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Digital Celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2020

August 11th and 12th, 2020

on ISKCON-Bangalore YouTube channel

In the current situation of the pandemic in the country, and the uncertainties surrounding the local situation in Bangalore, we wish to inform all the devotees, donors and well-wishers of ISKCON-Bangalore, we will be performing the various Sri Krishna Janmashtami related sevas to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra in the temple at Hare Krishna Hill. Depending on the prevailing guidelines of the government during Sri Krishna Janmashtami, in the interest of public safety, the devotees, donors, sponsors of the various sevas, and well- wishers will be informed if they will be able to participate in the sevas in the temple, or may have to participate online. However, to spread the joy and blessings of Sri Krishna Janmashtami among the devotees, we have planned digital celebration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami - a series of activities to be webcast on both the days on the ISKCON-Bangalore YouTube channel. We invite all of you to participate in these activities and celebrations, in the comfort and safety of your homes.

More details of this joyous and exciting event will be given in our website and social media in the coming days.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DIGITAL CELEBRATION:

1. Nearly 20 hours of programs to be webcast on ISKCON-Bangalore official YouTube channel on the two days of Sri Krishna Janmashtami (Aug 11th and 12th). 2. Live webcast of Nauka Vihar (boat festival or theppotsava) for Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra at the crack of dawn. 3. Live webcast of Grand Abhishek of the Deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra. The Abhishek will consist of pancha-gavya, pancha-amrita, varieties of aushada (herbal waters), varieties of phala rasas (fruit juices), sandal water, varieties of deepas (lamps), pushpa vrishti (showering of flowers), chaamara seva and Jhulan seva (swing festival). 4. Music concerts by renowned artistes: a. Anup Jalota - an Indian singer, musician and actor best known for his performances in the Hindu devotional music, bhajan, and the Urdu form of poetry, ghazal. He is popularly known as the “Bhajan Samraat” (Emperor of Bhajans). b. Anuradha Paudwal - an Indian playback singer who works in Bollywood and the Marathi cinema. She was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India in 2017. She is a recipient of the National Film Award and a four-time winner of the Filmfare Award. c. Great Granddaughters of MS Subbalakshmi - The ‘Nightingale of India’ MS Subbulakshmi (1916-2004), who was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna, had accomplished several firsts in the field of music. Taking her legacy forward are her great granddaughters, S Aishwarya and S Saundarya, who are presenting both popular and less-heard renditions of Subbulakshmi’s to the world. The young sisters were invited to perform at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in October 2017. d. Agam - contemporary Carnatic progressive rock band on Krishna songs. e. Bhajans and kirtans by devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore temple and congregation. f. FOLK Band and Aikya Band – the youth empowerment initiatives of ISKCONBangalore – sing Krishna songs set to contemporary music. 5. Panel discussions with eminent persons of the country on various themes: a) The Inspiring Journey and Message of ISKCON-Bangalore – informal chat with Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON-Bangalore and Chairman of Akshaya Patra Foundation along with thought leaders and influencers in the country like Dr Kasturi Rangan, Shri Anupam Kher, Smt Hema Malini.

b) Magic of Little Krishna – Reminiscing the making of the world renowned animated series with the makers of the series. c) Secrets of ISKCON Kitchens – country’s food experts discuss what makes ISKCON food so delicious! d) No One Shall Go Hungry – Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and other visionary leaders of the country discuss the extraordinary vision of Srila Prabhupada (the founderacharya of ISKCON) that led to the creation of Akshaya Patra program and how hunger and starvation are unacceptable features of a civilized and compassionate society. e) Krishna Talk with the Leaders of ISKCON-Bangalore – a phone-in event where public can interact and ask questions on the life and message of Lord Sri Krishna. 6. Classical dance performances by renowned artistes that depict the transcendental pastimes and qualities of Lord Sri Krishna. a) Rukmini of Radhaa Kalpa fame will perform Bharatanatyam specially for the occasion. b) More dance groups under discussion. 7. Message to public by renowned spiritual leaders and mahants of famous Krishna temples of the country on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. 8. Online premiere of two short films on the ancient but timeless stories of Indian heritage.

