ISKCON Bangalore’s Digital Janmashtami Celebrations Set To Enthrall Millions Worldwide

In trying times, virtual coming together of great thinkers & artists over 40 hrs of events on an auspicious occasion will bring the much-needed positivity to the devotees globally

Bengaluru, 6th Aug 2020: Taking into account the current situation of the pandemic in the country and uncertainties surrounding it, ISKCON-Bangalore will be celebrating the iconic Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2020 virtually on 11^th and 12^th August 2020 with a series of activities planned. 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.

‘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.

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:

1. ‘The Inspiring Journey & Message of ISKCON-Bangalore’ (12^th Aug, 7:00 PM). Panelists – Sri Anupam Kher – actor, Sri Kasturirangan – Former ISRO Chairman, Smt. Hemamalini – actor & MP, Lok Sabha, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa – President – ISKCON-Bangalore, Chairman – The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Padmashri Awardee, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa – Senior Vice-President, ISKCON-Bangalore

1. ‘No One Shall Go Hungry’ (11^th Aug, 7:00 PM). Panelists – Sri Bishow Parajuli, Country Director- India, UN World Food Program, Sri Mohandas Pai – Padmashri Awardee, Chairman, Manipal Global Education, Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa – President – ISKCON-Bangalore , Chairman – The Akshaya Patra Foundation, Padmashri Awardee, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa – Senior Vice-President, ISKCON-Bangalore, Sri Anand Narasimhan, Executive –Editor of CNN News18 (Moderator)

1. ‘Conversation With Amish Tripathi’ (12^th Aug, 8:00 AM) – Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa – The Vice-president of ISKCON-Bangalore in discussion with Sri Amish Tripathi – author & columnist to reveal the keys to a happier life in trying situations

1. ‘Secrets of ISKCON Kitchens’ (12^th Aug, 10:00 AM) Panelists – Sri Sanjeev Kapoor – celebrity chef, Rujuta Diwekar – Nutrition expert, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa – Senior Vice-President, ISKCON-Bangalore and Sri Kunal Vijaykar – Food writer, Author (moderator) on what makes ISKCON Food so delicious

1. ‘Magic of Little Krishna’ (11^th Aug, 10:20 AM) – Watch Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa joined by the Creators of the ‘Little Krishna’ 3D Animation Series tell their tale at the Swagatam Krishna Event Live on YouTube

1. Orphan Lives Matter (12^th Aug, 4:00 PM) – Kannada cinestar Yash celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with children of an orphanage.

1. Musical & cultural programs by –
   1. Great granddaughters of Bharat Ratna Srimati MS Subbulakshmi (12^th Aug, 6:00 PM) – The ‘Nightingale of India’, S Aishwarya and Smt. S Saundarya,
   2. Bhajan Sandhya by Anuradha Paudwal(12^th Aug, 8:30 PM) – Bollywood playback singer,
   3. Sooryagayathri(11^th Aug, 5:45 PM) is a charming, young girl with a golden voice who is capturing the hearts of music lovers across the globe, will be featuring an online musical concert.
   4. Devotional concert by Sri Anup Jalota(11^th Aug, 4:00 PM) – singer & musician etc.
   5. A contemporary Carnatic progressive music concert performed by Harish Shivaramakrishnan of Agam Band(11^th Aug, 9:30 PM)
   6. Classical dance(11^th Aug, 5:00 PM) performances by Rukmini Vijayakumar of Radhaa Kalpa fame,
   7. Kathak Dance(12^th Aug, 5:00 PM) performance by Nirupama and Sri Rajendra
   8. A contemporary dance performance(12^th Aug, 4:30 PM) by Mayuri Upadhye’s Nritarutya
   9. An Odissi dance performance(11^th Aug, 6:30 PM) by Aarushi Mudgal

Sri Krishna Janmashtami is the most important festival celebrated at ISKCON Bangalore wherein lakhs of devotees throng the temple to seek divine blessings. In the current situation of gloom and despair in the country and globally, eminent personalities and renowned artists will be participating to share their thoughts and aspirations to spread positivity and optimism.

Temple Management urges devotees to watch the celebrations online (https://www.youtube.com/c/ISKCONBangaloretemple/live ) and stay safe and healthy.