Following the auspicious and joyous celebrations of Sri Krishna Janmashtami and Nandotsava, ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill continued the spiritual fervour with a four-day special alankara for Sri Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra from 28 to 31 Aug. These sacred adornments draw inspiration from the rich traditions of Jagannatha Puri, bringing to life the divine pastimes of the Lord and uplifting the spirits of all present.
On 28 Aug, Their Lordships were adorned with the Vanabhoji alankara, commemorating Lord Krishna’s playful pastimes with His friends in the lush forests of Vrindavan. The Deities were beautifully decorated in royal tribal attire, carrying pots of cream, symbolising the simple and joyful moments of divine play.
The following day, on 29 Aug, the Kaliya Dalana alankara was offered, depicting Lord Krishna’s pastimes of fighting with and dancing on the many hoods of the poisonous serpent, Kaliya.
On 30 Aug, Their Lordships were adorned with the Pralambasura Vadh alankara, depicting Lord Baladeva killing the gigantic demon Pralambasura.
The four-day celebration culminated on 31 Aug with the Bada Singhar Besha for the morning mangala arati, during which Their Lordships were decorated with silk cloth, floral garlands and Tulasi. For the darshan arati and the remainder of the day, Their Lordships were adorned in Krishna Balarama alankara. This alankara beautifully depicts the childhood pastimes of Krishna and Balarama with their cows and friends in Vrindavan.
This celebration marked the first time these unique alankaras, inspired by the rich traditions of Jagannatha Puri, were offered to Their Lordships at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill. Devotees eagerly gathered for darshan, offering their prayers and homage with deep reverence and devotion, feeling privileged to witness such a rare and divine event.
The Vedic scriptures, such as the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, declare that the Lord’s birth and activities are transcendental to ordinary ones, and knowing them as they are guaranteed a return to His eternal and blissful abode. The scriptures also outline nine processes of devotional service, beginning with hearing, chanting, and remembering the Lord and His pastimes, which are essential to awakening one’s dormant devotion.