Pasadena Hindu Temple Announces Two-Day Krishna Janmashtami Celebration

The Pasadena Hindu Temple is set to host a vibrant two-day celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, a revered deity in Hinduism. The event, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 25 and Monday, Aug. 26, aims to bring together the community for a series of cultural and religious activities.

On the first day, dubbed “Janmashtami Mela,” attendees can participate in various activities from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. These include an art competition, costume parade, and performances depicting Krishna’s life. 

The festivities will also feature games, Krishna Jhankis (displays), vendors, and food stalls, culminating with the traditional “Dahi Handi” ceremony.

“Let’s come together to celebrate this auspicious day with community support and enthusiasm,” said event organizers in their announcement. They encouraged participants to bring friends and family along to join in the celebration.

The second day, known as “Krishna Janm Utsav,” will run from 7:00 p.m. to midnight, featuring more solemn religious observances. These include a puja (worship ceremony), Krishna Abhisekh (ritual bathing of the deity’s idol), and bhajans (devotional songs).

The celebration will reach its peak close to midnight, the believed time of Krishna’s birth, with a special “Janm Utsav” ceremony, followed by aarti and prasad distribution.

Event organizers have made provisions for various sponsorship and seva opportunities. These range from a Grand Event Sponsor at $501 to smaller contributions like $21 for Makhan-Mishri Seva, allowing community members to participate at different levels.

The temple has assembled a team of coordinators for different aspects of the event. Alka Agarwal (626-476-9561) and Niketa Verma (818-795-3637) are listed as primary contacts, with others like Pt Jagdish Rajgor (626-679-8777) and Dr. Manju Kumar (626-533-9709) overseeing specific activities.

Located at 676 S Rosemead Blvd in Pasadena, California, the Hindu Temple & Heritage Foundation (HTHF) has been preparing for this event well in advance. The temple’s youth association was involved in “Krishna Jhanki Making” as early as September 2023.

Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar. It typically involves fasting, devotional singing, and reenactments of stories from Krishna’s life, culminating in a festive meal at midnight.

For those interested in attending or seeking more information, additional details are available on the temple’s website www.pasadenahindutemple.org and Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=885473356950760&set=gm.2166873157026102.