The first day of ISKCON Nagpur’s grand three-day Janmashtami festival kicked off with a spectacular event at Reshimbag Ground. Under the inspiration of Srila Loknath Swami Maharaj, the beloved disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, thousands of youth gathered to participate in the celebrations.
The event was graced by Ravindra Singhal, Commissioner of Police, as the chief guest, along with special guests A.C.P. Anita More, Dr. Chandrahas Handa, Director of Vidarbha Institute of Technology, and Kartik Shende of Vithoba Industries. The program was anchored by Harsh Prabhu.
Dr. Shyamsundar Sharma, spokesperson for ISKCON, commenced the event by emphasizing the spiritual significance of chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, which he described as a path to serving the divine. Dr. Chandrahas Handa shared insights on the mystical Ranchod Leela of Lord Shri Krishna, captivating the audience.
Amogha Leela Prabhu, a renowned life coach, delivered a powerful discourse on the inevitability of transformation, whether embraced willingly or not. He illustrated this with the analogy of milk turning into curd, explaining that just as milk transforms with the addition of curd, so too can individuals transform through spiritual practices. His humorous example of how “Hari Aana” turned into “Haryana” further engaged the audience.
In his address, Police Commissioner Ravindra Singhal expressed his delight in hearing the connection to Haryana, his home state. He shared valuable life lessons with the youth, encouraging them to adhere to traffic rules and make wise decisions.
The event concluded with Vrajendratanay Prabhu, Vice President of ISKCON Nagpur, expressing gratitude to all participants. The evening ended on a high note with everyone joining in the energetic kirtan and dance to the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Dr. Shyamsundar Sharma also announced that the main Janmashtami program will be held on 26th August from 11 am to 10 pm at Reshimbag Ground, where the general public is welcome for darshan. From 5 pm to 10 pm, a special program has been organized for select invitees, including politicians, officials, and esteemed ISKCON members.
Highlights of the upcoming event include a special musical presentation by the ISKCON Girls Forum, featuring devotional songs like “Nilanjana Sundar,” “Govind Hari,” and “Krishna Murari.” Additionally, three dramatic performances will be staged: “Krishna the Savior,” directed by Adishakti Mataji with choreography by Indrajit Prabhu; “Gopiyon Ka Virah Prem,” directed by Shubhangi Radha Mataji; and “Hot Sauce,” performed by the young students of ISKCON Prahlad School under the direction of Gopal Leela Prabhu.
The festivities will also feature a unique “Mantra Rock” performance by Vishal Prabhuji and his team, blending spiritual bhajans with rock music to create an electrifying fusion of devotion and enthusiasm.