Kartika Deepotsava at ISKCON Bangalore is truly one of its kind. This year, Kartika Deepotsava was celebrated across all three centers of ISKCON Bangalore — ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill, ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, and ISKCON Hare Krishna Dham, Whitefield . It was a grand festival that illuminated not only the temples but also the hearts of devotees.
With thousands of lamps lit all over the temple, pillared walkways and ceilings adorned with hanging sky lanterns, and the entire complex glowing in the warm light of ghee lamps, the atmosphere was supremely spiritual and serene.
Everyday, volunteers distributed ghee lamps personally encouraging everyone to offer lamps to Lord Damodara. Thousands of devotees visited every day, moving in disciplined queues, patiently waiting for their turn to offer lamps along with their heartfelt prayers to Sri Krishna.
“Temple means spiritual educational shelter. People should come and learn what is spiritual life, what is God, what is my relationship with God.”
This vision of Srila Prabhupada was beautifully reflected in the festive atmosphere of Kartika Deepotsava, where every aspect of the celebrations inspired learning, and devotional service.
Every evening, the celebration unfolded with great devotion and eagerness.
After the evening naivedya was offered to the Lord, the curtain closed.
This was followed by an explanation of Damodara lila – the significance of offering ghee lamps and the meaning of the name “Damodara” (rope around the belly). Bhajans began with the blowing of the conch and the opening of the altar curtains, revealing the radiant forms of the Deities.
As the Damodarashtakam resounded through the temple, devotees joined in the chorus, following the kirtan leaders. Once the arati was offered to Their Lordships, the arati lamps were first offered to Srila Prabhupada and then shown to all the devotees, allowing everyone to receive the Lord’s blessings.
As the Damodarashtakam concluded, devotees offered their ghee lamps, performing arati, offering obeisances, and prayers. On Utthana Ekadashi, the temples witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotees who came to seek the Lord’s blessings.
Devotees of ISKCON Hare Krishna Dham, Whitefield, organised the Kartika Deepotsava celebrations in various gated communities, inspiring many families to participate in the festivities over several weekends.
As the month-long magnificent celebrations draw to a close, a tender emotion fills every heart – a sense of separation, knowing that this ocean of light, and divine joy will return again only after a year.
Thus, Kartika Deepotsava is a festival of lamps, love, surrender, and longing for the Lord’s mercy. When this festival eventually comes to an end, the hearts of devotees yearn for the return of this festival of divine love and light.
The Deepotsava celebrations will continue until 20 November at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, allowing devotees to further immerse themselves in the light of devotion.
Visit the temple to witness a grand arati to Sri Rajadhiraja Govinda and receive the blessings of the Lord.