Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Visakhapatnam Glows in Devotion
Visakhapatnam, August 16, 2025 — The city woke up to devotion this Saturday. It wasn’t just another morning; from before sunrise, Sagar Nagar’s ISKCON temple was buzzing. The smell of jasmine, the clang of bells, kids tugging at their parents’ hands — everywhere you looked, people had come carrying their own prayers, yet somehow all part of the same celebration: the birth of Krishna.
Morning at ISKCON
The day kicked off with the Mangala Aarti. Lamps flickered, chants floated in the air, and for a while, the noise of the city outside felt miles away. Soon after, the temple walls themselves seemed to vibrate with the Harinama Sankirtan — hundreds of voices, one rhythm.
The talks by Pujya Nitai Saveni Mataji and temple president Samba Prabhuji weren’t heavy sermons, just simple reminders — love, truth, devotion. The kind of lines you carry home without even realising it.
Then came darshan. The deities of Sri Sri Radha Damodar looked dazzling, silk outfits from Vrindavan, garlands so fresh you could smell them from the back rows. And yes, the moment that melted every heart: Uyya Seva — devotees rocking little Krishna’s cradle, smiling like kids themselves.
A small mandap was set up too. Devotees sat quietly, chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra 108 times before walking in for darshan. No rush. Just a rhythm, personal and almost meditative.
Evening Joy
When dusk fell, the temple came alive all over again — only this time louder, brighter, playful.
- Utlotsavam had everyone laughing, the kind of joyous chaos only festivals bring.
- Children walked around dressed as Radha and Krishna, innocence written all over their faces.
- Maha Abhishekam followed — a cleansing ritual with milk, herbs, flowers, the works.
- And then the showstopper: the 1008-lamp Aarti. Thousands of tiny flames swaying in the dark, the crowd falling silent in that one shared moment of awe.
A Celebration for All
This wasn’t just about temple devotees. The city itself joined in. Mayor Peela Srinivasarao, Police Commissioner Shankabrata Bagchi, and other dignitaries turned up, standing shoulder to shoulder with families and kids.
Across town, the Hare Krishna Movement marked the day at Gadiraju Palace. Under Dr. Nishkrinchin Bhakta Das, morning abhishekam was offered to Sri Bala Gopala and Sri Radha Madan Mohan, drawing another wave of faithful.
Closing Thoughts
Janmashtami here wasn’t just rituals strung together. It was a feeling. The sound of conches, the scent of flowers, the sparkle of kids dressed as gods, the heat of lamps glowing against the night.
For many, it wasn’t simply “another festival done.” It was a reminder — that wherever Krishna is remembered, even briefly, there’s light. There’s joy. And maybe, just a little peace too.
