The Festival of India has chosen Krishna's Birthday as it's central theme, because this festival is celebrated in every single state of India, and transcends all cultural and language differences. It is declared as a public holiday in India where everyone comes out in an ecstatic festival mood.
The event was a spectacular display
of all facets of India's deeply spiritual culture, hosted for the second year at the Castle Hill location
which proved to be popular with Indians and Westerners alike.
The festival
was held mostly in the open air, blessed by beautiful spring weather, with marquees set up in the field with activities.
In the centre of the area was a building which became a traditional Vedic Temple for the day, with Radha-Krishna Deities and live chanting of mantras (kirtan).
The marquees included japa meditation sessions,
questions & answers booth, a farm stall, book stall and paraphernalia
shop, kids face-painting and jumping castle, and restaurant serving mouthwatering regional cuisines. The main stage displayed traditional Indian dance (Bharata-Natyam), drama and kirtan (group chanting) performances.
The program also included a Vedic fire-sacrifice, moving chanting party (Harinama-sankirtana), speeches by various dignitaries, bathing of the Deiites
(abhisheka), and during the whole day many people attended the continuous
booths teaching philosophy, meditation, as well as various cultural stands with information on aspects related to Indian and Vedic culture from groups across Sydney.
Special guests of honour on the day were His Holiness Kadamba-Kanana
Swami and His Holiness Bhaktisiddhanta Swami, who were teaching philosophy, mantra-meditation, answering questions and leading group chanting sessions.
An estimated 10,000 people passed through the festival on the day, each receiving a complimentary copy of the annual souvenir magazine, and the atmosphere was one of harmony, friendship and fun – people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to learn more about the rich diversity of India's culture.
Many thanks to everyone who helped to organise
and execute the festival for another year. We look forward to seeing you all again this year.
 
Mahabharata drama
Bhajans by Avijit Sarkar
Inviting the dignitaries to the stage
 
Bharata-Natyam traditional Indian dancers
 
Childrens activities
The set-up of the Vedic fire-sacrifice
Radha-Krishna Deities in the temple room
 
Laddhu-Gopal on a swing in the temple room, and ISKCON's Founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
 
Sponsorship and membership stands and the festival reception booth in small marquees on the showgrounds
View more photos here >
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