The sacred hill of ISKCON Bangalore in Rajajinagar witnessed the participation of tens and thousands of devotees for Sri Brahmotsava 2025—a 12-day festival held from April 12 to 23. This yearly celebration honours the appearance of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra and other presiding Deities, and marks 28 years since Their installation at the temple on Hare Krishna Hill.
Steeped in tradition, rituals, and vibrant displays of celebration, this year’s Brahmotsava was a confluence of significant ceremonies and cultural events, drawing devotees, spiritual leaders, artists, and well-wishers from across the country.
Auspicious Beginnings: Dhvaja Arohana Ceremony
The inaugural event was the Dhvaja Arohana ceremony, where a flag with the symbol of Garuda was raised on the temple flag post. Following this, a abhisheka to Garuda was performed and the devatas of the eight directions were invited to participate in the 12-day celebrations. Devotees offered prayers and worshiped Garuda with a sacred bath and puja.
On the evening of Day 1 of the festival, spiritual leader HH Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji, Head Pontiff of Shiroor Mutt offered their blessings and shared an inspiring message.
Each morning began with a Brahmotsava homa, a sacred fire ceremony where Vedic mantras were chanted. Devotees were invited to attend and receive blessings from Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra.
Grand Processions for 12-day Brahmotsava
Every evening, the beautifully decorated Utsava Deities of Radha and Krishna were taken on different vahanas, such as Hanumad Vahana, commemorating Lord Rama’s pastimes; Garuda Vahana, divine bird-carrier of Lord Vishnu; Gaja Vahana ; and Ashva (Horse), Ananta Shesha, and Surya Prabha vahanas, each offering a glimpse into various divine manifestations of the Lord. These Pallakki processions were filled with harinama sankirtana, dancing, and the joyful chanting of the Hare Krishna mahamantra. The Deities were dressed in new clothes and ornaments each day, commemorating the pastimes of Lord Krishna associated with the vahana for that day.
Devotion Through Music, Dance, and Drama
Cultural programs added even more joy to the celebrations. Devotees performed beautiful dramas like Bhakta Prahlada and Krishna! Bhaktavatsala, sharing inspiring stories from scripture. There were classical dances, devotional songs, and lively kirtans. Groups like FOLK and Sadhika Matajis offered their talents as acts of devotion.
The event also included talks by HH Raghuvijaya Tirtha Swamiji and Sri Dushyanth Sridhar, which deeply enhanced the devotees’ understanding of spiritual life. HH Raghuvijaya Tirtha Swamiji’s words were filled with spiritual depth, inspiring the devotees to reflect on their own journeys, while Dushyanth Sridhar’s teachings beautifully connected ancient philosophy to contemporary life, offering practical wisdom.
The Grand Chariot Festival and Churna Abhisheka
On April 21, the most important day of Brahmotsava, the Deities were carried in a large wooden chariot called the Brahma Ratha. Dressed in divine alankara and surrounded by hundreds of devotees, They were worshiped with unique offerings. As the chariot moved, the crowd sang and danced in happiness.
On the following day, the Deities received a Churna Abhisheka, Abhisheka (a traditional bath) with turmeric, sandalwood, and other sacred items. Devotees watched with devotion as the offerings were gently poured over the Deities. The atmosphere was calm and respectful, with devotional songs and mantra chanting accompanying it throughout the event.
Devotees and Volunteers: The Heart of Brahmotsava
Behind the beauty of the festival were hundreds of devotees and volunteers who worked day and night. They arranged flowers, lights, music, food, and decorations, all as an offering of love to the Lord.
Sing, Dance and Lead by Dr. Hindol Sengupta
During the Brahmotsava celebrations the newly launched book, Sing, Dance and Lead, authored by Dr. Hindol Sengupta was introduced. The book highlights Srila Prabhupada’s unique leadership style, blending divine inspiration, scholarship, and humility to motivate and inspire people from diverse backgrounds.
It explores how Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual leadership can be applied in both spiritual and professional contexts. The book also delves into the timeless value of Indian philosophy, especially the guru-shishya parampara, in leadership development.
Theppotsava and Closing Ceremony
On the concluding day, the Theppotsava (boat festival) took place. The Deities were placed on a beautifully decorated boat and taken around the Kalyani (temple pond), which sparkled with lights and flowers. The scene was serene and filled with bliss. Following this, the Sudarshana Chakra, the divine discus of Lord Krishna, was ceremoniously offered abhisheka and was immersed respectfully in the Kalyani amidst kirtans.
The festival concluded with the Dhvaja Avarohana, where the Garuda flag was lowered, marking the return of the devatas to their respective abodes. Devotees were sprinkled with holy water (samprokshana), bringing a graceful close to the celebration.
Sri Brahmotsava 2025 was conducted in accordance with established traditions, combining ritual observances with cultural events and discourses. The festival concluded with the lowering of the ceremonial flag, marking the end of the observances for this year. People left with smiles and gratitude, looking forward to the next Brahmotsava—another chance to serve, celebrate, and grow in spiritual life.