Sri Krishna Janmasthami was celebrated at the Ramakrishna Misson, New Delhi, on Monday, the 22nd August 2011.
The main feature of the celebration of Sri Krishna Janmasthami besides the evening special puja, was the chanting of all the 18 Chapters of Srimad Bhagavad Gita in the Temple, like last year, which lasted about three hours. The entire chanting was done by the gathered devotees in chorus led by Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj along with a few other monastics of the Ashrama.
A beautiful portrait of ‘Bal Krishna’ on a nicely decorated altar had been placed by the side of Holy Mother’s portrait. The image of Sri Sri Thakur was decorated with a beautiful garland with flowers and flower vases on the altar. All the portraits of Bal Krishna, Sri Sri Ma and Swamiji were also decorated with garlands and marigold flowers.
After the regular evening arati, special Puja began at 7.35 p.m. During the puja, Shri Champak Chatterjee rendered a few bhajans. Later, ‘Shyamnam’ kirtans were rendered by Revered Swami Gunashrayanandaji. The devotees present joined in singing and this created an excellent atmosphere in the Temple. Swami Shantatmanandaji Maharaj rendered a few bhajans. The puja was performed by Swami Tattwatitanandaji.
After completion of the evening pujas, Bhogarati was performed with Jhar Lamp with the singing of “Trigunatita Guneswara Shyam” sung in chorus by all devotees led by Swami Gunashrayanandaji. The Temple was closed at 10.00 p.m.
Prasad was distributed to all the devotees.