindu gathering that takes place outside India every year.

On August 26 and 28, Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford will host the annual Janmashtami festival to receive over 75,000 visitors and pilgrims. The entire festival is managed and run by volunteers from the community who gather every evening after work for a month prior to the event and put in countless hours of hard work for the occasion.

Hindustantimes.com

Thousands throng Sree Krishna temple

GURUVAYUR: Thousands thronged the Sree Krishna temple here on Monday. The long queues for entry into the temple were extended up to the main road in the morning. Police personnel outside the temple had a tough time controlling the crowd and vehicles.

The devaswom officials and securitymen managed the devotees inside the temple. V. Dakshinamoorthy, O.N.V. Kurup, Union Minister of State Suryakanti, playback singer Jyotsna, M.D. Somasekharan and G. Venugopal offered worship at the temple.

Newindpress.com

Welcome to the Sankirtana Festival Group



Hare Krishna and welcome to our flickr group for posting photos of our monthly Sankirtana festivals. Here you'll find many pictures of devotees participating in Harinama and book distribution at various locations throughout the bay area.

ISKCON SV Sankirtan Festivals

International Vaisnava Film/Video Festival - Mayapura 2006

A panel of judges will select the best videos devotees have produced in the last three years, and the Film Festival organizers will show these videos during the festival for all the assembled Vaisnavas. Prizes will be awarded in both artistic and technical categories. The winners will receive the "Nityananda" awards and prizes at the end of the Film Festival. No entry fees. Send a DVD of your masterpiece to ITV, PO Box 556, Topanga, CA 90290 along with your contact information. The overall winner will receive the prestigious "Gauranga" award. Email itv@charter.net

Chakra.org

New to Krishna Consciousness

For those who are new to the Krishna Conscious philosophy, here are a series of FLASH presentations introducing the philosophy to beginners.

What is Krishna Consciousness? (172k)
How can we become Krishna Conscious? (144k)
What is the Soul? (412k)
What is Yoga? (396k)
What is the Maha mantra? (216k)
What is Sanskrit? (64k)
What is the syllable Om? (312k)
Who is the girl with Krishna? (200k)
What are the Incarnations of the Lord (1.2mb)

www.iskcon.com.au

The Great Temple at Brindaban



The British Library - Oriental and India Office Collection

Photograph of the Govindadeva temple at Vrindavan, from the Murray Collection: 'Photographic views in Agra and its vicinity', taken by John Murray in the mid-1850s. Vrindavan is a pilgrimage town on the bank of the Yamuna river. The temple was built in 1590, only the mandapa, or large porch remains as the towered sanctuary was destroyed under the orders of Aurangzeb. The mandapa is built on a stepped plan and has projecting porches and balconies on two storeys. Influence from the style of contemporary mosque architecture can be seen in the use of arches, pointed vaults and a dome internally. The walls have deeply carved mouldings with no figural sculpture.

Collectbritain.co.uk

Paintings of India in the 1700's and early 1800's



Watercolour of the Madan Mohan temple at Brindaban

The painting style of India was not a realistic style using the European style of realism. That is the style where the artist attempts to draw or paint something exactly as it looks like. Instead the Indian artists didn't use perspective and painted 2 dimensional art not meant to look realistic. From their paintings we don't really get to see what India really looked like, they were stylists, not realists.

Fortunately many Europeans artists travelled all over India and painted what they saw. Also at that time there were Indian artists who began to use the European style of realism in their paintings as well.

Varnashrama-maui.com

There are 60-70 million Krishna followers in Russia

"There are 60-70 million Krishna followers in Russia, around 10,000 in Moscow alone. The movement’s flourishing there," says the guru, who has even faced prosecution by the KGB, the former Russian intelligence agency.

Many of his colleagues were jailed. Three of them, he recalls, died after being tortured. "We endured all sorts of hardships. We still face opposition from the orthodox Church in Russia. But we will not stop our mission".

Expressindia.com

Sree Vrajamandal Parikrama and Kartik Vrata 2005

Sree Vrajamandal Parikrama and Karik Vrata 2005 under the benign guidance of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Goswami Maharaj, President Acharya: Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math. and Concluding Ceremony of 3-year Birth-Centennial Celebrations of Most Revered Gurudeva Om Vishnupad 108 Sree Sremat Bhakti Dayita Madhav Goswami Maharaj at Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, Mathura Road, Vrindavan.

Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math will organise the month long Sree Vrajamandala Parikrama and Kartik Vrata in Braja Mandala. (from Oct 14, 2005 to Nov 12, 2005) All devotees are invited to participate.

Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math Mathura Road, Vrindavan. Phone: +91-565-2442199 email: info@sreecgmath.org

Ratha yatra in Colombia August 10 - September 2.2005



Join our festival and united prayer for world peace.

VRINDA Colombia

More info: rathayatracolombia@gmail.com

A land aglow with Krishna worship

The priest in the temple said that "Krishna has granted many favours to believers who make vows to him. Every night we hang new garlands made of fresh flowers and make a special flower-strewn bed in the shrine room.

We also keep a glass of fresh milk by the bedside. In the morning we find the flowers crushed the glass of milk empty. This is evidence that Krishna and Radha have visited the place". Krishna devotees in Mathura believe that Krishna and Radha are immortal.

Dailynews.lk

Muslims on rath yatra

In Orissa, the ratha yatra of Lord Jagannath has become a platform to bring people of both these faiths in a touching example of harmony.

Villagers of Narayanpur, more than 300 km away from the holy town of Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath, have set such an example. The rath yatra committee of the village has both Hindus and Muslims.

In fact the bank account for the purpose is operated jointly by Shyamsundar from the Hindu community and Rehmuddin representing Muslims. People of both religions pull the chariot on which are placed Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.

Mid-day.com

People of all ethnic and religious background celebrated 'Rath-Yatra'

People of all ethnic and religious background celebrated 'Rath-Yatra' (Festival of Chariots), in Nairobi, Kenya Saturday, July 30, 2005. 'Rath-Yatra' has been observed for thousands of years in India. The procession was followed by food distribution, singing and dancing at the Hare Krishna temple.

Central Chronicle Picture of the Day

Hare Krishna cultural parade, feast at Festival of the Chariots in Venice

The 29th annual Festival of the Chariots, a Hare Krishna celebration that includes a parade, a free feast and live entertainment, is coming to Venice Beach Sunday, August 7th.

Once it reaches Venice, the festival will feature a free feast (20,000 plates prepared in the Krishna tradition) and three stages of live entertainment that includes drummers, sword fighters, Indian dance performance, drama and "mantra rock."

The event will also have information booths on Hare Krishna traditions and beliefs as well as Indian art and culture.

The Argonaut newspaper

Gov. Huntsman visits Krishna Temple

"We respect the Hindu culture and the role it plays in world culture," Huntsman said to the Krishna Temple's leaders and congregation. "I've long believed that Utah can be a state for everyone. I deeply believe that."

The Daily Herald

3rd Annual Vaishnavi Retreat

October 7th, 8th & 9th, 2005 - New Vrndavana, WV

"An Eclectic Autumn Experience in the Appalachian Foothills"

Lion wins mane prize at parade

A 20ft-tall fire-breathing lion roamed the streets of Borehamwood on Saturday in the 49th annual Town Festival Parade.

One of the three judges, Derek Norman, manager of Borehamwood's Community Shops, said: "It was amazing to see how hard everybody worked. The entry from the Hare Krishnas was like nothing I've ever seen before — it was incredible."

Borehamwood times

Acknowledging the Past, Looking To the Future

The purpose of the meeting, according to ISKCON Communications Director, Anuttama Dasa, is "to come together, acknowledge the past, develop a groundwork for healing, and envision together how to move forward to build a healthy and supportive Krishna conscious society."

Iskcon.com

TV Documentary: My Hare Krsna Family

The television documentary, "My Hare Krishna Family," is due to be screened on the 18th of August 2005, on the channel SABC 2 in South Africa. The documentary was made by non-devotees, and may prove quite interesting as it features the famous South African actor Frank Opperman, who is related to a devotee, as well as interviews with HH Mahavishnu Swami, and film clips of several temples in South Africa and Ghana.

Chakra.org

Disappearance Festival 2005 of Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Invitation

Honourable Vaishnavas, Godbrothers, Godsisters, Devotees and Friends: Please accept our humble obeisances. We, the Members and Devotees of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math under the divine guidance of our Sevaite-President-Acharyya, His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, are humbly inviting your respected selves along with your associates and families for the Annual Disappearance Festival of our most beloved Srila Guru Maharaj, Om Nitya-Lila Pravista Paramahamsa Churamani Sri Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Visnupad. The festival will be held this year on Friday 5th August, at the dearmost place of his Divine Pastimes, Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Nabadwip Dham.

Scsmath.com

Omkara Promo CD and mp3



Omkara is a positive hardcore band from Poland. The foundation of Omakara songs are based on the eastern philisophical teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. With common beliefs such as living a simple drug-free vegetarian lifestyle, Omkara are dedicated to spreading this philosophy worldwide.

New MP3s:
1. Nadal Nie Wiemy (promo).mp3
2. Maya (promo).mp3
3. Maha Mantra (promo).mp3

Omkara official page (english)