Ram Navami at ISKCON of Houston

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Photos by Ruchi Sinha and Amitabha Bhakta.

HOUSTON:Rama Navami – Lord Rama’s Appearance Day was celebrated at ISKCON of Houston on Saturday, March 28, with spiritually satisfying program and packed cultural performances. Hundreds of devotees crowded into the temple at ISKCON of Houston to take part in this very special and auspicious celebration. Lord Rama is one of the main incarnations of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is celebrated as the incarnation of the Lord who set the perfect example of an ideal king, son, brother, husband, and master. He is also called maryada-purusottama or the “one who exhibits ideal behavior in all circumstances.”

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The festival in the temple room began with an ecstatic kirtan (melodious chanting of the holy names of the Lord) led by Jivanand Das and a Maha Arati (offering of ghee lamps and auspicious articles to the Lord) by devotees. The altar was beautifully decorated with flowers, fruits and the Deities wore colorful outfits – the ultimate attraction of the day. The deities of Sri Rama, Sri Lakshman and Sita Devi made a special appearance on the altar, giving Their merciful darshan to all that attended.

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Nainamrita Das gave an inspiring spiritual talk on Lord Ramachandra’s pastimes from both the Ramayan and the Srimad Bhagavatam. All the devotees and guests were eagerly involved in the hearing of the pastimes of Lord Ramachandra. The program in the temple concluded with an ecstatic kirtan led by Dwarakanath Das.

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The Celebrations continued in ISKCON of Houston’s auditorium, Gauranga Hall, with cultural presentations by the local talent. These performances included dances, vocal and instrumental concerts and video presentations. Many of Houston’s elite dance and music schools took part in the cultural program with various artists presenting Kathak, Oddissi, Bharathnatyam, Classical Violin and Tabla performances. Also featured was a video presentation for Goswami Academy – one of North America’s holistic academic school based on the teachings of the Vaishnava spiritual tradition.

The festival at ISKCON Houston ended with a sumptuous feast prepared by the temple devotees. A perfect ending to a perfect Saturday Evening!

Jai Shri Rama!

For more information on the temple and the Sunday Feasts, Goswami Academy, Sunday School and other various programs, please visit www.iskconhouston.org or come see us:
ISKCON of Houston | 1320 W 34th St., Houston TX 77018 | 713.686.GITA