Media Release
Bengaluru, Aug 4: In the current situation of the pandemic in the country and the interest of public safety, ISKCON-Bengaluru will celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami digitally and reach out to the devotees of Krishna all over the world. Hence a series of online events on August 11 and 12 are planned.
There is a lot of gloom and despair around us in the world and on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, ISKCON wishes to dispel darkness and spread the joy and blessings of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, a series of activities to be webcast on both the days on the ISKCON-Bengaluru YouTube channel under the banner 'Swagatam Krishna Live'. Everyone is invited to participate in these activities and celebrations, in the comfort and safety of home.
Highlights of the largest devotional digital celebration:
There will be nearly a 40-hour live webcast on ISKCON-Bengaluru YouTube channel on August 11 and 12:-
1. Nauka Vihar: Live webcast of Nauka Vihar (boat festival or theppotsava) for Sri Radha Krishnachandra at 6 am.
2. Maha Abhisheka: Live webcast of Grand Abhishek of the deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra (first Abhishek at 7.30 am, second at 8.00 pm, third at 10 pm)
3. Live music concert by Bhajan Samraat Anup Jalota at 4 pm
4. Live music concert by Anuradha Paudwal - Padma Shri awardee and four-time winner of the Filmfare Award, live at 9 pm
5. Music concert by great-granddaughters of Subbalakshmi - S Aishwarya and S Saundarya, who are presenting popular renditions of Subbulakshmi to the world at 6 pm.
6. Live band performance by Harish Sivaramakrishnan of Agam Band – a contemporary Carnatic progressive rock band on Krishna songs.
7. Panel discussion on Message of Sri Krishna and The Inspiring Journey of ISKCON-Bengaluru – with Dr Kasturirangan (former ISRO chairman), Anupam Kher (actor), Member of Parliament – Hema Malini and Madhu Pandit Dasa, chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation.
8. Panel discussion: Secrets of ISKCON kitchens – Country’s food experts like Sanjeev Kapoor, celebrity Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, author and actor Kunal Vijaykar will discuss on healthy Sattvik food and what makes ISKCON food so delicious!
9. Panel discussion: No One Shall Go Hungry – chairman of Manipal Gobal Education, Mohandas Pai, United Nations World Food Programme India Representative Bishow Parajuli, chairman Akshaya Patra Foundation Madhu Pandit Dasa and executive editor CNN news18 Anand Narasimhan will discuss on how hunger and starvation are unacceptable features of a civilized and compassionate society.
10. Classical dance performances by renowned artistes that depict the transcendental pastimes and qualities of Lord Sri Krishna:
a. Rukmini Vijayakumar actress and choreographer will perform Bharatanatyam.
b. Kathak dance performance by Anupama and Rajendra
11. Krishna talk with spiritual leaders – a phone-in event where the public can interact and ask questions on the life and message of Lord Sri Krishna.
12. Panel discussion on animation - the magic of Little Krishna – reminiscing the making of the world-renowned animated series with the makers of the series.
13. Janmashtami celebrations in an orphanage: Celebrating Janmashtami in various orphanages with gifts, prasadam, music, celeb greetings and many other surprises.
14. Conversation with author Amish Tripathi will join us for a conversation from London to inspire especially the young audience with Lord Krishna’s message of hope and love.
15. Programmes for children: Various competitions, puppet show and storytelling
16. Live telecast of Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations across the globe (UK, USA, Russia, Malaysia and Singapore)