Next Saturday ISKCON Canberra will celebrate Lord Jagannatha's Rathayatra (chariot festival).

Their special guest will be His Holiness Ramai Swami. The festival starts at 10:30am. from the Temple campus at 1 Quick St. Ainslie.

Following the Rathayatra procession at 1.30pm., a prasadam feast will be served.  Everyone is welcome!

For further information, please contact the Canberra Temple on 02-6262-6208, 0404-486-746, or 0415-607-315.



# Posted by Rasanandini at 16/3/10; 2:41:00 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Rathayatra in Canberra

The Appearance Anniversary of Lord Ramachandra falls next Wednesday.


Mahaprabhu Mandir will celebrate with kirtana and arati at 4:30pm, a special class at 5:00pm., then an elaborate abhisheka (with kirtana) at 5:45pm. At 7.00pm. the Lord will be offered arati. We will distribute His prasadm feast at 7.30pm.

For those who wish to remember the Lord by fasting, the time to break fast (sunset) is 7.26 pm.

Please come and join us!



# Posted by Rasanandini at 15/3/10; 3:13:44 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Rama Navami Festival

We will celebrate Jayapataka Maharaja's Vyasa Puja on Friday March 26th. from 11am till 2pm.


Everyone is welcome to join us at the temple to honour His Holiness' life of service to Srila Prabhupada's mission.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 26/2/10; 5:02:26 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Jayapataka Maharaja Vyasa Puja Celebrations

Tamal Krishna Maharaja's disciples and well-wishers will celebrate the anniversary of his disappearance on Saturday February 13th.


The program begins at 11am. in the temple theatre. It will include a viewing of one of Maharaja's recorded classes, glorifications, guru-puja, kirtana and prasadam.

Everyone is welcome to attend.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 5/2/10; 3:21:31 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Tamal Krishna Maharaja's Disappearance Celebration

Maha Varaha Dasa, Jayapataka Swami's personal servant, has sent us some updates about His Holiness' appreciation of the beautiful card sent to him by the Melbourne devotees. Jayapataka Maharaja couldn't make his usual appearance in Melbourne for the Pani Hati festival last year, so his disciples and well-wishers designed him a big card with some pictures and their heartfelt greetings.
Below is the response from Maharaja, forwarded by Maha Varaha Prabhu:

...We have completed reading all the messages written on the greeting card sent by Melbourne devotees. GM personaly heard all the messages. He was very happy. We had one devotee reading to him little by little every night. On the last day we took a photo of GM holding the card... GM thanked all the devotees for sending this wonderful card...

Click here to view the rest of the pictures.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 5/2/10; 1:23:25 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Jayapataka Swami's greeting card from Melbourne

Gaura Purnima commemorates the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya who is seen as the most glorious of all incarnations of the Supreme Lord.

This occasion is not only of utmost sweetness for us because Mahaprabhu is the most merciful and magnanimous but also because our temple is named after Him - Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir!

The program for the day starts at 4.30pm with arati and kirtana followed by the yajna (fire sacrifice) at 5pm and class at 5.45pm.Please note that arati trays will be offered from 5pm.
We will then hold the abhisekha (bathing ceremony) and arati at 7pm and offering of gifts at 7.45pm. The long awaited moonrise will be at 8.03pm which will also mark the equally long awaited feast.

Don't miss out on the nectar!



# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 2/2/10; 2:30:56 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Gaura Purnima - Monday 1st March

# Posted by Aniruddha at 25/1/10; 12:07:47 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Australia Day People's March

Maha Varaha Dasa, the personal servant of Jayapataka Swami, has communicated to Nalayani Mataji his Maharaja's appreciation for the hard work that the Melbourne devotees had put in the Pani Hati festival 2009. Flowing from an idea of Bhaktin Bernadette and Nalayani Mataji, Bhakta Peter had designed a beautiful card in which all the disciples and well-wishers from Melbourne have sent their love and appreciation to Jayapataka Maharaja.

Here is an excerpt of Maha Varaha Prabhu's words:

Happy to inform you that today we received the beautiful card from Melbourne. Many devotees were so surprised to see such a big and beautiful card including GM. It was filled with so many hearts of the devotees. GM was explaining to devotees about the snana yatra festivals in brief. We are going to read all the messages in the card to him while he is taking prasadam.

There were so many wonderful photos describing the festival.GM was going through each photos...

Thank you very much for the card!

A big bravo to all those who have contributed to the success of the Pani Hati festival 2009!


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 15/1/10; 6:24:17 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Jayapataka Swami's appreciation of Pani Hati festival

We had yet another successful festival yesterday. This year's Ratha Yatra saw an almost doubled attendance as compared to last year's.

Once again, the kitchen seva for the event started two days before for Acintya Rupa Mataji and her capable crew. As for the decoration of the altar and Their Lordships' palanquin, those in charge were at the task since Brahma muhurta time!
The enthusiastic devotees started the maha-procession at 10am sharp in front of Gopal's and paraded up and down Swanston Walk till 12pm, after which we met again at the temple for Bhoga arati.

The second eagerly-awaited highlight of the day was, of course, the elaborate feast that followed.

So, here you have it: a quite lengthy slideshow encompassing the mood of Ratha Yatra 2010.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 10/1/10; 8:57:15 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Ratha Yatra 2010

A kind reminder that our annual Ratha Yatra will be held this coming Saturday.
Plenty of service opportunities await those eager for the mercy: vegetable chopping, palanquin and temple decoration, prasadam packing for distribution on the maha-harinama and many more...
You are invited to join us at 10.30am in front of Gopal's Restaurant, 139 Swanston Street, to chant and dance till 12pm for the pleasure of Sri-Sri Jagannatha Baladeva and Subhadra Devi.

You can even participate in this sweet pastime by carrying Their Lordships down Swanston Walk while They shower Their blessings on the Melburnians.
See you there!



# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 6/1/10; 12:56:03 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Ratha Yatra - Saturday 9th January

Lord Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra are still not looking 100% after Their maha-snana (bath) and maha-sweet offering last Saturday.

Please consider sending Them a get well message on a card or some flowers. If you like, you could also include lemons and honey for Their Lordships medicines.

While They are recovering, here is a slide show of Saturday: from darshan arati at 7am through to the Panihati prasadam auction at 2pm.

Please come to greet the Lords at Ratha Yatra next Saturday!


# Posted by Rasanandini at 5/1/10; 5:33:59 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra Slide Show

This year's Snana Yatra was a blast.
The mood throughout the day was absolutely uplifting with devotees busying themselves with the multiple tasks of organising the festival. The Deities gave an intimately sweet darshan for Mangala arati, parading their new set; 7.30am darshan was even more stunning with yet another new set. Pictures of the darshan, maha-abhishek and Pani Hati auction will be uploaded soon by Rasa Nandini mataji.

In the meantime, here's a slideshow of the early morning buzz.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 27/12/09; 11:09:46 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra preparations

The shots are a bit rough and ready, but they capture today's action nicely. Follow the link above. We've got a big crowd and we expect more as the day goes on. The Raja Bhoga offering's just about to go on. I'll be adding more shots as the day rolls on.


