On Saturday, August 16th, 2025, we celebrated Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the divine appearance day of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. The following day, Sunday, August 17th, our community gathered again to honor the Appearance Day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the beloved Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, whose compassion and dedication brought Krishna consciousness to the world.
Both festivals were filled with sacred rituals, kirtans, lectures, abhishekas, heartfelt offerings, and many moments of reflection and gratitude.
Special Guests
HG Prthu Prabhu
Born in Germany in 1946, Prthu Prabhu joined ISKCON in 1972 and has since served as a book distributor, bhakta leader, and temple president in Heidelberg, Zurich, Amsterdam, and Dublin.
For many years he has guided devotees worldwide through seminars on household life and comparative religion. He co-authored Food for Life, the well-known vegetarian cookbook and philosophical guide, and today he supervises the establishment of a hospice for devotees in Vrindavan.
His steady service, profound insights, and gentle personality continue to inspire devotees across generations.
HH Bhakti Mukunda Swami Maharaj
Born in Malaysia, Maharaj joined ISKCON in 1985 and received initiation in 1989. He accepted sannyasa in 2017.
Maharaj has played key roles in temple construction projects across Malaysia, Nepal, and Kathmandu and is known for his eloquent preaching in both English and Tamil.
In the early 1990s, he organized devotional bus tours and directed spiritual dramas. Today, he continues to uplift devotees worldwide through dynamic teaching and unwavering dedication.
From Dawn to Midnight: The Janmashtami Festival
The morning began with a Bhagavatam class by HH Bhakti Mukunda Swami Maharaj, who spoke with clarity, warmth, and enthusiasm about Krishna’s pastimes and the path of devotional service.
He reminded us of Krishna’s limitless compassion and encouraged everyone:
“Krishna (the Supreme Personality of Godhead) is a very valuable essence for us. If you can make Krishna your friend, if you can attract Krishna into your life, then you’ll be very successful in anything you do!”
The festival continued with kirtan, abhishek, and offerings of 108 preparations.
A special highlight was the abhishek of Sri Sri Radhika Giridhari, accompanied by melodious kirtan.
Later, HG Prthu Prabhu offered a deeply thoughtful lecture filled with wisdom from decades of sincere practice, touching the hearts of all present.
As evening approached, the temple resonated with Gaura Arati, Narasimha Homa, and uplifting kirtans, leading into Krishna-katha by HG Prthu Prabhu and HG Ananda Krishna Prabhu.
At midnight, the divine moment of Krishna’s earthly appearance, devotees gathered for a final darshan of the beautifully adorned Deities, followed by a festive Janmashtami feast.
Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day – Sunday, August 17
The next day, the community assembled once more—this time to honor the appearance of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
The celebration began with Guru Puja, followed by heartfelt Vyasa Puja offerings from Srila Prabhupada’s disciples, senior Vaishnavas, community members, and well-wishers.
The day continued with abhishek, enlightening lectures, mantra pushpanjali, and concluded with a beautiful prasadam feast in Srila Prabhupada’s honor.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and deep appreciation as devotees reflected on Srila Prabhupada’s unparalleled legacy.
Together, the twin celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami and Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day reminded us of his vision for Krishna consciousness:
devotees from many nations, languages, and cultures—united in glorifying the Lord and spreading the Holy Name.
It was a festival of devotion, community, and heartfelt gratitude for Srila Prabhupada’s gift of Bhakti-yoga.
