Festivals and Celebrations at ISKCON Swindon
Celebrate the Divine with Us!
At ISKCON Swindon, we joyfully celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year that mark significant events in the lives of Lord Krishna, His associates, and Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON. Each festival offers an opportunity to come together in devotion, enrich our spiritual lives, and serve the Lord in a festive and loving atmosphere.
Our Celebrated Festivals Include:
Nityananda Trayodashi
This auspicious day celebrates the appearance of Lord Nityananda, the eternal companion of Lord Chaitanya. We chant, offer prayers, and honor this day with special kirtans and feasts.
Gaura Purnima
Gaura Purnima marks the appearance of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the incarnation of Krishna who spread the Holy Name across the world. The celebration includes ecstatic kirtans, the reading of His pastimes, and a grand feast.
Rama Navami
Celebrate the divine appearance of Lord Rama, the perfect example of righteousness. This festival includes special prayers, chanting, and feasting, as we honor Lord Rama’s transcendental life and teachings.
Lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra / Snana Yatra
Join us for the colorful and lively Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival), where Lord Jagannath, along with His brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra, is taken on a procession in a beautifully decorated chariot. The Snana Yatra celebrates the bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath and His associates.
Panihati Festival
This festival commemorates the pastime of Lord Nityananda with His devotee Raghunath Das Goswami, where the Lord enjoyed a feast of chipped rice. Devotees honor the festival by offering chipped rice and participating in joyous kirtan.
Jhulan Yatra
During this festival, we celebrate the divine pastimes of Radha and Krishna by swinging Their forms in a beautiful ceremonial swing. Devotees sing, dance, and offer prayers to the Divine Couple.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami
The most anticipated festival, Sri Krishna Janmashtami, celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. The night is filled with ecstatic kirtans, aarti, and a grand celebration with devotees fasting, reading the Bhagavad Gita, and participating in joyous activities until midnight when we celebrate Krishna’s appearance.
Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja
We honor and celebrate the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON. This festival includes a heartfelt ceremony of gratitude, offering flowers, prayers, and kirtans in honor of His Divine Grace.
Radhastami
This festival celebrates the appearance of Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. It is a day to honor Her divine qualities and Her unparalleled devotion to Lord Krishna. We celebrate with kirtans, offerings, and delicious prasadam.
Kartik Month Celebrations / Deep Daan
The month of Kartik is the holiest month for devotees, filled with special worship and activities. Devotees perform extra devotional activities, such as chanting, offering lamps (Deep Daan), and observing austerities to please Lord Krishna.
Govardhan Puja
On this day, we honor Lord Krishna’s lifting of Govardhan Hill to protect His devotees from the wrath of Indra. Devotees offer prayers, perform the traditional Govardhan Puja, and enjoy a variety of sweet offerings.
Gita Jayanti
This day marks the revelation of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna. Devotees gather to read and discuss the Gita’s teachings, honoring its transcendental knowledge. It’s an occasion to renew our commitment to the wisdom of the Gita and its application in daily life.
Join Us for These Divine Celebrations!
Participating in these festivals provides an opportunity to deepen your connection with Krishna, experience devotional bliss, and be part of a vibrant, loving community. We invite you to join us for these special events throughout the year and celebrate with us in the true spirit of devotion.
For more details on upcoming festivals, please contact us!
Hare Krishna!