The appearance of Lord Sri Krsna was celebrated at Sri Narasingha Caitanya Matha on Tuesday 7th September.
Many congregation members from Mysore, Mandya and Bangalore arrived a few days before Janmastami to help prepare for the festivities.
After decorating the temples, devotees sat down to hear Srila Narasingha Maharaja speak on the pastimes of Lord Krsna and His divine appearance. Srila Narasingha Maharaja explained how Sri Krsna never leaves Vrndavana and the exclusivity of the devotional sentiments shown by the residents of Vraja.
After the class, H.H. Haridasa Babaji Maharaja and Vamanadeva Dasa led bhajanas until 2:30 when nagesvaram was played for the Deities pleasure. This was followed by the abhiseka of Lord Govinda Who was bathed in many substances, such as milk, ghee, honey and water from different kundas in Vrndavana, while the nagesvaram continued.
The abhiseka ceremony was followed by a palki (palanquin) procession where devotees carried the Deities of Sri Sri Gandharvika-Kanaka Govinda-sundara accompanied by nagesvaram, flute and the chanting of the Holy Names.
Srila Narasingha Maharaja led a very enthusiastic crowd in the kirtana while Srila Visnu Maharaja offered the arati to their Lordships at 7:00 pm.
After the arati, there was a grand firework display and a flute recital by Murali Krsna Dasa.
The program continued with uninterrupted bhajanas until 11:30 pm when 120 bhoga preparations were offered to the Lord. At 12:00 pm Srila Narasingha Maharaja offered the midnight arati to Sri Sri Radhika Madhava-sundara, following which all the assembled devotees honored a sumptuous prasadam feast.
This years Sri Krsna Janmastami celebrations was the biggest yet for the asrama. Approximately 8,000 guests had the good fortune of taking the Lord's prasadam.
