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Houston ISCKON Janmashtami celebrations draws over 7000 devotees
The ceremony coincided with the 38th installation anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Nila Madhava, the largest presiding deity of the temple.
Deities inside the temple / ImageCourtesy: VijayPallod
Janmashtami was celebrated in a grand manner by the Houston chapter of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on Aug. 26, with more than 7,000 enthusiastic devotees attending to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna.
The Hindus of Greater Houston co-sponsored the festival during which over 300 volunteers performed a wide range of tasks, from cooking and setting up shuttle services to decorating and organizing cultural events.
The festivities got underway as attendees were greeted with tilaks, (marks on the forehead with sandalwood paste). The Sankirtan crew performed congregational chants of Lord Krishna’s holy names with traditional instruments like the kartals and mridanga. Food stalls and book stalls offered their services to the devotees throughout the event.
The ceremony coincided with the 38th installation anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Nila Madhava, the largest presiding deity of the temple. The celebrations spread to the temple gardens and the Gauranga Community Hall in addition to the entry grounds and the temple room.
A highlight of the celebrations was the outdoor light and sound show—KRSNA, which brought to life the story of Krishna's birth. Furthermore, the Hindus of Greater Houston organized a children's costume contest at Gauranga Hall, which attracted 114 participants, thereby establishing a new record. The judges awarded the most outstanding costumes in each age category.
The celebration culminated at midnight, precisely at the moment of Krishna's birth. The idols were revealed behind the curtains. Joyful singing persisted as the maha aarti, which entails the reception and worship of the Deities with objects such as effulgent oil lamps and flowers, was performed on the altar.
“It was truly amazing to provide a blissful and spiritual experience to thousands of Houstonians that visited our temple on the most auspicious day. We are grateful for our organizing partners, Hindus of Greater Houston and over 300 volunteers that came together with dedication to create the memorable celebrations as an amazing birthday offering to our presiding Deities, Sri Sri Radha Nilamadhava, as they were installed exactly 38 years ago on August 26, 1986” – said ISKCON of Houston Temple president, Saranga Thakur Dasa.
The Indian Consul General in Houston DC Manjunath, and other officials from the States of Texas, Harris County, Fort Bend County, and the City of Houston graced the festival. These dignitaries included the Chief of Police for the City of Houston, the District Attorney for Fort Bend, and the staff of the Harris County Commissioner's office, who also issued a proclamation.
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