On Wednesday, October 29th, ISKCON Toronto celebrated Govardhana Puja. Festivities began with an intimate 6:00 pm arati which was followed by the singing of the Damodarastakam prayers, during which devotees offered lamps to Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha. The program then continued with a class by HG Rupanuga das about the wonderful pastime of Lord Krsna lifting Govardhana Hill to protect the inhabitants of Vrndavana.
The temple room was transformed by a large replica of Govardhana Hill made of halava which was beautifully decorated with fruits and sweets. The offerings to Govardhana Hill kept growing as devotees continued to arrive throughout the program.
After the class, devotees were led on parikrama (circumambulation) of Govardhana Hill accompanied by exuberant kirtan which led into an ecstatic 8:00 pm arati. When the doors opened for this final arati, devotees were treated to a special darshan as Ksira-Chora Gopinatha was presented with a new golden cowherd staff.
The evening was capped off with a sumptuous prasadam feast that was enjoyed by all. Special thanks to all the devotees that helped prepare Govardhan Hill and the delicious offerings.
Please View our Festival Gallery Below: