The month of Kartika (October–November) is a very special time for devotees all over the world. It is during this month that we celebrate Deepotsava, the Festival of Lights.

At ISKCON, this celebration is marked by a month-long offering of lamps, heartfelt singing of Damodarashtaka, and gatherings of devotees of all ages and from all walks of life.

What is Deepotsava?

Deepotsava literally means “a festival of lamps.” It is held in remembrance of a well-known childhood pastime of Lord Krishna, called the Damodara-lila.

In this pastime, Lord Krishna mischievously breaks a pot of butter and shares it with the monkeys. His mother, Yashoda, tries to discipline Him by tying Him with a rope. To her surprise, no matter how many ropes she adds, they are always two inches short. Finally, seeing her motherly effort, Lord Krishna allows Himself to be tied.

The name Damodara comes from the Sanskrit words dama (rope) and udara (belly). This pastime shows that although Krishna is beyond control, He allows Himself to be won over by pure, unalloyed love of His devotees.

The Meaning of Lighting Lamps

The central practice of Deepotsava is offering a ghee lamp to Lord Damodara.

Lighting a lamp is a simple act, but it carries a deep message. Just as a small flame can brighten a dark room, even a small act of devotion can light up our lives.

Vedic texts such as the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana highlight the importance of this practice. They explain that offering a lamp during the month of Kartika brings immense benefit, not just to the person offering it, but also to their family and community.

The Tale of the Two Trees

The Damodara-lila also has another memorable part. While still tied to the mortar, Krishna crawls between two tall arjuna trees in the courtyard. The mortar gets stuck, and with a mighty pull, Lord Krishna brings both trees crashing down.

To everyone’s astonishment, the fallen trees regain their original forms, Nalakuvara and Manigriva, sons of Kubera, liberated from their curse by Sri Narada Muni due to abominable activities. They expressed their gratitude to Lord Damodara, paid their obeisances and returned to their celestial abode.

Why Kartika Month is Special

Kartika, also called the Damodara month, is considered the most rewarding time for devotional activities.

Devotional acts such as offering lamps, chanting, and reading about Lord Krishna bring immense spiritual benefits. Devotees see this month as an opportunity to intensify their spiritual practices and develop their relationship to Krishna.

Deepotsava at ISKCON Bangalore

ISKCON temples across Bangalore celebrate Deepotsava with great enthusiasm. Each evening during Kartika, hundreds of lamps are offered, turning the temple into a sea of golden light.

The programme begins at 8 PM with an introduction to the festival, followed by an uplifting arati and the melodious singing of the Damodarashtaka prayer. Afterward, every visitor has the chance to personally offer a lamp to Lord Damodara.

The sight of hundreds of lamps brightly lit together is a divine experience, as it reflects the collective devotion of everyone present. The evening ends with the shayana pallakki utsava, a beautiful procession of the Deities in a decorated palanquin.

Celebrations at ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar

At ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar the temple organises the celebrations every evening at 8 PM. Devotees and visitors alike come together to offer lamps, sing, and take part in the festival.

Celebrations at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura

At ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, the program begins at 8 PM at the Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra Temple with arati and lamp offerings.

At 8:15 PM, the festivities continue at the Sri Rajadhiraja Govinda Temple with another special arati and lamp offering.

How You Can Participate? 

You can join the festival at ISKCON Bangalore temples, or you can celebrate at home by offering a simple ghee lamp daily during Kartika.

Inviting friends, family, or neighbours to participate makes the celebration even more meaningful.

ISKCON Bangalore also offers opportunities for you to be part of the festival through seva (service). You can sponsor:

• Annadana seva– feeding thousands of visitors with delicious vegetarian meals.
• Gau seva – supporting the care and protection of cows.
• Pushpalankara seva – decorating the Deities with flowers.
• Vishesha Naivedya seva – preparing and offering special dishes to the Lord.

By participating in these services, you become part of the celebrations in a deeper way, while also supporting the temple’s efforts to share the joy of Deepotsava with thousands of visitors.

Why You Should Offer a Lamp This Deepotsava

The image of Lord Krishna being bound by Mother Yashoda’s love teaches us that the Supreme Lord becomes conquered only by pure devotion. The sight of countless lamps glowing together reminds us that even the smallest service, when offered in devotion and united with others, can spread the light of Krishna consciousness throughout the world.

Deepotsava 2025 is not just a festival—it is an invitation. An invitation to light a lamp, sing a prayer, share a meal, and experience the joy of devotion with your family and community.

As the month of Kartika approaches, ISKCON warmly invites you to take part in Deepotsava 2025.

Whether at ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill or ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, this Festival of Lights is an opportunity to bring more joy, peace, and devotion into your life.

Come, offer a lamp this Kartika, and let the light of Deepotsava brighten your life with Krishna’s blessings.

Related Links: Deepotsava | Damodara Lila | Damodara Vrata | Damodarashtaka | Govardhana Puja