Our Festivals
At ISKCON Bhubaneswar, we celebrate a variety of festivals throughout the year, each filled with devotion, joy, and spiritual significance. Here are some of the major festivals we observe:
Ratha Yatra
Ratha Yatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is celebrated with great pomp and show. The deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession on beautifully decorated chariots.
Chandan Yatra
Chandan Yatra marks the start of the summer season. During this festival, the deities are anointed with sandalwood paste to keep them cool. The festival is characterized by beautiful decorations and melodious kirtans.
Janmashtami
Janmashtami, the appearance day of Lord Krishna, is celebrated with great devotion. Devotees fast throughout the day, participate in kirtans and bhajans, and celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna at midnight.
Holi
Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Devotees gather to sing, dance, and play with colors, symbolizing the joy and unity in the devotion to Lord Krishna.
Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by lighting lamps and candles, performing special pujas, and offering prayers. The temple is beautifully decorated, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and devotion.
Gaura Purnima
Gaura Purnima marks the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. The festival is celebrated with grand kirtans, bhajans, and a special abhishek ceremony, followed by a feast for all the devotees.