Chinmaya Mission Australia invites you to celebrate Krishna Janmashtami 2008 (Grand Family Festival).

Program for this festival on the night is as follows.

Main Program (Separate program for children & Teenagers)

Program (Part 1):

5.00PM Pooja, Abhishekam (all can participate) & Chanting of Stotrams & Singing of Bhajans
6:15PM Performances by Chinmaya Children, Teenagers, Youth - Drama, Music etc
7.45PM Mudki Breaking / Fancy dress competition Parade
8.00PM Bhajans / Archanas (Devotees can get special archanas done for their family)**
8.45PM Arati (all can perform)
9.00PM Rocking Cradle and Dinner Prasad (For those leaving)

Program (Part 2):

9.00PM: Nama Sankritanam
9.30PM: Glories of Lord Krishna (Talk by Guruji/Swamiji)
10.30PM: Geeta Chanting (Chp 2, 6, 12, 15)
11.45PM: Meditation
12.00AM: Midnight Arati - Birth of Lord Krishna
12.15AM: Rock Cradle and make offerings and Midnight Feast (prasad)

** For Archanas please contact Br Gopalji on (02) 8850 7400/0416 482 149.
*** There will be separate programs for Children and Teenagers (lots of fun activities - face painting, competitions, stories, etc).

What to Bring?

• 250 ML Milk per family for bathing of the lord (you can do it yourself)
• Flowers, Sweet & savory Prasad for offering
• Any other offerings
• You are welcome to bring your little Krishna deities (please bring only small deities)
• Bring your kids dressed up like Radha, Krishna, Balaram, Gopis, Gopas, the cows etc.

What to do during the day?

Try to wake up early before sunrise, clean your altar, light the lamp and offer flowers to the Lord, try to eat minimal (fast completely if you can, otherwise drink/eat just milk, water & bananas (fruits) only during meal times). Refrain from unneccessary talk (try to maintain mouna) throughout the day till midnight, contemplate on the lord's name or a verse from the scriptures. Krishna Janmashtami is the most auspicious day and Lord's grace is at the highest. Try to gain as much of that grace thru the above practise.

Special Note

• Please refrain from talking during the program, try to observe silence and enjoy the vibrations of the Ashram and the festival.
• Please come in traditional clothes (if possible).
• Sponsors are welcome as the program is given to all devotees at no cost (Free), please contact Dr Rahul Suri on on (02)9440 5248.

If you are interested in Singing bhajans on the night or involved in nama sankirtanam contact Pushpa Jagdish on 96247569.
If you are interested in cooking for the festival contact Dr. Uma Jana on 9659 2614.
If you are interested in providing flower bouquets/flowers contact Ashi Chiba (02) 9686 1994.