Also screening of one music and dance video. 9. Children’s program: a) Krishna Story telling by expert story tellers. b) Bhajans and kirtans by children of Basil Woods School (an ISKCONBangalore initiative). 10. Janmastami Celebrations in orphanage: Celebrating Janmastami in “Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled” with gifts, prasadam, music, celeb greetings and many other surprises. Join us to join their happiness 11. Conversation with Amish Tripathi.

POINTERS FOR THE GIVING A SRI KRISHNA JANMASHTAMI MESSAGE:

1. In the current situation of the pandemic in the country, we are planning, in the interest of public safety, how to take the blessings and joy of Sri Krishna Janmashtami to the lakhs of devotees of Krishna all over the world. Hence we have planned a series of online events on August 11th and 12th, 2020. 2. As a well-wisher of ISKCON-Bangalore and Akshaya Patra, we value and appreciate your relationship with us. 3. As a respected and accomplished person in our country, we invite you to share your thoughts and aspirations on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami, especially in the current situation of gloom and despair in the country. 4. The world needs positivity and optimism. The human society looks up to leaders and influencers. The virtues you embody and the confidence you radiate is especially relevant to humanity today. And we are trying to use the opportunity of Sri Krishsna Janamashtami to convey your thoughts and enthuse people all over the world with hope and new energy. 5. You may also share your experiences during your various visits to and interactions with ISKCON-Bangalore temple and Akshaya Patra. 6. We also request you, if this is appropriate, to share how Sri Krishna and His message has influenced your life and thinking.

7. Lakhs of viewers who are all devotees of Lord Krishna will also wish to hear your message for all devotees on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Your message will give a new inspiration especially during these times of gloom and despair.

This video recorded message of yours will be webcast in the ISKCON-Bangalore YouTube channel on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami to be viewed by lakhs of devotees, well-wishers and supporters of the temple all over the world. This online event will be promoted and publicized widely through all our social media channels.

We are confident your message will inspire lakhs of viewers and bring cheer to their lives.

ADDITIONAL POINTERS:

To stimulate your thinking further, ISKCON have composed a few pointers that you may wish to cover:

1. How Lord Sri Krishna and his message have shaped your values and thoughts in life? 2. How do you think Lord Krishna’s message is relevant especially in the face of challenges and uncertainties of our contemporary society? 3. What is your message of hope, positivity and optimism on the occasion of Sri Krishna Janmashtami? 4. Is there any particular leela of Sri Krishna that has inspired and buoyed your spirits that you wish to share with the viewers? 5. Do you have any memorable experience of celebrating Sri Krishna Janmashtami – now or as a child – that you like to share with the viewers?

ABOUT ISKCON-BANGALORE:

ISKCON-Bangalore temple on Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar, was inaugurated formally by the then President of India in May 1997. Since then the temple has made stellar contributions to the people of Bangalore city in various fields of religious, spiritual, social and cultural development of the society. ● The iconic temple is one of the most visited places of the city, a pride of every citizen of Bangalore. It is an architectural marvel – combining the elements of traditional temple architecture and elements of modern architecture. In the year 2019- 20, about 42.8 lakh visitors visited the temple. ● The temple has been a centre of learning and dissemination of the message of Lord Sri Krishna and the congregational chanting of the holy names of Lord Sri Krishna: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare – for personal and collective wellbeing. ● The temple gave birth to the Akshaya Patra mid-day meal program in the year 2000 that is currently serving 18.7 lakh children in 13 states of the country, in partnership with the government of India and various state governments. ● The ISKCON-Bangalore temple also housed the world-class animation studio and produced Little Krishna – a 13 episode TV serial which became a prime time show in Nickelodeon TV channel and has millions of views on the YouTube. ● The ISKCON-Bangalore has also been a centre for cultural activities. Hosts of music, dance and plays have been performed on several occasions all through the year. The most notable performers from Kalakshetra Foundation, Chennai, Sri Birju Maharaj, Sri Srikanthan, and several others have performed. ● ISKCON-Bangalore is also known for the colourful religious festivals all through the year. Thousands of devotees participate and revel in the festivities.

