ISKCON Bangalore celebrated the most auspicious occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami with grandeur, devotion, and cultural vibrancy on 15 and 16 August 2025, commemorating the divine appearance of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna.
The festivities were held across three locations in the city — ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar; ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura; and KTPO, Whitefield.
Over the two days, tens of thousands of devotees thronged the venues to have darshan of the magnificently adorned Deities, participate in the devotional offerings, and receive Their blessings. At each location, the atmosphere was surcharged with the transcendental vibrations of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and soulful Krishna bhajans. Darshan was open throughout the day, with extended hours till midnight on the concluding day, enabling everyone to partake in the joyous celebrations.
Elaborate arrangements ensured a comfortable and smooth experience for all visitors. Over a thousand volunteers served tirelessly — managing darshan queues, distributing Sri Krishna prasadam, assisting elderly devotees, overseeing footwear counters, and guiding guests through the temple facilities.
Celebrations at ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill
The temple at Rajajinagar wore a resplendent festive look. The main temple hall was exquisitely adorned with beautiful flower garlands and traditional motifs, radiating the joy of the occasion.
Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, dressed in splendid attire and bedecked with fragrant flowers and glittering ornaments, captivated every heart. A grand offering of 108 special delicacies, lovingly prepared by devotees, was presented to the divine couple. Throughout the festival, groups of devotees and accomplished musicians offered Sangita seva by singing bhajans and kirtans, uplifting the devotional atmosphere.
A special exhibition on Vishwa Guru Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, showcased his extraordinary life and contributions, inspiring visitors with his dedication to spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide.
Devotees offered many sevas such as Jhulan seva, Makhan Mishri seva, Annadana seva, and Gau seva. On both days, Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra received ceremonial abhisheka, and on the second day, an elaborate abhisheka was performed at midnight.
The Utsava Deities were bathed in milk, yoghurt, ghee, honey, fruit juices, herbal extracts, and scented water, followed by an enchanting arati and a shower of colourful flowers. The celebrations continued with Maha Sankirtana, Maha Mangala Arati, Jhulan seva and concluded with Shayana Pallakki Utsava, all amidst Vedic chanting, kirtans, and the joyous chants of “Hari Bol!”
Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON Bangalore, delivered an inspiring talk on the theme of welcoming Krishna into our lives. He emphasised that welcoming Krishna does not mean renouncing one’s responsibilities, but rather inviting Him to guide, purify, enlighten, and support us in our daily life. He highlighted three powerful practices for welcoming Krishna — chanting His holy names, reading the Bhagavad-gita daily, and having His darshan regularly. He expressed his wish that this Janmashtami become a turning point in our lives, inspiring us to embrace a joyful, purposeful, and divine life of surrender and service to the Lord.
Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Senior Vice President of ISKCON Bangalore, spoke about the Janmashtami celebrations across India. He vividly described Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and, at the same time, the most beloved personality touching every corner of this sacred land in beautiful ways. He narrated the fascinating history behind the tradition of worship at Nathdwara and also touched upon Janmashtami observances in various parts of the country. Reflecting on the significance of midnight celebrations, he remarked that it gives the message that when the world is dark, the Lord appears and brightens. He wished that this Janmashtami should inspire a renewed commitment to serving Krishna with devotion.
As part of the celebrations, the temple also organised the popular Online International Krishna Costume Contest for children, encouraging devotees worldwide to engage joyfully in devotional activities.
Watch the Maha Abhisheka and Arati performed at midnight:
Celebrations at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill
Amidst the serene and picturesque surroundings of Vaikuntha Hill, Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra, Sri Rajadhiraja Govinda, and the presiding Deities were adorned in exquisite alankaras. The temple was richly decorated, and the air was filled with the sound of devotional music.
Devotees offered Pushpanjali seva to Sri Rajagopala Rukmini Satyabhama and Coconut seva to Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra on both days. On the second day, Chappan Bhog — an offering of 56 varieties of delicious preparations — was offered at noon.
Sri Sri Rajagopala Rukmini Satyabhama received Pallakki Utsava and elaborate abhishekas with sacred substances, accompanied by melodious kirtans and the sweet sounds of mridangas and kartals. The Maha Mangala Arati to Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra and Sri Rajadhiraja Govinda at midnight on the second day marked the climax of the celebrations, filling the hearts of all assembled with transcendental joy.
Watch the elaborate midnight abhisheka and arati:
Celebrations at KTPO, Whitefield
At the KTPO Convention Centre, ISKCON Hare Krishna Dham, Whitefield, brought together a blend of devotion and cultural artistry. The celebrations featured music, art and dance contests, Dahi Handi, dramatic performances, devotional concerts by celebrated singers, kids’ activities, and Annadana.
The festival commenced with a grand pallakki procession of Sri Krishna, Rukmini, and Satyabhama amidst jubilant Harinama sankirtana. One of the unique highlights was Divyam — a large assembly where over 500 children recited verses from the Bhagavad-gita in unison.
Sri Krishna, Rukmini, and Satyabhama, along with Laddu Gopal, received abhishekas on both days. Laddu Gopal was also offered Jhulan seva. The celebrations concluded with a splendid midnight arati, leaving devotees spiritually uplifted and immersed in the loving remembrance of Lord Krishna.