Celebrating Diwali and Govardhan Puja

We invite everyone to the ISKCON Temple in Toronto!

We will celebrate Diwali on Sunday, November 12th from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. The temple will be open during the day for darshan (see the schedule on the picture). The history of Diwali goes back to ancient times, when the inhabitants of Ayodhya celebrated the return of Lord Ramachandra. Lord Rama was in exile, away from His kingdom, for many years. The joyful day – when He finally returned, is celebrated as Diwali, or Dipavali. The inhabitants of Ayodhya lit many lamps to welcome Lord Ramachandra home (“dipa” means candles, and “vali” means numerous).

We will also celebrate Govardhana Puja on Monday, November 13th from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

In the times of Lord Krishna, the residents of Vrindavan worshiped King Indra, the demigod in charge of rain for the crops. Once, young Krishna convinced the residents to worship Govardhan Hill instead of King Indra, because it was the land of the hill that gave grass for the cows and bulls, who grazed and then gave milk. Thus, the hill should be honored. King Indra became angry and sent huge storms as a punishment. Lord Krishna calmly lifted Govardhan Hill with his little finger, to provide shelter for the residents of Vrindavan. After seven days of continuous storms and rains, King Indra surrendered and begged forgiveness from Lord Krishna. He realized his true position as a servant of Lord Krishna. A replica of Govardhan Hill will be built in the Toronto temple to worship Lord Krishna as the one who could lift and hold Govardhan Hill. Traditionally, various dishes are offered in this ceremony, and devotees perform parikrama – a circumambulation of the replica of Govardhan Hill.

Devotees can also bring edible offerings (it is important that they are 100% vegetarian and do not contain onion, garlic or mushrooms); offerings must be brought before 6:30 pm.

This festival is often called the “festival of food”, so don’t miss this magnificent feast!