● ISKCON-Bangalore also conducts several children’s and youth programs all through the year. The objective is to instil the values and message of Sri Krishna so that their lives are founded on the solid bedrock of spirituality and morality. We believe such a foundation will guide them in their lives to make right choices and decisions for their personal good and also for the good of their family, society, nation and planet. ● ISKCON-Bangalore temple is a landmark in the city and has set a benchmark in temple cleanliness. The temple is also renowned for the tranquil spiritual atmosphere it provides to the millions of visitors. Our beloved former President of India, Sri APJ Abdul Kalam heartily remarked during his visit to ISKCON-Bangalore remarked: “I can feel the spiritual power in this temple.”

ABOUT AKSHAYA PATRA FOUNDATION:

● The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves mid-day meals as a part of the Government of India’s flagship school feeding programme, the Mid-Day Meal Programme. Our vision is ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.’ ● We started our school lunch programme in the year 2000 with the feeding of 1,500 children in five schools in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It was our humble attempt to address the issue of classroom hunger in the country and support the health and education of the children by providing them hot, nutritious, and tasty mid-day meals. ● The popularity of the initiative prompted many school authorities to write to us asking us to serve mid-day meals in their schools. Over the period, many like-minded individuals and organisations came forward and helped us reach more and more children. ● In 2003, the Foundation signed an MoU with the Government of Karnataka for Akshara Dasoha, thus becoming the first organisation to forge a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the Government to implement the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. ● Since then, we have been working closely with the Government of India and various State Governments, providing children a quality, nutritious, and tasty mid-day meal as an incentive to come to school. ● Today, we serve more than 1.8 million children studying in over 19,000 Government schools in 51 locations across 12 states and two union territories of the country. We have cumulatively served over 3.3 million mid-day meals since inception. ● We operate 52 centralised kitchens in 12 states and 2 union territories across India. These kitchens prepare meals for approximately 1.8 million school children. The semi-automated kitchens have the capacity to undertake large scale feeding, typically up to 100,000 meals a day whilst ensuring safe handling, preparation, and delivery of the food. ● The scale and operational efficiency of centralised kitchens help Akshaya Patra play a crucial role in maximizing the impact of the Mid-Day Meal Programme. The approach also works as far as accountability is concerned because thousands of meals are prepared at one location with due adherence to safety and hygiene and the whole process is monitored with due diligence. ● Along with the Government (Central and States) and donors (corporate and individual), we have formed a strong system to tirelessly feed children and provide them an incentive to come to school. ● In the last four months (March to June 2020), we have served 6.8 crore meals as part of the Covid relief feeding program in about 50 locations in 15 states of the country.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD Indian, Chinese, Arabian, Mexican, French, Continental, Italian...

Your visit to Bengaluru isn’t complete if you haven’t sampled its cuisine. And your journey begins with Vidyarthi Bhavan. If their dosas and idlis aren’t filling enough, dropping by MTR will please the glutton in you. Feast on the fish curry-rice at Fishland in Gandhinagar or munch on the magai paanwala on St Mark’s Road.

From mutton biriyani at the Akhada in Shivajinagar to paneer, chicken and egg rolls at Fanoos in Johnson Market, the city is a foodie’s paradise and a gourmet’s delight.

*Alcohol may not be served at some of these place, as per Supreme Court regulation. Please call the pub/restaurant to confirm.

SOUTH INDIAN AKSHARA

Near Anand Honda, Electronic City Tel: 4371-5455 . 12pm-4pm & 7pm-11pm. Four cuisines under one roof: Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu. Akshara is probably the only place in the city where you get starters from Kerala, the main course from Andhra, followed by a few dishes from Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Avg meal for two, Rs 800.

DAKSHIN

ITC, The Windsor, 25, Golf Course Road Tel: 2226-9898, 12.30pm-2.45pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 5000.

SREE NANDHANA PALACE

280, Amarjyothi Layout, Domlur Tel: 2535-3344, 11.30am-3.30pm & 6.30pm-11pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 800.