# Posted by Aniruddha at 26/12/09; 12:06:20 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra '09 - Aniruddha's posterous

It's Christmas already at the Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir! Our beautiful Deities are gorgeously clad in red, green and white for Their pleasure and that of Their devotees.

Another special feature: exquisitely dressed by Sri Yasoda Mataji , Sri Balarama and Sri Jagannatha have Their glorious feet uncovered. It is indeed one of those rare and treasured moments when Their Lordships bless us with the darshan of Their lotus feet.

Come down and take darshan for those who still can! For those who can't make it today, here's a few pictures to brighten up your day.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 22/12/09; 11:54:10 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Festive Season

Receive the Maha-prasada of Lord Jagannatha!
The Lord's Maha-bhoga is offered in beautiful hand-painted pots and decorated with special sweets and savouries.

These Prasads are unique flat rice preparations with yoghurt or condensed milk: flavoured with seasonal fruits, tasty salads or hot Indian spices. These elaborate pots will be auctioned on Snana yatra, 26th December, from 2 to 4pm.

Here's a little slideshow of some of the pots painted so far under the supervision of Rasa-vilasini devi dasi and Rohini devi dasi. Still more to come; we are saving the best for last!


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 21/12/09; 11:24:35 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Lord Jagannatha Special Panihati Prasada Pots

The New Govardhan Farm in Murwillumbah is hosting its annual Summer Festival once again featuring vedic arts, bhajans, kirtans, drama as well as Odissi and Bharata Natyam dance. Local and global Hare Krishna guests will be conducting workshops and seminars, giving classes and leading kirtans and bhajans.
Guests will be able to participate in the Ratha Yatra Festival which will be held on Sunday 10th, the final day of the Summer Festival. For more information, please click here.

Preceeding the summer festival, other workshops will be held at New Govardhan, namely 'Puspanjali' and the 'Arts and Bhakti Yoga' seminars. They will be directed from the 28th to 30th December by Jai Govinda Dasa who is the founder of the Jai Govinda Dance Academy in Vancouver. Also, Sheherazaad Cooper will be teaching master dance classes and seminars in the lyrical style of Odissi from the 4th till the 6th January 2010. Please consult poster below for more information.

The New Govardhan Farm,
Eungella Road, NSW
Ph: (02) 6672 8765


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 20/12/09; 7:46:15 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Summer Festival - 7th-10th January 2010

As usual, Snana Yatra will be celebrated on Boxing day. However, this year the festival will start at 10:00am. At 12:30pm will be Arati followed by Kirtana. The Mahaprasadam auction will start at 2:00pm and the feast at 4:00pm will conclude the festivities.

Lord of Universe, Jagannatha, along with His brother Balarama and sister Subhadra are bathed by devotees approximately two weeks before Ratha-yatra parade. On this occasion EVERYONE can bathe the Lord. It is once-a-year occasion.

So don't miss out on the mercy!


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 8/12/09; 4:45:46 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra - Saturday 26th December

Ratha Yatra will be the first festival of the year 2010. The Maha Harinama party will depart from Gopal's, 139 Swanston Street at 10.30am and will carry Their Lordships along Swanston Walk till 12.00pm.

Every year in Jagannath Puri, Lord Caitanya celebrated the Rathayatra festival in Srimati Radharani's mood of pulling Krishna back to the simple, village-like atmosphere of Vrindavan. Mahaprabhu taught that this feeling of separation actually evokes the presence of Krishna and, ultimately, gives way to the highest happiness. This is the internal meaning of Rathayatra.

Please join us in making Their Lordships' outing blissful and start the New Year on the right foot.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 8/12/09; 4:41:45 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Ratha Yatra - Saturday 9th January

The performance at the St Kilda Town Hall on Sunday 29th November was a huge success. The attendance was significant and the hall was packed with an enthusiastic audience. The latter responded eagerly to the performers' efforts to please and entertain; Indradyumna Maharaja was very enthused and publicly announced that this St Kilda crowd was the best the crew has had so far. Here's a slideshow.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 2/12/09; 9:34:04 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Le Carnaval Spirituel - St Kilda

Le Carnaval Spirituel has finally hit Melburnian soil. Indradyumna Maharaja and his colourful crew have been gracing us with their joyful association since Tuesday 24th November and they will be here till the 16th December.

For those who don't know 'Le Carnaval Spirituel' as yet, you will find all the information required on the website here. It also gives a detailed break-down on the Carnaval's dates and venues.


The troupe go on harinama everyday in different suburbs to advertise their shows; you are all welcome to slip in to your best devotional gear and join the fun. In the meantime, here is a slideshow of the joy and animation that Le Carnaval Spirituel inspires at the Melbourne Temple.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 26/11/09; 7:27:36 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Le Carnaval Spirituel

Thanks to the advertising efforts of Bhakta Daniel, Vraja Nari Dasi, Kalindi Hopping and others, Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits and The Mayapuris performed for a fully-packed Krishna Fest on Tuesday night. The 3rd level of '123 Swanston Street' catered for a much bigger audience than it normally would fit. Everyone was so mesmerised by the happenings there that nobody noticed.

Gaura Vani started the show with a general introduction on the unity of all religions and how Krishna Consciousness fits into the bigger picture. This was followed by Jahnavi and Vrinda's expressive dance to the song 'My Mind is Your temple - Krishna Murari'. Next, incantations to exalted Vaisnavas, Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva expertly led by Visvambara, into chanting of the Maha-mantra.

Krishna Kisora and Visvambara further enthralled the crowd with their breath-taking power mrdanga playing. Gaura Vani's musical description of the spiritual realm, reciting prayers of Lord Brahma, accompanied by Vrinda's fluid dance illustrations inspired everyone to bounce on the dance floor with our empowered musicians singing the Maha-mantra. It was such a pleasure for the eyes to see everyone carried away on the waves of the Holy names.

The show concluded with a collective "Happy birthday to Swarupa Sakti";  her appearance day coincided with this most enlivening event. Here's a slideshow.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 5/11/09; 3:09:58 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Gaura Vani and crew at Krishna Fest - Tuesday 3rd November

The last hours of the kirtan were beyond words, simply out of this world. Gaura Vani Prabhu carried the audience on the nectarine waves of the pastimes of Lord Caitanya and Visvambara Prabhu dived into the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

Pictures speak more than a thousand words, so here's a slideshow.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 2/11/09; 8:17:19 PM to the Festivals dept.
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The concluding hours of the 24 Hr Kirtan

Akincana Krsna Dasa leading the Nrsimha Prayers at the conclusion of the 24 Hr Kirtana. A ten minute video.


# Posted by Aniruddha at 2/11/09; 11:41:26 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Recordings from the grand finale of the 24 Hr Kirtana II

Here's forty eight minutes of a very packed house in Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir last night. It begins with the concluding Maha-mantra of the Damodarastaka prayers led by Gaura Vani. There is a bit of a lull while thankyou's and obeisances are being offered then this recording ends with Mahaprabhu's Siksastakam.

We had a total of 865 unique viewers on Ustream over the course of the 24 Hr Kirtana who viewed a total of 32 days and 3 hours of video. That gave us an average of 30 viewers at any time.

