September 10, 2015
By Geeta Goindi
Scenes from 'Janmashtami' at Hare Krishna Temple in Potomac, MD. Idyllic outdoor setting
September 10, 2015
By Geeta Goindi
Scenes from 'Janmashtami' at Hare Krishna Temple in Potomac, MD. Idyllic outdoor setting
POTOMAC, MARYLAND – On September 5, the sacred, vibrant and colorful Janmashtami celebration at the Hare Krishna Temple drew scores of devotees on a picture-perfect summer evening.
The birth of Lord Krishna is among the most widely celebrated days by Hindus all across the globe.
At the ISKCON temple here, there were several attractions: Darshan of deities in the sanctum sanctorum with hourly Aarti from early evening until midnight; a swing for Radha-Krishna on the sprawling lawn; the temple’s free vegetarian feast; a stage for cultural performances; outdoor booths for meditation, chanting, henna, savory snacks and more; a children’s play area; and a special evening walk to learn more about Lord Krishna in the ‘Vrindavan Village’.
Scenes from 'Janmashtami', the birth of Lord Krishna, celebrated at Hare Krishna Temple in Potomac, MD. Top right, from left, are Congressman Chris Van Hollen (Democrat – Maryland) and Anuttama Dasa, Governing Body Commissioner of the temple
This year, the event drew elected officials of Montgomery County including Democratic Congressman Chris Van Hollen who is running for the Senate in 2016 in a bid to replace retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski; Delegate Kumar Barve, a Democrat who has the distinction of being the first Indian-American elected to a US state legislature, now running for the House of Representatives seat being vacated by Congressman Hollen; and Delegate Aruna Miller (Democrat – District 15) who, like Barve, is an Indian-American legislator serving in the Maryland General Assembly. These special guests lauded the achievements and contributions of Indian-Americans.
Congressman Hollen declared “the Indian-American community has brought dynamism and vibrancy to all endeavors” of American society.
The lawmaker has lived for many years in India where he studied at a school in Tamil Nadu. He told the audience that he loves Indian food and sees “South Asia as a home away from home”!
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