Each year, millions of devotees worldwide eagerly await Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the divine appearance day of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna. This sacred observance unfolds over two important days — Janmashtami and Nandotsava — each revealing a distinct aspect of Krishna’s appearance and the loving devotion of His devotees.

The Night of the Divine Appearance — Janmashtami

Over 5,000 years ago, on the ashtami tithi (eighth lunar day) of the dark fortnight, Lord Krishna appeared in the prison house of Mathura. As described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.3.8–10), His birth was not ordinary, but divyam — transcendental, untouched by material nature.

Vasudeva and Devaki beheld Him in His four-armed form, adorned with the Kaustubha gem, the Srivatsa mark, and yellow garments shining against His dark, cloudlike complexion. He came to fulfil His eternal mission — to protect the devotees, annihilate the miscreants, and reestablish dharma.

For devotees, Janmashtami is not just a historical commemoration; it is a unique spiritual opportunity. In preparation, they observe fasting until midnight, chant the holy names, hear Krishna’s pastimes, engage in kirtan, participate in abhisheka, and render various services. As Krishna declares in the Bhagavad-gita (9.26), lies in devotion — “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit or water, I will accept it.”

At midnight, temples resound with the joyful cries of “Krishna Kanhaiya Lal ki jai!” as the Deity of Lord Krishna is bathed and worshipped, marking His divine appearance.

The Dawn of Nandotsava — Overflowing Joy in Vraja

If Janmashtami is a moment of reverence, Nandotsava is the outpouring of jubilation that follows. The day after Krishna’s birth, Nanda Maharaja, His foster father, organised a grand festival in Gokul to celebrate the Lord’s arrival.

As described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.5.1–5), the entire village was decorated with festoons, flowers, and colourful cloth canopies. Cows were adorned with gold-plated horns and ornaments, and their bodies anointed with turmeric and oil. The cowherd men and women dressed in their finest clothes, bringing gifts for Mother Yashoda and the newborn Krishna. Music filled the air as villagers danced and joyfully splashed one another with yoghurt, butter, and milk. Nanda Maharaja gave generously to the brahmanas, distributing clothing, ornaments, cows, and abundant grain.

Today, this joyous mood is still observed in events like Dahi Handi, where pots of butter are suspended high, and teams of youth form human pyramids to claim them — a loving re-enactment of Krishna’s playful childhood pastimes.

The day of Nandotsava also holds special significance for devotees, as it marks the appearance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on September 1, 1896. On this auspicious day, Srila Prabhupada took birth and, in later years, wholeheartedly founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, spreading the message of Lord Krishna throughout India and across the world.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had also predicted that his commander would come and take the Krishna consciousness movement all over the world which came true.

Two Days, One Message

Janmashtami draws the heart into serious remembrance and heartfelt devotion; Nandotsava invites us into joyful service and celebration. Together, they reveal a complete picture of divine love — the Lord’s compassionate descent and the ecstatic response of His devotees.

By honouring both days, we follow in the footsteps of the residents of Vraja, whose devotion knew no bounds. In welcoming Krishna into our hearts with reverence on Janmashtami, and expressing unrestrained joy on Nandotsava, we experience the completeness of devotional service — the gravity of remembrance and the joy of celebration, the meditation upon the Lord and the expression of that devotion — all centred on our eternal master, Sri Krishna.

The wonderful and joyous celebrations for Krishna Janmashtami at ISKCON Bangalore on August 15 and 16 give a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the Lord and take part in his glorious pastimes.

Swagatam Krishna, an online celebration which is organised by ISKCON Bangalore will be streamed live. Everyone can watch the celebrations from the comfort of their home without getting struck in Bengaluru’s chaotic traffic.

We warmly invite you to join us for two days of divine celebration — immersed in blissful kirtan, a sacred atmosphere, sumptuous mahaprasadam, and vibrant festivities. Come with your loved ones and experience the joy of Sri Krishna Janmashtami.

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