MTR

 305, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar Tel: 4169-0688  14, Near Urvashi Theatre, Lalbagh Road Tel: 2222-0022  The Forum Value Mall, 62, 1st Floor, Whitefield Main Road Tel: 4012-4843  29, White House, St Mark’s Road Tel: 2211-8083  39/40, Hansa Pratheek Building, 3rd Block, Gandhinagar Tel: 2234-0470  44, Kutchi Bhavan, 1st Main, JP Nagar 3rd Phase Tel: 2658-6633  The Basil, 8, Sampige Road, Malleswaram Tel: 2346-4897, 6am-11.30am & 12.30-9.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 500.

VIDYARTHI BHAVAN

32, Gandhi Bazar Main Road, Basavanagudi Tel: 2667-7588, 6.30am-12pm & 2.30pm-8pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 250.

HALLIMANE

3rd Cross, Sampige Road, Malleswaram Tel: 4113-9523, 6.30am-10.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 250.

ANNAPOORANI

320, Double Road, Indiranagar Tel: 2525-2288, 12pm-3.30pm,& 7pm-10.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 500.

BON SOUTH

130, 1A Cross, 5th Block, Koramangala Tel: 2552-6363, 12pm-3.30pm & 7pm10.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 1300.

KUDLA

16, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, Richmond Road Tel: 4135-0000, 12pm-3.30pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 1200.

NORTH INDIAN URBAN ROTI

59,1st Floor, Devikalaya, 100 feet Road, Indiranagar 2nd stage,Tel: 4394-2503 Avg meal for two Rs.800

BALUCHI

The Lalit Ashok, Kumara Krupa High Grounds Tel: 6817-7777, 12.30pm-3pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 3700. Authentic Indian curries and meats, with signature kebabs, biryanis and more. Interactive open-plan kitchen, live ghazals in the evening. Rustic décor, copper cutlery lends it an Indian touch.

THE LOUNGE-EDEN PARK

722/2, 36th Cross, 10th A Main, 4th Block, Jayanagar Tel: 4277-7333. 12noon-3pm & 7pm-11pm Avg meal for two, Rs 1350

SSAFFRON

Shangri-La Hotel, 56-6B, Palace Road Tel: 4512-6430, 12pm-3pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 3000.

TERRACOTTA

Vivanta Whitefield, ITPB Whitefield, Tel: 6693-3333, 12.30pm-2.45pm & 7pm-11pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 3000.

KAVA

Fairfield by Marriott, 1/2, 59th C Cross, 4th Block, Rajajinagar, Tel: 4947-0020, 6am-12am. Avg meal for two, Rs 1800.

SULTAN OF SPICE

60, Jyoti Nivas College Road, 5th Block, Koramangala Tel: 4343-1800, 12pm-3.30pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 1300.

GUFHA

The President Hotel, 79/8, Diagonal Road, Jayanagar 3rd Block Tel: 4180-8777, Avg meal for two, Rs 1200. 12.30pm-11.30pm.

SPICE TERRACE

JW Marriott, 24/1, Vittal Mallya Road, Tel: 6718-8555, 6pm-11pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 3000.

SAMARKAND

Gem Plaza, 66, Infantry Road, Tel: 4111-3366, 12pm-3.30pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 1600.

THE YELLOW CHILLI

 51, 34th Cross,11th Main Road, 4th Block, Jayanagar Tel: 4171-2345. Avg meal for two Rs 1200 12pm-3.30pm &7pm-11pm

THE ROYAL AFGHAN

ITC The Windsor, 25, Golf Course Road Tel: 2226-9898, 12.30pm-2.30pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 3000.

DUM PUKHT JOLLY NABOBS

ITC Windsor, Windsor Square 25, Golf Course Road Tel: 2226-9898, 12.30pm-2.45pm & 7pm-11.30pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 5000.

SAFFRON

Radisson Blu, 90/4, Marathahalli, Outer Ring Road Tel: 6707-6909, 6am-11pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 2500.

PEACOCK

57, 2nd Floor, 100 Feet Road, 3rd Stage, Indiranagar Tel: 4965-3000, 12pm-3.30pm & 7pm-11pm. Avg meal for two, Rs 1500.