ISKCON Takes Krishna’s Janmashtami Message Across Gujarat with ‘Swagatam Krishna 2026’
ISKCON Bhadaj to organise spiritual-cultural programmes across cities, towns and villages; grand Janmashtami celebrations on September 4
Bilkul Online | Ahmedabad
The ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, Bhadaj, has launched “Swagatam Krishna 2026”, a statewide initiative aimed at taking the spiritual and cultural message of Lord Krishna’s Janmashtami beyond temple premises and across different sections of society.
As part of the initiative, a series of spiritual and cultural programmes will be organised across Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Sanand, Viramgam, Kadi and Kalol from August 22 to September 13. Programmes will also be conducted in around 10 villages of Viramgam taluka during the month of Shravan.
Celebrations across Gujarat
Giving details of the initiative, Jaganmohan Krishna Das, President, ISKCON Hare Krishna Movement, said the programmes will bring the message of Janmashtami to people through devotional music, cultural presentations and spiritual activities.
The programme will begin on August 22, with events planned at Chandkheda, Gota and Palaj in Gandhinagar. On August 23, a programme will be held in Rajkot. Further programmes are scheduled at Chandlodia, Nikol and Adani Shantigram on August 29, followed by events in Sanand, Kalol and Maninagar on August 30.
On September 4, Janmashtami programmes will be organised in Surat and Vadodara, while the celebrations will also culminate at the ISKCON Hare Krishna Temple, Bhadaj, and ISKCON Gandhinagar, Sector-1. The statewide initiative will conclude with a programme at Kadi Town Hall on September 13.
Jhulan Mahotsav from August 23
Ahead of Janmashtami, the Hare Krishna Temple, Bhadaj, will organise the Jhulan Mahotsav from August 23 to 28.
The main Sri Krishna Janmashtami Mahotsav will be celebrated on September 4 at the Bhadaj temple and ISKCON Gandhinagar. The celebrations will continue throughout the day, from 8 am to 12:30 am, featuring darshan, kirtan, devotional music, cultural programmes and special Janmashtami activities.
Taking Krishna’s message beyond the temple
According to Jaganmohan Krishna Das, the central objective of Swagatam Krishna 2026 is to reach people who may not ordinarily visit a temple, particularly senior citizens, women and young people.
He said the initiative draws inspiration from Srila Prabhupada, founder-acharya of ISKCON, who dedicated his life to spreading the teachings of Lord Krishna, the Bhagavad Gita and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra across the world.
“Swagatam Krishna 2026” seeks to carry forward this vision by bringing together spirituality, culture and community participation across Gujarat.
Prominent personalities and dignitaries are also expected to participate in programmes at various locations and receive the blessings of Lord Krishna.
The initiative will reach its culmination with the grand Janmashtami celebrations on September 4, marking the auspicious occasion of the divine appearance of Lord Krishna.