Krishna Janmastami marks the anniversary of the appearance of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead on this earth. The Vedas state that Krishna is the original person, but that He always appears young and attractive. He knows everything, He contains all of reality, and all other living beings are His inseparable parts. He is the all-powerful, supreme controller of all energies.
For South Africa and many other parts of the world this auspicious day fell on the 22nd of August and at ISKCON temples all over Gauteng, South Africa and the world wonderful celebrations were held to commemorate this occasion. The day begins with the mangala arati ceremony at 4:30 and throughout the day there are numerous festivities. The main program was held in the evening with some highlights being the bathing ceremony for the Deities, the cultural program, the exquisite chanting, a discourse on the appearance and glories of Sri Krishna, an elaborate feast and the many stalls with spiritual wares.
The day reaches crescendo at midnight when a special arati ceremony is performed to the accompaniment of loud, ecstatic chanting and the unveiling of the third new outfit for the Lordships. Here are a few pictures from the day’s celebrations.
The midnight celebrations co-inciding with the time of Sri Krishna’s appearance on this earth some 5000 years ago. The appearance, activities, nature and qualities of Sri Krishna are described in great detail in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Here is a very brief excerpt pertaining to the appearance of Krishna:
“At that time, in all directions there was an atmosphere of peace and prosperity. There were auspicious stars visible in the sky, and on the surface in all towns and villages and pasturing grounds and within the minds of everyone there were signs of good fortune. The rivers were flowing full of waters, and lakes were beautifully decorated with lotus flowers. The forests were full with beautiful birds and peacocks. All the birds within the forests began to sing with sweet voices, and the peacocks began to dance along with their consorts. The wind blew very pleasantly, carrying the aroma of different flowers …
Vasudeva saw that wonderful child born as a baby with four hands, holding conchshell, club, disc and lotus flower, decorated with the mark of Srivatsa, wearing the jeweled necklace of kaustubha stone, dressed in yellow silk, appearing dazzling like a bright blackish cloud, wearing a helmet bedecked with the vaidurya stone, valuable bracelets, earrings and similar other ornaments all over His body, and beautified by an abundance of hair on His head. Due to the extraordinary features of the child, Vasudeva was struck with wonder.”