I tried embedding this link but no luck.


# Posted by Aniruddha at 2/11/09; 11:34:28 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Recordings from the grand finale of the 24 Hr Kirtana

The 24 Hr Kirtana is online as I type. The audio-only feed is here. Video here.

The kirtana is already warmed up and thumping. See you there!

You can find a quick and dirty slide show of the opening kirtana here.


# Posted by Aniruddha at 31/10/09; 5:00:19 PM to the Festivals dept.
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24 Hr Kirtana Online Now

The Govardhana Puja celebration was yet another blissful day at the Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. The altar was exquisitely decorated for the occasion and the Deities offered a stunning darshan.

For the brahmacarinis, the decoration of the Govardhana Hill started at 11am. As for the hard-working cooks the day started even earlier; Acintya Rupa Mataji was busy in the kitchen all morning till lunch time. This year, Bhakta Dale prepared the 3-coloured burfi to be smeared on the hill: vanilla, carob and green fudge. Rasa Vilasini Mataji exquisitely dressed and decorated Giridhari to be mounted on His hill. The Govardhana sweets came from all directions throughout the day and overflowed the table in no time. Radha Carana Prabhu and Bhakta Mark came to the rescue and made the necessary adjustments: two tables were expertly decorated instead of one.

The arati started at 4.30pm and was followed by one of the most ecstatic kirtan this temple had ever experienced, led by Aniruddha Prabhu. It was so powerful that even Acintya Rupa Mataji joined the dancing party that was whole-heartedly circumambulating sweet-scented Govardhan Hill. Krishna Graja Prabhu led an equally powerful kirtan till around 6pm.

Then it was a fight for the Govardhana sweets from the hill. Bhakta Simon, always faithful to his post year after year, coordinated the distribution of Giriraja's remnants to His devotees. After this sweet pastime, everyone lined up for prasadam and gathered once again in the packed courtyard to enjoy the feast.

Here's a slideshow


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 29/10/09; 4:01:13 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Govardhana Puja in Melbourne

The most auspicious day of Prabhupada's Disappearance started with a temple-packed Mangala Arati. Over fifty devotees were in attendance to begin an extended morning program: a long and dynamic kirtan after Guru Puja led by Aniruddha Prabhu and a wonderful class on Srila Prabhupada's life and teachings by Gangesvara Prabhu till 11.00 am.

At 12.30 pm Pushpanjali was offered to Prabhupada. Narahari Prabhu performed guru-puja while Aniruddha Prabhu led another powerful kirtana surrounded by enthusiastic musicians and happily dancing devotees. The feast followed, served under the expert supervision of Acintya Rupa Mataji. The sunny courtyard provided a perfect venue to honour the exquisite prasadam prepared by our cooks, headed by Jaysaccinanda Prabhu, who dedicated the whole morning towards its preparation.

The final celebrations took place in Srila Prabhupada's room with Aniruddha Prabhu reading from 'A Shower of Divine Compassion', a collection of Srila Prabhupada's poems such as 'Vrindavane Bhajan'. The night concluded around 9.00 pm with guru-puja to Srila Prabhupada in his famous 'Blue Room'. Here's a slideshow of the occasion.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 27/10/09; 2:25:41 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day in Melbourne

Srila Prabhupada's disappearance day is prominent amongst Kartika festivities. His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of ISKCON, entered samadhi in Vrndavana during Kartika 1977. Please join us to commemorate his departure. Celebrations will start at 12.30 pm with arati and guru puja followed by a feast at 1pm. We will conclude ceremonies later in the day in Srila Prabhupada’s Room with readings from Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita commencing at 6pm and arati at 7.20 pm.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 8/10/09; 2:50:05 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day - 22nd October

Govardhana Puja is the celebration of Krsna’s pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill. Srila Prabhupada relates in the Krishna book (chapters 24 and 25), how Krsna dissuaded his father, Nanda Maharaja, from performing ritualistic sacrifices to the demigod Indra, and encouraged the residents of Vrndavana to worship Govardhana Hill instead.

We will start celebrations at 4.30pm with arati and kirtan. Circumambulation of Sri Giriraj and His hill loaded with delectable sweets will begin at 5.00pm. The feast will be at 6pm and festivities will conclude with arati and offering of lamps at the usual 7pm arati.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 7/10/09; 11:21:45 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Govardhan Puja - 24th October

We will celebrate Diwali on Sunday the 18th of October.

Diwali also known as Dipavali depicts the triumph of Lord Rama, over the demon king Ravana.

Please join us at the Melbourne temple to celebrate this auspicious day with chanting, the lighting of ceremonial lamps and feasting. The candle-lit arati and offering of lamps will be at the usual time of 7pm. For those sponsoring special arati to Sita, Rama, Laksmana and Hanuman arati offerings will be from 5pm to 9pm in the Theatre room.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 6/10/09; 2:30:18 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Diwali - 18th October

I would like to make a correction to that previous post:
the month of Damodara actually begins on Sunday the 4th of October and not Monday the 5th as previously advertised. The month of Kartika will still last till the 3rd of November.

On behalf of those concerned, I would like to apologise for any confusion and inconveniences that this misstatement may have caused.


# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 2/10/09; 7:19:18 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Amendment to the post on "The Month of Damodara"

The month of Damodara factually begins on Sunday the 4th of October and lasts till the 3rd of November.
Damodara means 'He who has a rope around his belly' and refers to Krsna as a very young boy after He was bound by His mother Yasoda.

The devotional service recommended for this month includes—daily reciting the Damodara Astaka, offering of lamps, reading Damodara Lila from Srimad Bhagavatam or Krsna Book, reciting Bhagavad Gita and chanting at least few extra rounds of the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra.

We invite everyone to come and offer candles to Sri Damodara twice daily, at 7am and 7pm.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 30/9/09; 6:45:45 PM to the Festivals dept.
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The Month of Damodar

Damodara Masa (the month of Damodara, or Karttika) is less than a week away now, and Diwali falls in three week’s time. Since Srimati Radharani is the presiding deity of the month, it’s a time to receive Her special mercy for any service you render to Lord Sri Damodara.

In the month since we celebrated Radhastami I’ve been busy publishing the Diwali edition of FOLK news, as well as the 2010 temple calendar (to distribute on Diwali day).

Our Radhastami celebrations - in the company of Kadamba Kanana Maharaja – made the devotees very blissful. So now that Radha-Ballabha have allowed me time to draw breath, I can share more pictures with you. You can revisit our Radhastami Deities’ darshan arati, Srila Prabhupada’s guru puja kirtana, and our offering of pushpanjali to chota Radharani in the evening.  

Later on Radhastami night, the Bhakta Prahlad players reprieved their drama of Draupadi satisfying Krishna with a single grain of rice. Performed in the temple room within earshot of the Deities, the children’s drama was a highlight of our festival. Here are some pictures.

'Everything is there in Krishna consciousness. We want music, there is music. We want dancing, there is dancing. You can bring nice musical instruments, you can join. We distribute nice palatable dishes. So practically this is a system of recreation only.

