Sri Krishna Janmashtami at Atlanta Namadwaar
For ten blissful days, Atlanta Namadwaar was transformed into a miniature Vrindavan. The chants of the Mahamantra, the joyous beats of the mridangam, and the melodious offering of Keerthans filled every corner. Devotees rejoiced in celebrating the divine couple, Madhurisakhi and Premikavaradan, who presided lovingly over each celebration.
This year’s Madhura Utsavam, guided by the inspiration of our Guru Maharaj – His Holiness Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji – was filled with devotion, grandeur, and sweet intimacy with the Lord.
Day 1 – Friday, 8th August – Nikunjotsavam
The festival began with the enchanting Nikunjotsavam held outdoors under a radiant full moon night. The cool breeze and gentle air set the perfect Vrindavan-like ambience. The divine couple, seated gracefully on a wooden swing, faced the devotees as they were adorned with loving Keerthans and Namavalis. Every devotee, one after another, took turns to gently swing Radha (Madhurisakhi) and Krishna (Premikavaradan).
Day 2 – Saturday, 9th August – Swami Purappadu
The celebrations continued with the vibrant Swami Purappadu, a procession of divine joy. The palanquin carrying Madhurisakhi and Premikavaradan was shouldered by groups of devotees. As they carried the Lord, devotees offered several upbeat Keerthans. Each group danced and sang with enthusiasm, reviving the joyous spirit of Vrindavan.
Day 3 – Sunday, 10th August – Dasamaskanda Parayanam
This day was drenched in scriptural bliss, as devotees immersed themselves in the Dasamaskanda Parayanam of Srimad Bhagavatam. From morning until evening, each participant lovingly chose a chapter to read aloud, recalling Krishna’s childhood pranks, Govardhana-lila, Rasaleela, and His wedding with Rukmini Devi. The divine couple, seated majestically on a golden swing, watched with tender smiles as devotees rejoiced in the pastimes.
Days 4 & 5 – Monday & Tuesday, 11th–12th August – Mahamantra by Summer Camp & Gopakuteeram Kids
The next two evenings were filled with the cute and excited voices of children as both the Summer Camp and Gopakuteeram kids took turns leading the Mahamantra. Their innocent chanting lit up the hall with youthful energy and pure devotion, carrying a sweetness beyond measure. With shining faces and glowing enthusiasm, they reminded everyone that bhakti knows no age, and that the Lord delights most in the sincere offerings of His little ones.
Day 6 – Wednesday, 13th August – Madhurageetham Concert by Smt. Gayathri Vasant ji
The evening was transformed into a river of bhava as Smt. Gayathri Vasant ji rendered Sri Swamiji’s Madhurageethams with profound devotion. Songs like ‘gOpi prEmayai arindavar illayE’ and ‘yArukku thAn kidaikkum’ melted hearts, especially the line ‘achO! ippadi oru deivatthai adainthenE!’ capturing Sri Swamiji’s love for Premikavaradan. Gayathri Ji was accompanied on the mridangam by Anirudhah Narayanan and on the Harmonium by Balaram Krishna.
Day 7 – Thursday, 14th August – Madhurageetham Concert by Sri. Salem Shriram ji
Sri. Salem Shriram ji graced the stage with his divine offering. Songs like ‘nI padaittha ulagil’ struck deep chords, reminding devotees of humility and gratitude. The verse ‘nAn nAn nAn ena ATTamADum pEyai, nI nI nI oru gaNatthil viraTTi’ was brought to life with such intensity that every ego dissolved. He was accompanied by Sri Santosh Chandru ji on mridangam and Pranavi Srinivasa on violin.
Day 8 – Friday, 15th August – Divyanamam
As Janmashtami drew closer, the celebrations rose to a new peak with a Sampradaya Divyanamam. Bhagavan Krishna was lovingly brought to the center of the hall and placed on a pedestal, glowing amidst lamps and flowers. The devotees circled Him, dancing in bliss, while Keerthans rang out one after another—each highlighting the Kalyana Gunas (divine qualities) of Bhagavan.
The evening culminated in a soul-stirring Rasa Natanam (circle dance) around Sri Krishna, following the offering of the immortal Gopika Geetham from the Srimad Bhagavatam. As voices rose in longing and joy, it felt as if the gopis themselves had descended into Atlanta Namadwaar to sing of their beloved. The night ended with a luminous Harathi—but the anticipation in the air was electric, for the very next day was the awaited Janmashtami, the descent of Sri Krishna Himself!
Day 9 – Saturday, 16th August – Janmashtami Program
The Janmashtami celebrations unfolded with grandeur, in accordance with tradition and with immense joy. The program began with Tirumanjanam and Nama where the divine couple, Madhurisakhi and Premikavaradan, were bathed and adorned amidst chanting and devotion.
Devotees gathered for the Krishna Jananam Katha—a beautiful discourse narrating the divine birth of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. As the story of Vasudeva and Devaki unfolded, and the moment of Krishna’s descent was described, the entire hall resonated with emotion. Devotees clapped, sang, and rejoiced, celebrating that sacred hour as if they themselves were present in Mathura on that blessed night.
This was followed by the jubilant Nandotsavam, which was inspired by the way that Sri Swamiji celebrates Krishna’s arrival in the Bhava of Sri Nanda Maharaja and all the residents of Gokulam. The celebrations continued with the lively Uri-adi / Utti Kottadam and kids’ activities where children gleefully participated, bringing to life the spirit of Gokulam. Finally, the day closed with the offering of Maha Prasadam which was lovingly shared among all devotees.
The atmosphere throughout was charged with ecstasy—devotees could feel Krishna’s divine presence in every Keerthanam, Namam, and Leela.
Day 10 – Sunday, 17th August – Radha Madhava Vivah
The final day of the Utsavam was the Radha Madhava Vivah, a most fitting and blissful conclusion to the ten days of divine celebration. Premikavaradan and Madhurisakhi, seated once more on their golden swing, presided over the ceremony as their devotees gathered with folded hands, hearts overflowing with love.
For ten days, everyone had sung, danced, and remembered Krishna’s leelas—but this day was different. It was the day of complete surrender, where devotees offered their prayers, burdens, and joys at the lotus feet of the divine couple during the sacred Mangalya Dharanam. The Vivah was celebrated with sacred chants, festive music, and the heartfelt participation of all.
The Utsavam concluded with a grand feast Maha Prasadam, lovingly shared among the devotees. Truly, it felt like the perfect bow that tied together the garland of bliss strung across these ten days—leaving every heart fulfilled, yet longing for more of Krishna’s nectar.
For ten sacred days, Atlanta Namadwaar was drenched in Krishna’s sweetness.
From the outdoor swing on the full moon night to the joyous Vivah, every moment was Goloka Vrindavan on earth.
As the curtains closed, one truth remained eternal: Krishna is not celebrated for a day or ten—He is celebrated for eternity in the hearts that call out, “Govinda! Govinda!”
