Iskcon Calendar 2023: A Comprehensive Guide To Festivals And Events

Introduction

As a devotee of Lord Krishna, I always look forward to the Iskcon Calendar each year. It not only serves as a reminder of important dates and festivals, but also provides an opportunity to deepen my understanding and connection with the Lord. In this article, I will share my personal experience with the Iskcon Calendar 2023 and provide a detailed guide to the festivals and events.

What is Iskcon Calendar?

The Iskcon Calendar is a yearly calendar that follows the Vaishnava lunar calendar. It marks important dates and festivals celebrated by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) and other Vaishnava communities. The calendar includes the dates of major Hindu festivals, Ekadashi fasts, appearance and disappearance days of Vaishnava saints, and other significant events.

World Events and Festivals in Iskcon Calendar 2023

The Iskcon Calendar 2023 is packed with numerous festivals and events that devotees eagerly look forward to. Some of the major festivals and events are:

Janmashtami (August 30, 2023)

Janmashtami is the birthday of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by devotees all over the world. The festival is marked by fasting, singing of devotional songs, and midnight puja.

Radhastami (September 8, 2023)

Radhastami is the appearance day of Srimati Radharani, who is considered to be the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated with devotional singing, dancing, and offering of special foods to the deities.

Diwali (October 21, 2023)

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most popular festivals in India. It marks the victory of good over evil and is celebrated by lighting diyas, bursting firecrackers, and offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi.

Gita Jayanti (December 12, 2023)

Gita Jayanti is the day when Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The day is celebrated with recitation of the Bhagavad Gita, distribution of books, and lectures on the importance of the Gita.

List of Events and Festivals in Iskcon Calendar 2023

Apart from the major festivals mentioned above, the Iskcon Calendar 2023 also includes other important events such as: – Nityananda Trayodashi (February 6, 2023) – Gaura Purnima (March 5, 2023) – Rama Navami (April 2, 2023) – Nrsimha Chaturdashi (May 16, 2023) – Balarama Jayanti (August 18, 2023) – Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja (August 26, 2023) – Govardhan Puja (November 18, 2023) – Ekadashi (twice a month)

Question & Answer

Q: Why is the Iskcon Calendar important for devotees?
A: The Iskcon Calendar serves as a reminder of important dates and festivals, and also provides an opportunity for devotees to deepen their connection with the Lord. Q: What is the significance of Ekadashi fasts?
A: Ekadashi fasts are observed twice a month and are considered to be very auspicious for spiritual advancement. They involve abstaining from grains and beans and engaging in devotional activities. Q: What are some ways to celebrate the festivals mentioned in the Iskcon Calendar?
A: Devotees can celebrate the festivals by attending temple programs, offering special foods to the deities, singing devotional songs, and performing devotional activities such as reading the scriptures and chanting the holy names.

Conclusion

The Iskcon Calendar 2023 is a valuable resource for devotees who wish to stay connected with the Lord and participate in important festivals and events. By following the calendar, devotees can deepen their understanding of the Vaishnava tradition and strengthen their devotion to Lord Krishna.