Patna: Janmashtami will be celebrated with religious fervour across Bihar on Friday, with temples in Patna preparing special prayers and programmes to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Among the major celebrations, ISKCON Patna has planned an elaborate schedule featuring a special abhishek, non-stop kirtan and extensive floral decorations.
108 Silver Kalash Abhishek at ISKCON Temple
The main puja at ISKCON Patna is scheduled to begin at 11 am, with Lord Krishna to be ceremonially bathed using 108 silver kalash. Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain is expected to reach the ISKCON temple at 1 pm, while Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is scheduled to arrive at 3 pm to inaugurate the celebrations.
According to astrologer Rakesh Jha, this year’s Janmashtami coincides with Ashtami Tithi and Rohini Nakshatra. The combination of the lunar position, Taurus ascendant, Rohini and Mrigashira nakshatras, along with Harshan and Vajra yogas, is being considered astrologically significant.
Jha said the combination of Ashtami Tithi, Rohini Nakshatra and Friday is considered similar to the celestial alignment associated with the Dwapara Yuga. Devotees are expected to observe fasts and worship Lord Krishna in his child form as part of the celebrations.
Temple to Open at 4 am, Darshan Till 1:30 am
The ISKCON temple will open its doors for devotees at 4 am, with darshan expected to continue until 1:30 am. Non-stop kirtan and a special abhishek of Radha and Krishna will be among the key attractions.
Special abhishek arrangements for devotees and guests will remain available from 10 am to 6 pm. Prasadam will also be served to devotees throughout the day.
8 Tonnes of Flowers to Decorate ISKCON Temple
The temple premises are being decorated with around 8 tonnes of flowers sourced from Bengaluru, Pune, Kolkata and other locations, including overseas suppliers.
A special floral structure, or ‘Phool Bangla’, is also being prepared for this year’s celebration and is expected to be one of the main visual attractions at the temple.
Over 150 CCTV Cameras for Security
ISKCON Temple Management Committee Chairman Raman Manohar Das said barricading has been installed from the GPO roundabout to the temple premises to facilitate the movement of devotees.
Visitors will enter through designated queues, have darshan and exit the premises without being allowed to stay inside for extended periods due to the expected crowd.
More than 150 CCTV cameras have been installed at different locations to monitor the premises and keep an eye on any suspicious or unwanted activity.
Devotees have also been advised to make their own arrangements for keeping their footwear safe before entering the temple.
Entry from BSNL Office Side
Devotees will enter the temple premises from the BSNL office side. The management has made arrangements to ensure a continuous flow of visitors, with devotees expected to move out after darshan to prevent overcrowding inside the temple.
Special Programme and Mahaprasad on September 5
The Janmashtami celebrations will also feature a special performance by singer Priya Malik, who will present devotional songs and programmes dedicated to Lord Krishna.
The following day, September 5, will be observed as the birth anniversary of ISKCON founder Acharya A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who established the organisation and helped expand the Krishna consciousness movement internationally.
More than 20,000 devotees are expected to be served mahaprasad on Saturday afternoon as part of the celebrations.
