Ahmedabad: The ISKCON temple in Ahmedabad is preparing for an elaborate Krishna Janmashtami celebration this year, combining traditional devotional rituals with technology-driven attractions, including immersive light-and-sound experiences and two large-scale drone shows.
The temple premises have been specially illuminated and decorated for the festival, while organisers have planned a series of programmes aimed at offering devotees both a spiritual and visually engaging experience.
Krishna Janmashtami commemorates the birth of Lord Krishna and is observed on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The festival is celebrated across India and in several countries by devotees through prayers, kirtans, devotional performances and other religious rituals.
7D experience to recreate Krishna’s appearance
Haresh Govinda Das of the Ahmedabad ISKCON temple said a special five-minute 7D presentation has been prepared for devotees this year.
The presentation will combine lighting and sound effects with artificial rain to create an immersive recreation of the atmosphere surrounding the appearance of Lord Krishna.
According to the organisers, the presentation will be screened once every 30 minutes, allowing a large number of visitors to experience it throughout the celebrations.
The initiative is intended to complement the temple’s traditional religious programmes rather than replace them, giving younger visitors and families an additional way to engage with the festival.
300 drones to portray Krishna’s leelas
One of the major attractions planned for the celebrations will be two drone shows over the temple premises.
The temple has arranged around 300 drones, with performances scheduled for 8.30 pm and 11.45 pm.
The aerial displays will depict two or three episodes from Krishna’s leelas, using coordinated formations of drones to create images and visual sequences in the night sky.
The drone performances are expected to add a contemporary visual element to the celebrations while retaining their devotional theme.
Special decorations and attire for the deity
The temple has also undergone extensive decoration ahead of Janmashtami. The premises have been illuminated, while flowers sourced from different parts of India and overseas have been used for garlands and other decorative arrangements.
A special outfit for the deity has also been brought from Vrindavan. Temple representatives said the attire was selected from the town because of its deep association with Krishna and its importance in Vaishnav tradition.
The combination of flowers, lighting and traditional decorations is expected to give the temple a festive appearance throughout the celebrations.
Prasad distribution to continue until 2 am
The temple has also made arrangements for Prasad distribution for devotees.
According to the organisers, devotees will receive Prasad after completing their darshan and while leaving the temple premises. Distribution is scheduled to continue until 2 am, keeping in mind the large crowds expected during the late-night Janmashtami celebrations.
ISKCON temples worldwide prepare for Janmashtami
Janmashtami is being observed at ISKCON temples across India and around the world. Programmes typically include kirtan, devotional singing and dancing, abhishek, special darshan and distribution of Prasad.
In Delhi, devotees have gathered at ISKCON temples in areas including East of Kailash and Dwarka for special prayers and Mangala Aarti.
In Mathura, traditionally associated with the birthplace of Lord Krishna, devotees have also participated in special religious programmes at the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple.
With Ahmedabad’s ISKCON temple combining centuries-old devotional traditions with modern technology, this year’s celebrations are expected to offer devotees a distinctive Janmashtami experience—one that brings together prayer, music, elaborate decoration and large-scale visual storytelling.
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