Yes: if you seriously think, you'll find, this system, there is no labor at all. Simply recreation: su-sukham. That is stated in the Bhagavad-gita; in the Ninth Chapter you'll find, su-sukham...It is simply recreation. That's all.' (Srila Prabhupada, lecture on Bhagavad-gita 6.1: Los Angeles 13.2.1969.)

Keep watching for Janananda Maharaja’s schedule: he is planning to visit Melbourne early in Karttika.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 29/9/09; 1:49:07 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Radharani’s Mercy

Radhastami was almost two weeks ago, so where are the Deities' pictures?


Finally they're here...with a big THANK YOU to all the devotees who served Srimati Radharani on Her Appearance Day: whether as sponsors, or in management, member services, Swamini's kitchen, prasadam distribution, cleaning, paraphernalia, puja, kirtan and more...or as Srimati Radharani's special guests.

Special thanks go to the matajis who spent many long hours on the day before making the Deities' clothes and decorations from flowers. See the results for yourself here.

Please note that from now on all the photos uploaded onto Flickr will be in their full original sizes - that is, ready for you to download and print as you like. So if you need a picture, please navigate around the Flickr site and use it as your archive - its quite easy!


# Posted by Rasanandini at 9/9/09; 4:09:40 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Radhastami Deities' Darshan in Melbourne

Here's your advance-delivery online edition of FOLK news magazine. In it you'll find details of our upcoming festivals from October to January.


If you're on our mailing list, you should receive the print edition in your mailbox around September 15th.

Please contact rasanandini@gmail.com if - like Rajeswari in this edition - you have a contribution to make to the content of our community magazine.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 4/9/09; 2:20:17 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Diwali Edition of FOLK News Online

If you attended last Friday's Sri Krishna Janmastami cultural program, you will have been delighted by the way ISKCON's younger members share their enthusiasm for devotional life.


Personally, this part of the weekend was the most fun to document, because I felt the children's spirit of play overtook our grown-up need to perform.

May these new generations of devotees always so relish sharing Krishna consciousness with others. Here is a slide show from their program. I hope you enjoy it.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 21/8/09; 3:21:43 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Janmastami Cultural Program Pictures

Just this morning in Bhagavatam class we read Sri Krishna's words describing the specific characteristics of devotees to his friend Uddhava.

 
One should always discuss My birth and activities and enjoy life by participating in festivals, such as Janmastami, which glorify My pastimes. In My temple, one should also participate in festivals and ceremonies by singing, dancing, playing musical instruments and discussing Me with other Vaisnavas. One should observe all the regularly celebrated annual festivals by attending ceremonies, pilgrimages and making offerings.
Last Friday many thousands of devoted Melbournians celebrated Sri Krishna Janmastami in this very way. You can find a slide show here.

# Posted by Rasanandini at 20/8/09; 6:41:33 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebrations in Melbourne

Yesterday was Nandotsava in Melbourne, the Appearance Day of ISKCON's Founder-Acarya: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.


Srila Prabhupada's disciples, grand-disciples and great-grand-disciples came together to glorify the activities of His Divine Grace. We also offered Srila Prabhupada pushpanjali, guru puja and a maha-kirtan.

Later we honoured his prasadam remnants: the first grains following Sri Krishna Janmastami.

Here is a slide show.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 16/8/09; 7:19:37 PM to the Festivals dept.
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ISKCON Founder-Acarya Vyasa Puja Celebrations

Here it is: the jam-packed program for the most popular day on the festivals' calendar


 
1. Temple Room:
There will be kirtana all day beginning at 9.30am



2. Darshana Times
Temple Darshana is available all day long except for:


3. Offerings to Sri Sri Radha Krishna
Front Lawn


4. Sri Sri Radha Krsna Abhisheka
Theatre


5. Prasadam Distribution Tent
Rear Yard


6. Gokul Chaat and Snacks
Side Garden


7. Courtyard

8. Vedic Cultural Programmme
Prasadam Hall. All guests are to be seated strictly by 7pm for 7.15pm start.



# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 12/8/09; 4:47:16 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Janmastami Program

On Sunday a large gathering of  Veda Vyasa Priya Maharaja's disciples and well-wishers celebrated his Vyasa Puja at Asitaradhya Prabhu's house.

Maharaja gave permission for the late celebration since his disciples were renewing their commitment to his preaching mission. This was evidenced by the number of new enthusiastic Bhakti Vriksha devotees in attendance, some of whom are beginning their own Bhakti Vriksha branches. It was humbling for me to experience the sweet vaisnava qualities of Maharaja's disciples and well-wishers. They are a credit to Maharaja and to the greater Melbourne Yatra. I pray they are blessed to continue their wonderful service to Srila Prabhupada.

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# Posted by Rasanandini at 11/8/09; 6:49:08 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Veda Vyasa Priya Maharaja Vyasa Puja Celebrations

Devotees from all over Melbourne packed the temple on Thursday for Lord Balarama's Appearance Day celebrations - eager for His mercy.


So far as I could tell from their ecstatic faces, no-one was disappointed. Here is a slide show of the morning darshan arati and guru puja to Srila Prabhupada.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 8/8/09; 9:42:52 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Balarama Purnima Slides

During last week's Swing Festival, Sri-Sri Radha-Krishna gave everyone a chance to lovingly serve Them. 


This arrangement by the Lords - together with the chanting of Their Holy Names - transported us all to the forests of Vrndavana.  Here is a slide show of the transcendental fun.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 8/8/09; 9:15:13 PM to the Festivals dept.
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09 Jhulan Yatra Week Montage

 His Holiness Bhanu Swami will be our guest of honour for this year's biggest event in the festivals' calendar.

Take the time on Friday 14th August to receive Sri Krishna's causeless mercy; His lotus feet are the only true wealth and the only lasting happiness.
This Janmanstami celebration promises to be even grander than the previous years, featuring:

- Extended darshan

- Prasadam for all

- Drama and dance

- All day kirtana and readings

- Abhisekha

- Fire sacrifice

- Midnight arati

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 4/8/09; 7:09:24 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Sri Krishna Janmastami - Friday 14th August

Please join us in celebrating the glorious appearance day of our Founder Acarya,
His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

We will start at:

10.00am - Readings and homages

12.30pm - Pushpanjali and Guru Puja

1.00pm - Prasadam feast

May you taste at least one drop of Srila Prabhupada's unconditional love of God.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 4/8/09; 5:33:00 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Srila Prabhupada's Appearance Day - Saturday 15th August

This year we celebrate Srimati Radhika's Appearance Day on Friday 28th August which promises to be enlivening since His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami will be our ecstatic guest for the occasion.

Our festival schedule is:

4.30pm - Arati and Kirtana

5.00pm - Class

6.00pm - Arati and Pushpanjali

7.30pm - Offering of Gifts

Please bless us with your presence and receive Srimati Radharani's mercy.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 4/8/09; 5:32:33 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Radhastami - Friday 28th August

Here's what everyone was eagerly awaiting: a schedule of the ecstatic and expert kirtan leaders who will enliven the 6 nights of the Jhulan Yatra celebrations at Mahaprabhu Mandir:

Saturday : Aniruddha Prabhu

Sunday: Our Youth stars

Monday: Caru Caitanya Prabhu

Tuesday: Rasa Krishna Prabhu

Wednesday: Krsnagraja Prabhu

Thursday: Aniruddha Prabhu

The kirtans are scheduled to start at 7 pm and will go till very late...

