Iskcon-Bangalore is expecting over 2 million people to join the online celebrations
With Krishna Janmashtami just around the corner, there were apprehensions as to how will the devotees who used to throng the temples every year, celebrate this auspicious occasion.
Iskcon-Bangalore has cleared the air in regards to the celebrations. Looking at the current situation and uncertainties in the city, the temple for the first time has decided to take the digital route to spread the joy and blessings of Sri Krishna Janmashtami among the devotees.
The digital celebration titled ‘Swagatam Krishna’ has been planned after considering the safety aspect of the public who can take part in the celebration virtually, by staying indoors in the safe confines of their home.
Talking about this initiative, Shri Naveena Neerada Dasa, Head of Communications – Iskcon Bangalore & Akshayapatra said, “This year will see the first-ever digital Janasmathmi celebrations and all our social platforms will become like a TV channel for two days, showcasing both recorded and live programs throughout the day.”
Krishna Janmashtami is the most important festival celebrated at the iconic temple situated in Rajajinagar, wherein lakhs of devotees throng the temple to seek divine blessings. However, this year it will be different.
Talking about the advantage of online celebrations, Shri Naveena says, “This time, we are reaching out to devotees across the globe, not being restricted to just Bangalore. We are expecting over 2 million people to join the online celebrations across our social platforms over the two days.”
He further adds, “In the last few months during the lockdown, we have witnessed an exponential increase in the number of people visiting our website for Darshana.”
Swagatam Krishna will be a 40 hours event webcast on Iskcon-Bangalore’s YouTube channel, Instagram, and Facebook to millions of viewers across the world, spread over two days, 11th and 12th August 2020.
The program will begin with the live webcast of the Nauka Vihar (boat festival or theppotsava) at 6:30 AM, followed by a Grand Abhishekam at 7:45 AM. There will also be notable panel discussions and performances such as:
- Magic of Little Krishna (11-Aug, 10:20 AM): Watch Chanchalapathi Dasa joined by the Creators of the ‘Little Krishna’ 3D Animation Series tell their tale
- Panel Discussion (11-Aug, 7:00 PM): No One Shall Go Hungry moderated by Anand Narasimhan, Executive Editor of CNN News18. Panelists: Bishow Parajuli – Country Director, India & UN World Food Program; Mohandas Pai – Padmashri Awardee and Chairman of Manipal Global Education; Madhu Pandit Dasa – President of Iskcon-Bangalore, Chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation and Padmashri Awardee; Chanchalapathi Dasa – Sr VP, Iskcon-Bangalore.
- Conversation with Amish Tripathi (12-Aug, 8:00 AM)
- Panel Discussion (12-Aug, 10:00 AM): Secrets of ISKCON Kitchens moderated by Kunal Vijaykar, Food Writer and Author. Panelists: Sanjeev Kapoor, Celebrity chef; Rujuta Diwekar, Nutrition Expert and Chanchalapathi Dasa, Sr. VP, ISKCON-Bangalore
- Orphan Lives Matter (12-Aug, 4:00 PM): Kannada Cinestar, Yash celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with children of an orphanage.
- Panel Discussion: The Inspiring Journey & Message of Iskcon-Bangalore (12-Aug, 7:00 PM). Panelists: Anupam Kher, Actor; Dr.Kasturirangan, Former ISRO Chairman; Hema Malini, Actor & MP, Lok Sabha; Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of Iskcon-Bangalore & Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation and Chanchalapathi Dasa, Sr. VP, Iskcon-Bangalore
Musical & Cultural programs by:
- Devotional concert by Anup Jalota (11- Aug, 4:00 PM)
- Classical dance performances by Rukmini Vijayakumar of Radhaa Kalpa fame: (11-Aug, 5:00 PM)
- Sooryagayathri, a charming, young girl with a golden voice who is capturing the hearts of music lovers across the globe, will be performing an online musical concert: (11th Aug, 5:45 PM)
- An Odissi dance performance by Aarushi Mudgal: (11-Aug, 6:30 PM)
- A contemporary Carnatic progressive music concert performed by Harish Shivaramakrishnan of Agam Band (11-Aug, 9:30 PM)
- A contemporary dance performance by Mayuri Upadhye’s Nritarutya: (12- Aug, 4:30 PM)
- Kathak Dance performance by Nirupama and Sri Rajendra: (12-Aug, 5:00 PM)
- S Aishwarya and S Saundarya: Great granddaughters ofBharat Ratna, MS Subbulakshmi – (12-Aug, 6:00 PM)
- Bhajan Sandhya by Anuradha Paudwal (12-Aug, 8:30 PM)