Patna: ISKCON Patna is preparing for an extensive Janmashtami celebration on September 4, with special rituals, continuous kirtan and elaborate floral decorations planned at the temple.
The temple is expected to open at 4.30am, with programmes scheduled to continue until 1am. The celebrations will include special worship and abhishek of Radha and Krishna.
Eight Tonnes Of Flowers For Temple Decoration
Temple authorities said around eight tonnes of flowers have been arranged for the decoration of the premises.
The flowers have reportedly been sourced from Bengaluru, Pune and Kolkata, as well as other locations. A special phool bangla, or floral pavilion, is also being prepared as part of the decorations.
Special Abhishek And Food Offerings
Devotees and invited guests will be able to participate in the abhishek from 10am to 6pm, according to temple representatives.
After the midnight celebration marking the birth of Lord Krishna, a maha aarti and special religious programmes will be held. The planned rituals include a 108-kalash maha abhishek using water and traditional offerings.
More than 256 dishes are expected to be offered as bhog.
Governor And Chief Minister Expected To Attend
Temple Management Council member Radha Pati Charan Das said Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary is expected to attend the programme at around 3pm.
The Governor is also expected to attend and address devotees at the temple hall, according to the organisers.
Temple representatives said a kirtan mela will be held from August 30 to September 2 ahead of Janmashtami. The programmes are also expected to be streamed live on ISKCON Patna’s official YouTube channel.
Security And Crowd Management Arrangements
More than 150 CCTV cameras will be used for security and monitoring during the celebrations.
Barricading is planned from GPO Golambar towards the temple to manage the movement of devotees. Visitors will be guided through designated queues for darshan, while overnight stays inside the temple premises will not be permitted due to expected crowds.
Mahaprasad Planned For September 5
The celebrations will continue on September 5 with the observance of the birth anniversary of ISKCON founder-acharya AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Temple authorities said arrangements are being made to serve mahaprasad to more than 20,000 devotees. The programme will also include a devotional performance by singer Gathika Priya Malik, according to the organisers.