We wish everyone a joyful swing festival.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 1/8/09; 7:03:42 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Jhulan Yatra - Kirtan Schedule

Sri Krishna Janmastami falls on a Friday this year!
On Friday the 14th of August we anticipate a crowd of at least 12,000 – and you are one of them.



We urgently require sponsors for spices, fruits, vegetables and grains, serving plates, cups and spoons. Hiring of marquees, decorations, flowers and more.
If you’d like to sponsor all the above,
one of them or some of them, please call
• Charu Chaitanya Das 0412 696 559





There are at least 300 places for volunteers.
We urgently require help for these dates:
Thursday, 13th August 10.00am – 10.00pm
Friday, 14th August All day
Saturday 15th August 10.00am – 7.00pm
If you would like to offer some service please register with our co-ordinators:
• Koti Prabhu 0402 646 004
• Charu Chaitanya Das 0412 696 559



"Become a friend of Lord Krishna and feel the difference."



# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 1/8/09; 1:39:44 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Sri Krishna Janmastami - Sponsors and Volunteers

 

That most exciting time of the year is back again: Radha-krsna's Swing Festival.

And what's even more exciting is that it is a day longer for us in Melbourne! So, come and assist in the direct personal service of the Sri Sri Radha Krsna by applying yourselves to pushing Their beautifully decorated and sweet-scented swing in seva (service).

The bliss starts tomorrow, Saturday 1st August and goes till Thursday 6th August, 7pm Nightly.

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 31/7/09; 4:22:31 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Jhulan Yatra 1st-6th August

Balarama Purnima marks the end of Jhulana-yatra and will be celebrated on Thursday 6th August this year.

As we all know, Balarama is the adi-guru, the original spiritual master, and it is only through His mercy that one can get a glimpse of the transcendental pastimes of the Divine Couple.

That is why, we invite you all to join us in the great jubilation of the appearance day of the son of Rohini and Vasudeva, starting at:

4.30pm - Arati and Kirtana

5.00pm - Class

6.00pm - Feast

7.00pm - Arati and Pushpanjali

7.30pm - Offering of Gifts

Balaramaji ki, Jaya!

# Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 31/7/09; 4:22:09 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Balarama Purnima - Thursday 6th August

The disciples and well wishers of Tamal Krishna Maharaja will celebrate his appearance day on Sunday.


You are invited to join our Vyasa Puja festival at Jayasacinandana Prabhu's house (4 Stratford Way Point Cook, Ph. 9395-2722, 0401-043-143) at 11:30am.

Please confirm your attendance with Rasanandini dasi (0424-776-188, eleanor@stretch.com.au)


# Posted by Rasanandini at 11/6/09; 9:41:06 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Tamal Krishna Maharaja's Vyasa Puja Celebrations

On Monday Prahladananda Maharaja's disciples and well wishers celebrated Vyasa Puja in his honour.

Maharaja's disciples: Sarva Mangala, Tim, and other aspirants glorified Maharaja's ability to share Krishna consciousness with others and to inspire them to apply bhakti yoga in their lives.

Acintya Rupa, Prabhu, Sita-Rama-Laksmana, and Gopa Vrndesh shared their devotional insights into Maharaja's sustained and exemplary service to Srila Prabhupada's preaching mission.

You can see a slide show here.

# Posted by Rasanandini at 26/5/09; 1:26:27 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Prahladananda Maharaja's Vyasa Puja Celebration

The devotees of ISKCON Canberra invite everyone to celebrate Lord Jagannatha Rathayatra on Saturday May 30th, starting at 10:30am. This year the festival will be blessed by the kind association of His Holiness Prabhavisnu Swami and outstation devotees, who will be participating in this Maha-Harinam for the pleasure of the Lord. A palanquin will carry Their Lordships Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra through the streets of Canberra City.


Rathayatra Program

Start time: 10:30am. from Hare Krishna Temple, 1 Quick St, Ainslie.

Rathayatra route: Hare Krishna Temple, Quick St., Limestone Ave., Ainslie Ave., Glebe Park to City Walk, then return to Hare Krishna Temple

Expected finish time: 1.30pm. at the Temple

Prasadam: 1.30pm. at the temple

Contact: Hare Krishna Temple on 6262-6208 or 0404-486-746 or iskcon@harekrishnacanberra.com


# Posted by Rasanandini at 21/5/09; 4:28:20 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Lord Jagannath Rathayatra in Canberra, May 30

Last Friday's Nrsmha Caturdasi celebrations were very ecstatic, as anyone who attended would have felt. The Lord was very merciful!

Lord Nrsmha was bathed with fragrant oils. This very special prasad has been bottled, and is available from the book stall on weekends.

Please see the slideshow of our celebration here.











# Posted by Rasanandini at 12/5/09; 4:42:27 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Nrsmha Caturdasi Slide Show

The Appearance Anniversary of Lord Nrsimha falls on Friday.

Our festival schedule is:

Please join us to accept His mercy, following in the footsteps of our acaryas and Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

When Mahaprabhu toured the holy places of South India, He worshiped Lord Nrsimha:

sva-prabhave loka-sabara karanä vismaya
pana-nrsimhe aila prabhu daya-maya
nrsimhe pranati-stuti premavese kaila
prabhura prabhave loka camatkara haila

Everywhere Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went, His influence astonished everyone. He next arrived at the temple of Pana-nrsimha. The Lord is so merciful. In great ecstatic love, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu offered obeisances and prayers unto Lord Nrsimha. The people were astonished to see Lord Caitanya’s influence. (Chaitanya-caritamrta Madhya Lila 9.66-7.)



# Posted by Rasanandini at 4/5/09; 11:16:20 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Celebrate Nrsimha Caturdasi

Nine days ago (Saturday April 4th.) we celebrated Sri Rama Navami: the anniversary of the appearance of  Lord Ramachandra. Everyone was in a very ecstatic mood: by Mahaprabhu's grace we got the mercy of Sita-Rama-Laksmana. 

Here is a slideshow of our festival.









# Posted by Rasanandini at 13/4/09; 2:45:02 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Sri Rama Navami Slideshow

Lord Sri Rama's Appearance Anniversary falls tomorrow.

Our festival program is as follows:

•    4:30pm. - arati and kirtana
•    5:00pm. - class
•    5:45pm. - abhiseka and kirtana
•    7:00pm. - arati and kirtana
•    7:30pm. - break fast feast

You can also receive the Lord’s special darshan tomorrow morning at 7:00am.

Please take the time to receive some causeless mercy on Lord’s Rama’s Appearance  Day.



# Posted by Rasanandini at 3/4/09; 2:12:27 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Lord Rama's Appearance Day Tomorrow!

