By Anandini Plotkin
On Friday, Aug. 23, The Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple will celebrate Janmastami. Janmastami — the Krishna’s birthday festival — begins at 6 p.m. and will continue until midnight, the exact moment of the anniversary of Krishna’s advent. The festival will feature live kirtan music (musical meditation), classical Indian dance (bharat-natyam) performances and a special midnight service.
There will also be children’s activities, face painting/henna tattoos, arts and culture exhibits and more. Guests will be served a free vegetarian feast and will also be able to purchase delicious vegetarian food from around the world. The temple room and altar will be lavishly decorated.
The evening will include a kind of ablution ceremony called Abhisheka, in which the Deities are bathed with a variety of auspicious liquids. Admission is free.