Deity Department

FESTIVAL GARLANDS SERVICE

In August, garland-makers and flower arrangers were allowed to use temple office space for garlands and altar decorations service for Balarama Jayanti, Janmastami, Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja and Radhastami festivals.

“We were all very happy to be able to be back in service for the festivals making Their Lordships’ garlands, vases and altar decorations after five long months away from this beautiful service. It felt strange making the garlands away from the temple and with face masks and social distancing measures in place but Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara are very loving and merciful for allowing us to resume making offerings for Them in such conditions. It was very blissful and a highlight of our time in lockdown. Thank you to Jai Nitai Prabhu, Murli Manohara Prabhu and the ashram devotees who helped facilitate us using the office facility.” Devaki devi dasi

BHOGA OFFERINGS

With the pujari department still off limits to outside devotees, Head Pujari Murli Manohara dasa allowed pujaris to make bhoga offerings in their homes and bring to the temple for offering during the festivals. A wonderful variety of offerings filled up the altar and the area near Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasasana. The maha-prasadam was then distributed to guests visiting during the darshan opening times.

RADHASTAMI FLOWER OUTFIT

Due to the temple still in lockdown and the need for social distancing measures to remain in place, this year it was sadly not possible to offer flower outfits to all Their Lordships for Radhastami. Instead, in the morning of Radhastami, a new outfit was offered to Their Lordships.

In the afternoon, when the temple opened for darshan, Srimati Radharani was offered a beautiful flower outfit and a fresh set of garlands and flower jewellery. The outfit was made by Arcana devi dasi and her small team in the Haveli at Bhaktivedanta Manor. We would like to thank Bhaktivedanta Manor for kindly allowing us to use the Haveli.