Jayapataka Maharaja's Vyasa Puja celebration falls on Kamada Ekadasi: Monday April 6th. Everyone is invited to attend.

local { htmlText}; on add (s) { htmlText = htmlText + s;}; add (""); return (htmlText) Here is our program:

In the temple room:
4:00pm     -     kirtan
4:30-6:00pm - glorification
6:00-6:15pm - Pushpanjali
6:15-6:45pm - Guru Puja & kirtan

In the prasadam hall:
6:45pm     -     prasadam

We humbly request everyone to continue praying Maharaja's rehabilitation, so that he will be able to walk, talk and preach as he used to do.

Following the celebrations, Maharaja's disciples will send a report to him for his pleasure.

# Posted by Rasanandini at 27/3/09; 5:05:54 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Jayapataka Maharaja's Vyasa Puja: Monday April 6

Here's your invitation!

Add your voice to our Maha Harinama this Sunday. The Werribee Weerama Festival committee is inviting devotees to distribute the Holy Name during their grand parade.

Here are the main attractions:

• Maha Harinam: lead kirtaneer Bhakta Prabhu.
 
• Sri-Sri-Sri Jagannath, Baladeva & Subhadra will join us, riding on a beautiful palanquin.
 
• Distribute books: last year over 10,000 people attended, more are expected this year. The Werribee region devotees are manning a book table.

• Honour prasadam at Ajay Prabhu’s: local cooks are preparing a huge feast!

Join the parade assembly at the Chirnside Park end of Watton St., Werribee at 10:00am. The parade ends at 12:30pm.

RSVP to Charu Chaitanya Dasa (0412 696 559) for catering.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 26/3/09; 12:54:34 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Join ISKCON's Weerama Festival Maha Harinama

Last Wednesday evening the full moon of Gaura Purnima rose over Melbourne. It marked the anniversary of Gauranga Mahaprabhu's appearance in West Bengal more than 500 years ago.

If you visited Mahaprabhu Mandir sometime during the day you will have tasted a few drops of the rain of ecstasy that accompanies the remembrance of His appearance.

Here is the slide show from our festivities.














# Posted by Rasanandini at 13/3/09; 10:58:37 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Gaura Purnima Celebrations

Gaura Purnima is tomorrow. What to get someone who has everything?

Bhakta Prabhu is one the big Gaura-Nitai's pujaris. Here is a timely hint - from someone in the know - if you are buying birthday presents to offer with love and devotion:

And we each hold The Lords differently in our hearts. Happy Gaura Purnima for tomorrow!

Please join our celebrations at Mahaprabhu Mandir. I will be praying that you taste at least one drop of Mahaprabhu's ecstasy of love of God.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 10/3/09; 12:28:23 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Sri-Sri Gaura-Nitai Need...Earrings!

Melbourne's famous Moomba Parade returns on Monday! Once again, this year Parade organisers have requested ISKCON to contribute a transcendental maha-Harinama.

Bhakta Dasa and Bhakti Mataji are managing our party of thirty devotees. They would like temple residents to join together with adult congregational members. Please make sure you register your interest with Bhakta Prabhu on 0431-829-463.

We'll rehearse at the RMIT campus (Bowen St. entrance via Franklin St. City) on Saturday from 11am. till 12:30pm.

If you are joining our Moomba Harinama, prepare to be at the Parade starting point by 9:30 on Monday morning.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 6/3/09; 12:26:29 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Join Our Moomba Maha Harinama!

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the most merciful incarnation, who is freely distributing love of Krishna. We are celebrating His birthday, Gaura Purnima, on Wednesday the 11th of March. It's just seven days away!

Both Bhanu Maharaja and Bhakti Visrambha Madhava Maharaja will join us for the celebrations. Here is our program:.

4:30 pm arati and kirtan
5:00 pm yajna.
5:45 pm class
7:00 pm abhiseka and arati
8:00 pm prasadam

You can offer arati trays to Mahaprabhu from 5:00pm.

Lord Caitanya directly instructed Srila Sanatana Goswami to note the observance of important festivals as Janmastami (and Gaura Purnima) along with the daily and monthly duties of a vaisnava (Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya 24.340). So you can see how much mercy is to be found in celebrating the Lord's Appearance Day next Wednesday.

Please join us.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 4/3/09; 3:52:44 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Seven Sleeps Till Gaura Purnima!

There is some real nectar available from the Mayapur Festival this year: live internet broadcasts of expertly produced high quality video from the Holy Dhama.

   
To date the broadcasts are expected to start around February 17th. For a sample, go to Dandavats.com.

From Giridhari Shyam dasa on behalf of mayapur.tv team: 

This year we are making a special offering to Srila Prabhupada by putting Srila Prabhupada’s annual Gaura-purnima festival in Sree Dham Mayapur online, and six fancy cameras have been installed in the temple room with a high-speed internet connection (at £200 per month - so it had better be good). A broadcasting/mixing room has been constructed and a film crew have come from the UK to film around the campus. So this should be a really big deal for all our members, within temples and in the congregation.

Everyone will be able to hear the lectures of GBC members Live, view the Panca-tattva abhisekam, as well as the daily deity worship...and much more.

Just go to http://www.mayapur.tv

# Posted by Rasanandini at 15/2/09; 1:28:17 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Live Video Broadcasts from the Mayapur Festival

Yesterday we celebrated Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada's Appearance Day.

  The highlight for me was a sweet and ecstatic kirtan led by Kadamba Kanana Maharaja. Here is the briefest of slide shows. Unfortunately I thought I could get away with not using a tripod for the camera: not so.

Don't forget that Maharaja is scheduled to give the Sunday Feast class this evening.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 15/2/09; 1:04:05 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Next Saturday is the Appearance anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's Guru Maharaja, Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada.


Beginning at 11am., we will celebrate with a program glorifying Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada's preaching spirit. His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Maharaja will lead bhajans and give class.

Our program is as follows:
11:00am - Bhajans
11:30am - Class
12:00pm - Pushpanjali
12:30pm - Guru Puja arati
1:00pm   - Prasadam feast

Please join us.


# Posted by Rasanandini at 10/2/09; 4:15:33 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada's Appearance Day

Melbourne's ISKCON community joyfully celebrated Nityananda Trayodasi last Sunday.

Right from Mangalarati at 4:30am. till the middle of the afternoon and beyond, devotees hungry  for Nityananda Mahasaya's mercy enthusiastically engaged in His service.

You can see a slide show here. If you find that the slide screen appears blank, you may need to check your Flash Player.























# Posted by Rasanandini at 10/2/09; 3:02:56 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Nityananda Trayodasi Slide Show

On Sunday we celebrate the Appearance of Lord Nityananda Prabhu.

We begin with class at 7:30am. Then - following the morning temple worship program - at 9:30am. we will gather at Gopal's Vegetarian (opposite Melbourne Town Hall in Swanston St.) for a maha-Harinama downtown. Returning to the temple, at 11:30am. we offer an abhiseka and kirtan to Sri-Sri Gaura-Nitai. 12:30pm brings arati and more kirtan, and 1:00pm the offering of gifts. At 1:30pm we will break fast with Lord Nityananda's prasadam feast.

Please join us in tasting the nectar of Nityananda Mahasay's mercy!




# Posted by Rasanandini at 5/2/09; 1:17:37 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Nityananda Prabhu's Appearance Celebration

On behalf of Le Carnaval Spirituel crew and the Melbourne temple, we would like to thank all the volunteers who assisted with these wonderful events. Your selfless efforts helped make them a definitive success.

