By the immense grace of Sri Guruji, Gokulashtami was celebrated at Seattle Namadwaar on 23rd, 24th, and 25th of August. Day 1 celebration started with Srimad Bhagavata Parayanam (10.1, 10.2, 10.3), Nandotsavam and Divyanaamam on the Janmashtami day, Aug 23rd.
Day 2 was filled with children remembering the Lord Sri Krishna by either reciting a sloka, doing a dance, singing a song, telling a story, sharing pictures of Krishna as part of the Children’s Talent Show. This was followed by two puppet shows – “Krishna Provides” – by the Dancing Peacock Puppet Company. Both the adults and children enjoyed the talent and puppet shows immensely!
Children got an opportunity to perform Radha Kalyanam at the Seattle Namadwaar on Day 3. They participated in the Kalyanam by putting Kolam, lighting lamps, making Nama garlands, participating in Jaanavasam, Oonjal Utsavam, bringing of the Seer, repeating Pravaram after the singers, doing Hanuman Utsavam. They took back hand made mandapams, pictures of the newly married couple and all the pooja material back home to continue worshiping RadhaKrishna as part of their daily routine.
Over the course of those 3 days, Seattle Namadwaar had about 130 people who not only attend these events but also chanted the Hare Rama Mahamantra. With the boundless grace of Sri Guruji, our prayers that more and more people come into Namadwaar and chant the Mahamantra!