Upcoming Special programs at ISKCON Scarborough

Friday - November 5th 2010:Three special events happening on the same day:

Program starts at 6.30pm sharp!

Diwali(Dipavali):
King Dashrath ruled the rich and prosperous city of Ayodhya. He had three wives and Kaikayi was his favourite. She saved his life in a war at a very crucial time. Dashrath granted her two favours for saving his life.

Dashrath had four sons. Rama, the oldest, was everybody's favourite. He was married to the beautiful and devoted Sita. Just before Ram's coronation, Kaikayi reminded Dashrath of her two favours. She told him to crown Bharat as king and to banish Ram to the jungle for fourteen years. Her wishes were granted.

The old king Dashrath later died of a broken heart. After a few years in the forest, Sita was lured by the demon king Ravana. Rama, with the help of a monkey general, Hanuman, rescued Sita and defeated Ravana. After fourteen years in exile Ram and Sita and returned to Ayodhya.

It is in Their honour that "Diwali" is celebrated. "Diwali" signifies the victory of good over evil.

Anniversary of Damodar Lila:

Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, quoting from the Vaisnava-tosani of Srila Sanatana Gosvami, says that the incident of Krsna's breaking the pot of yogurt and being bound by mother Yasoda took place on the Diwali day or Dipavali Day or Dipa-malika.


Swathi Natchatra celebration - Special Abhishek to Lord Narasimhadev will be performed on this day


Please note that ISKCON Toronto celebrates Diwali on Sunday - November 7th and not on Friday- November 5th 2010.


Saturday - November 6th 2010:


Mangal Arti: As per our custom at ISKCON Scarborough, we will have Mangal Arti program commencing at 5 am as it is the 1st Saturday of the month


Govardana Lila and Go puja celebrations:Programs start at 6.30pm

Govardana lila:
The day after Diwali is referred to as Annakuta, or Govardhana Puja. On this day the inhabitants of Vrindavan (Lord Krishna’s abode on Earth) would hold a harvest festival in honour of King Indra, the demigod who provided the rains essential for the harvest.

One day, however, Lord Krishna wanted to teach Indra a lesson. He convinced the inhabitants of Vrindavan to honour Govardhana Hill instead, whose fertile soil provided the grass upon which the cows and bulls grazed, and to honour the cows and bulls who provided milk and ploughed the lands. Outraged, Indra retaliated with terrifying thunderstorms. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of his left hand. For seven days and seven nights the Lord held up Govardhana Hill, providing a giant umbrella to shelter the inhabitants of Vrindavan from the torrential rain. Realizing the futility of his actions, King Indra bowed down before the Lord with folded hands and offered prayers of supplication. In this way, Lord Krishna demonstrated that He is Deva Deva, the lord of the demigods, and that any purpose for which demigods might be worshiped could easily be served by worshiping Him, the cause of all causes.


Go puja:
Cows are dear to Krishna that’s why devotees love cows. If we please cows, we please Krishna; therefore serving cows is limbs of Bhakti. The most attractive past time, the most beautiful sight is Krishna leaving and coming back from pasture grounds. Krishna wants cow’s comforts than His own as we see when Krishna asks to Yasoda to make available shoes to the cows. In the Govardhan Lila, when Lord was unhappy with Indra, Brahma told to Indra, bring Surabhi cow in front of Lord, when you go for asking forgiveness. Krishna shows by personal example how to serve and love cows. Just by scratching or when we offer any service to the cows volumes of sins are removed.


Kartik month continues...
As we are entering the 2nd week of the month of Kartik, we encourage you to invite some devotees from ISKCON Scarborough to your home to sing Sri Damodarastakam and perform arti on any evening during the auspicious month of Kartik. The Holiest month of Kartik continues until November 21st 2010.Please contact Dhirnithai prabhu (647-292-5358) or Radha Govind Hari prabhu(416-858-5573) to book an evening. The available slots are getting filled up fast!


We warmly welcome you, your family,relatives and friends to take part in these wonderful programs coming Friday and Saturday.