Thank you to everyone who drove devotees and equipment around, helped in the kitchen, cooked and served out prasadam, greeted, welcomed, talked to and said goodbye to the guests, helped them find their seat or consoled them when there weren't any seats left, cleaned the venue during and after the events, helped pack up and transport the prasadam, books and equipment, distributed books and collected forms, designed the artwork and the materials, printed them and cut them up, handed out and distributed leaflets, put up posters, contacted the media, invited their contacts to the events, minded the doors, organised the volunteers, offered their time and funds.

We hope we can count on your support again for the next year's events.

Of course, a special thank you goes to His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Maharaja and Le Carnaval Spirituel troupe, without whom none of this would happen, and to Aniruddha prabhu and the Melbourne temple management who provided the facilities, funds and their full support.


# Posted by Stoka Krsna at 30/1/09; 2:43:19 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Thank you to volunteers of Le Carnaval Spirituel

Indradumnya Maharaja and Le Carnaval Spirituel troupe are giving nectarean Harinamas in the Central Business District each afternoon. Here is a small slide show.

Occasionally you may find that the slide screen appears blank. If this is the case, you may need to check your Flash Player.




















# Posted by Rasanandini at 15/1/09; 12:28:33 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Le Carnaval Spirituel CBD Harinama

You can see a slide show of Saturday's celebration of Ratha Yatra here.
































# Posted by Rasanandini at 5/1/09; 7:16:55 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Jagannatha Ratha Yatra Slide Show

His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Maharaja and Le Carnaval Spirituel are coming to Melbourne on another exciting tour and we can't wait! Many of you have been asking questions about this visit.

Here's a brief Q&A:

• When does the troupe arrive and leave?
  They are arriving on January 12 and leaving on January 29.
  
  
• How many devotees are coming?
  Around 25 including Maharaja, although there may be more visitors from interstate.
  
  
• When and where are the Le Carnaval Spirituel events happening?
  Friday, January 16 & Saturday, January 17 at the Fitzroy Town Hall and Thursday, January 22 and Friday, January 23 at the St Kilda Town Hall (just before the Australia Day long weekend). For complete information about the events please visit  the new Le Carnaval Spirituel website.
  
  
• How much will the events cost to attend?
  Nothing. That's right, you've read it. We decided to make the events available to the public of Melbourne for free in order to make them accessible to all your family and friends whom you have been wishing to introduce to the Vedic culture and philosophy. Obviously, the temple is spending quite a bit of money on these events. Therefore any contributions towards the cost will be much appreciated. To make a safe and secure online contribution over PayPal please go to the Contacts page of the Le Carnaval website.
  
  
• Do you need volunteers to help with the events?
  Yes, any help will be much appreciated. Our main focus today is the promotion. We have about 500-700 seats to fill on each night, which is over 2000 seats in total.
  
  Right now we need volunteers to do letter box drop of the Carnaval leaflets in the areas of Fitzroy, St Kilda, and the surrounding suburbs. We also need people to put up posters in those locations and young, energetic people for handing out leaflets. To volunteer, please phone Sri Krsna Candra das on 0411 466 882 or Stoka Krishna das on 0411 550 429 or go to the Contacts page on the website and email us from there.
  
  It would also help us a lot if you could invite all your families, friends, work colleagues, neighbours, school contacts, especially people not familiar with the Indian and Vedic culture and Krishna consciousness to these events. These events are designed as a very gentle, non-intrusive and attractive introduction to what we are all about, so boldly invite them all, including your non-religious Aussie friends and acquaintances. The worst thing that can happen is that they say no, but if they go, they will understand you better and gain more respect for the path that you are following. You can download the text of the email invitation and download PDF files of the posters and leaflets here.
  
  If you are on Facebook, please register for this event and invite all of your contacts by clicking on the Invite people link underneath the image on the event page (it will appear there once you confirm your attendance yourself). If you're not on Facebook, please ask your kids to do it and invite their friends. They ARE on Facebook.

Please stay tuned for more updates...


# Posted by Stoka Krsna at 30/12/08; 9:46:52 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Le Carnaval Spirituel & HH Indradyumna Swami's visit update

You can see a slide show of last Friday's ecstatic Snana Yatra celebrations here!























# Posted by Rasanandini at 29/12/08; 12:16:13 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra Slideshow

Don't forget the Snana Yatra schedule has changed this year! We will begin celebrations at 10.00 am which is a much earlier start than in previous years.

• 10.00 am  - Bathing ceremony starts
• 11.30 am - Lord Jagannatha prepared in readiness for offering and arati
• 12.00 noon - Offering of sweets and lunch to the Lord
  
• 12.30 pm - Hati-vesa darsana and arati
• 1.00 pm - Lord Jagannatha takes rest
• 2.00 pm - Maha-prasada auction
• 4.00 pm - Feast

Depending on how long the auction goes the feast may be served earlier or later. We may also have to be a little flexible with the timings if there is a large number of person's participating in the bathing. Please keep in mind everyone is welcome to come and bathe Lord Jagannatha.

Tell your friends.


# Posted by Aniruddha at 23/12/08; 8:02:41 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra on Boxing Day

Snana Yatra and Ratha Yatra are just around the corner. Lord Jagannatha is eager to share His association with the devotees.

On Boxing Day we celebrate the bathing of Lord Jagannatha. We've adjusted the program this year. We will start ceremonies at 10.30 am so we can perform all the pujas and offerings well before it is time to go home. Please make a note to come early on the day.

Ratha-yatra will be held on the third of January this year. Since Boxing Day is on a Friday that puts just over a week between the two events. We start downtown at 10.00 am and return to the temple at noon to perform the midday arati at 12.30 pm.

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# Posted by Aniruddha at 18/12/08; 6:59:36 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra & Ratha Yatra

'I offer my respects to Radharani, whose bodily complexion is like molten gold and who is the Queen of Vrndavana. You are the daughter of King Vrsabhanu, and You are very dear to Lord Krishna.'

Just a reminder that Srimati Radharani's Appearance Day falls on Monday. At the 7:00am darshan arati you will be able to see Their Lordships' dressed in flower veshas (costumes) for Srimati Radharani's pleasure. This is a truly unique event, so if you can come, please do.

In the afternoon, we will celebrate from 4:30pm with arati and kirtana. At 5:00pm there will be a class to glorify Srimati Radharani, followed - at 5:45pm - by Her prasadam feast. At 7:00pm we will offer arati and pushpanjali, and - at 7:20pm - gifts. Please bless us with your presence and receive Srimati Radharani's mercy.


# Posted by Aniruddha at 6/9/08; 8:07:47 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Radhastami on Monday

Kurma Prabhu's written three reports from Janmastami this weekend. Here's number two...

It's Sri Krishna Janmastami and I'm having a ball here in Melbourne. Our first big celebration of the day was mangala arati, the joyous chanting commencing at 4.30 am. The temple was so packed that it was very difficult to get inside. There must have been 300 attendees, which is a record for such an early-hour Melbourne Temple event.

He's also posted some great shots.

