NYC celebrates Krishna Janmashtami at Hare Krishna Temple

Krishna Janmashtami, the appearance day or birthday of Lord Krishna, was celebrated at the New York Hare Krishna Temple on Friday, August 19th, from 4pm until midnight with over 2500 guests taking part in the festivities.
The free cultural and spiritual event encompassed a full experience of bhakti yoga practices, including live music, sacred chants, reading of sacred texts, dance and dramatic performances, meditation classes, books, gifts, and food sales. and opportunities for children to take part in Krishna related arts and crafts. A free vegetarian feast was served in the evening to all visitors. 

Special guests at the Temple’s celebration included Jenifer Rajkumar, New York State Assembly member – District 38, Dilip Chauhan, NYC Deputy Commissioner for International Affairs, Dr. Varun Jeph, Deputy Consul General of India, Sheetal Desai, Milan Cultural Association NY and Harish Thakkar, President of Association of Indians in America, NY Chapter. 

Honoring the significance of the celebration and the work of ISKCON, the Temple received proclamations from Ms. Rajkumar, on behalf of the New York State Assembly, and from Mr. Chauhan on behalf of NYC Mayor Eric Adams.  In his proclamation, Mayor Adams, declared August 19th, 2022, as ISKCON Day in New York City. Also Deputy Commissioner Chauhan emphasized the great community service of ISKCON during the time of COVID-19 by providing free vegetarian food to needy people. Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings you all the devotees are so blessed to have an ISKCON temple in the heart of New York City. 

“India’s sacred wisdom texts, the Vedas, explain that the ultimate personality of God is an ever-youthful, all-attractive person, and the most intimate friend of everyone,” says Hansa Rupa Das, ISKCON NYC Temple President, “That is why Janmashtami, the appearance day of Lord Krishna, is such a joyous occasion for us all.” 

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