Grand Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebration at ISKCON Chennai ECR Draws Thousands of Devotees
Chennai: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Chennai, located on East Coast Road (ECR), witnessed an overwhelming turnout of devotees and well-wishers on Saturday, August 16, 2025, for the grand celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. The temple premises came alive with vibrant decorations, devotional fervor, and spiritual festivities as thousands gathered to honor the divine appearance of Lord Krishna.
The day began in the early hours with Mangala Arati at 4:30 AM, setting a sacred tone for the celebrations. This was followed by Srimad Bhagavatam classes, Guru Puja, and a special darshan of the beautifully adorned deities of Sri Radha Krishna. Throughout the day, the temple echoed with the chanting of the holy names during the Kirtan Mela, led by renowned kirtaniyas who inspired the crowd with their soulful renditions.
As evening approached, the spiritual energy intensified. The Sandhya Arati was performed with great devotion, leading into the Maha Abhishekam at 10:30 PM. During this sacred ritual, the deities were ceremoniously bathed in milk, ghee, honey, and fruit juices amidst Vedic chants and melodious bhajans, creating a deeply moving experience for all present.
The highlight of the night was the midnight celebration of Lord Krishna’s divine birth. Devotees gathered with great anticipation for the Maha Arati at 12:00 AM, marking the auspicious moment with joy and reverence. The celebration concluded with the distribution of Anukalpa Prasadam to all attendees, ensuring that every devotee left spiritually nourished and fulfilled.
ISKCON Chennai expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chennai community for their enthusiastic participation and support. The success of the event was made possible by the tireless efforts of volunteers, the generosity of well-wishers, and the cooperation of the media in spreading the message of Janmashtami.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Shankar Jiwal, IPS, Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu, visited the temple and received darshan and blessings from Sri Radha Krishna. His presence was warmly welcomed by the temple management and devotees.
The Janmashtami celebration at ISKCON Chennai ECR was not just a festival—it was a profound expression of devotion, unity, and spiritual joy that will be cherished by all who attended.