# Posted by Aniruddha at 25/8/08; 9:36:55 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Janmastami in Melbourne: Kurma

# Posted by Aniruddha at 22/3/08; 12:18:03 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Gaura Purnima Celebrations

Here's a humourous account of one devotee's prasadam distribution experience at the Big Day Out...

Big Day Out is Australia's biggest touring musical festival and is a big hit with teenagers and young university/college kids. It has every thing they want - loud music in many varieties, beautiful people every where, plenty of alcohol, school holidays and nice hot summer day.

With pictures...


# Posted by Aniruddha at 14/3/08; 1:46:02 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Big Day Out, 2008 « 9 Days, 8 Nights

# Posted by Aniruddha at 4/3/08; 2:11:36 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Gaura Purnima Celebrations: Friday March 21!

# Posted by Aniruddha at 27/2/08; 2:45:46 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada's Appearance Day

# Posted by Aniruddha at 13/1/08; 10:10:52 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Krishna Bandana for Hare Krishna Food for Life

 

Here's a discussion topic set up by Sanjoy with links to his Flickr page. He's got some nice shots of the festival in town yesterday...

We had an exciting day of celebrating the Lord Jagannath's Ratha-Yatra 2008. Lord Jagannatha looked very happy.We gathered all the devotees at 139 Swanton Street, Melbourne (Gopal's Pure Vegetarian Restaurant) in morning at 10:30 AM. The devotees were very enthusiastic.

Thanks for the shots Sanjoy.

# Posted by Aniruddha at 6/1/08; 8:33:55 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Ratha-yatra in Melbourne 2008

# Posted by Aniruddha at 5/12/07; 1:33:25 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Snana Yatra 2007

# Posted by Aniruddha at 4/12/07; 11:44:24 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Advent of the Bhagavad-gita

I usually like to post a report on Govardhana Puja each year but couldn't be in Melbourne for the event. Fortunately Bhakta Dave put some shots on his blog. Check them out. Krsna Katha tells me Ramai Swami led a great kirtana as is evidenced by Dave...

"Then I went to the govardhana hill festival. That is a huge pile of sweets you can see.

I sat down and chanted for a while

Then I danced until I passed out from dizziness. This photo was a mistake, but I think it captures the frenetic energy nicely."

Yes it does. Thankyou.

# Posted by Aniruddha at 15/11/07; 4:29:14 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Govardhana Puja report from Dr. Dave

# Posted by Aniruddha at 28/10/07; 4:48:25 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Prabhupada's Disappearance 2007

# Posted by Aniruddha at 26/10/07; 8:43:58 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Kartika 2007

# Posted by Aniruddha at 26/10/07; 7:57:05 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Govardhana Puja 2007

# Posted by Aniruddha at 26/10/07; 7:54:34 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Diwali 2007

# Posted by Aniruddha at 24/9/07; 3:03:37 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Punjabi Bagh Temple Opening

# Posted by Aniruddha at 22/9/07; 7:53:29 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Radhastami Flower Outfit Creation

# Posted by Aniruddha at 20/9/07; 1:51:53 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Radhastami 2007

Jasmine is Srimati Radhika's favourite flower. we need a lot of jasmine for Radhastami.

If you have a jasmine vine at home or near your house or know someone that has a vine could you please bring a big bag or two or three of jasmine vines to the temple Wednesday morning 19th September.

Please leave it in the reception.

# Posted by Aniruddha at 16/9/07; 10:07:03 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Help! for Radhastami

# Posted by Aniruddha at 9/9/07; 7:41:10 AM to the Festivals dept.
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Janmastami Night Set

Here's this year's Janmastami cultural program to be presented in the Prasadam Hall above the temple room. We are starting at 6.45 pm so kindly be seated by 6.30PM to avoid disappointment.

6.55 PM Invocation  Bharatnatayam - Miss Shurti and Miss Roja

7.10 PM Bharatnatyam from Revati, Dance from Yalini Dance School

7.30 PM Carnatic Classical Music By Smt Dwaina Venkat (Senior Student of SMTP Shophar Shophar) Surya Radians on Mridangam

7.40 PM   Play Gopakumara Search For Krishna Performed By Children - By Smt Leela Mayi

This story is from the Brhad Bhagavadamrita by Sanatana Goswami. First Gopakumara is searching Krsna in Vrindavan and Jagannath Puri. In Vrindavan Krishna comes in the form as his spiritual master Jayanta and initiates him. Gopakumara with the help of the mantra travels all over the universe and at last reaches Goloka Vrindavan where he finds Krsna.

8.25 PM   Dance - Moha Chedha Na - Dance from the Mayi Nachungi Dance Company

Participants are Pri, Mary Heaton, Nayana, Vandana and Soni - Choregraphed by Soni and Pushpa

This is a dance form where Radha asking Lord Krishna not to annoy her. Krishna says that I am Lord  Of Braja and I already part of Radha-rani.

9.00 PM Presentation by Aniruddha Prabhu

9.15 PM Play - Advent Of Lord Sri Krishna - A Bumble Bee Production – By Krsna-mayi

Participants are Adam, Amrita , Anjali, Bernadette, Bhakta, Giri, Jitendria, Karvesh, Krishna, Krsna-carana, Lalita, Lovela, Shreyas, Pavan, Vibhav, Vrindaranya and Krsna-mayi

9.40 PM Dance - Mayi Yashoda - Dance from the Mayi Nachungi Dance Company by Ms Soni

This form of dance traces Krishna who is troubling Mayi Yashoda. Ma Yashoda is showing all love for Krishna and also all the attention Krishna is seeking from Mother Yashoda.

9.50 PM Dance - Woh he Krsna- Dance from the Mayi Nachungi Dance Company

Participants are Pri Mary Heaton, Nayana, Radhika and Vandana -  Choregraphed by Pushpa

This dance is based on a description of Krsna’s six opulences - wealth, beauty, renunciation, fame, strength and knowledge and a description of how  beautiful Radharani is.

O my dear Krsna, You are the friend of the distressed and the source of creation. You are the master of the gopis and the lover of Radharani who is dancing and playing the flute on the banks of Yamuna. All the girls of Braja are all attracted towards him. I offer my respectful obeisance’s unto you.

9.55 PM Dance - Ka he Chedha Muhe - By Priyanka Lal

This dance depicts the pastime of Lord Krishna‘s great fear of Mother Yasoda’s punishment for breaking her yogurt pots and stealing the fresh butter from the gopi’s. Upon breaking the pots Krsna becomes terrified and starts crying. But on purpose the Gopi’s want him to steal butter so that they can have His darshan and also at the same time complain to Mother Yasoda that he is troubling them.

10.00 PM Dance - School of Bharatha Choodamani Dance School

Artistic Director – Naramatha Ravichandran
Participants – Anvita, Narochime, Nayani, Meena, Manoshay

10.10 PM  Carnatic Classical music  By Miss Vaidehai ( Student of Smt Shobha Shekhar) Sri Hari on Harimonium

11.00PM - Bhajanas

# Posted by Aniruddha at 3/9/07; 7:17:13 PM to the Festivals dept.
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Sri Janmastami Cultural Program