On Friday, August 23rd we will be celebrating Krishna Janmastami, the appearance day of Lord Krishna. This occasion marks the biggest and grandest celebration at Toronto’s Hare Krishna Temple. Lord Krishna appeared over five thousand years ago in Mathura. His name means the all attractive one. He is transcendental, all-knowing and possesses all the qualities of all the avatars yet He remains as an ever-youthful cowherd boy. His beauty and sweetness know no bounds. Lord Krishna is the spiritual master and friend to all.
The Temple will be buzzing with activity on Janmastami day starting at 4:30am with Mangala arati. Morning festivities also feature Darshan arati where Thier Lordships are unveiled in thier new outfit as well as a discourse on Srimad Bhagvatam by special guest HG Chaitanya Charan das.
The main festivities will start at 6pm and go until midnight. The evening will be filled with kirtan, bhajans, discourses, dances and an abhishek (bathing ceremony). The highlight is of course the countdown to midnight. A special arati will be performed to their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha who will be dressed in an exquisite flower outfit!
Evening Program Schedule:
6:00 – 6:30 PM Arati
6:30 – 6:45 PM Announcements
6:45 – 7:45 PM Janamastami discourse by special guest HG Chaitanya Charan das
7:45 – 8:00 PM Welcome dance presented by Krishna Fun School
8:00 – 8:30 PM Aarti
8:30 – 9:00 PM Dashavatar Presentation by Krishna Fun School)
9:00 – 10:00 PM Patron Kalash Abhishek (see details below)
10:00 – 10:30PM Bhakti Rasa dance performance
10:30 – 11:15PM Essense of Janamashtami- A Guided Multimedia & Musical Presentation
11:15 -11:30 PM Kirtan
11:30 – 12:00 AM Grand Final Maha Abhishek
12:00 – 12:30 AM Midnight Arati
12:30 AM Maha Feast
**SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***
Sponsor a kalash, a rare opportunity to participate in the bathing ceremony of Sri Sri Radha Krishna with auspicious liquids on Janmastami! Sponsors will get to take home their decorative Kalasha (pot). Click here for more information!
PARKING INFORMATION:
Paid parking within 10 minutes walking distance of the temple at:
- 55 Avenue Road (Whole Foods/Underground)
- 251 Macpherson Ave
- 1010 Yonge Street
- 15 Price Street