Iskcon Deepotsava or Deepothsavam

Deepotsava or Deepotsavam, commonly known as the festival of lights, is held every year in the month of Kartika (October - November). It is a month-long festival remembering Damodara-lila, the sweet pastime of baby Krishna stealing butter and consequently being tied to a mortar by his dear mother Yashoda. In Sanskrit, "dama" signifies rope and "udara" means belly. Damodara refers to Krishna, who was bound with a rope by his mother Yashoda. The splendours of Kartika month cannot be adequately described. Devotees maintain strict vows (Damodara Vrata) and worship Lord Damodara by lighting a ghee lamp every day during this month. Offering a lamp to Lord Hari in the month of Kartika is considered to provide endless prosperity, beauty, and wealth. All the sins committed in thousands and millions of births are forgiven, and one enters the eternal spiritual state where there is no suffering. Every day throughout this month, the temple is adorned with thousands of lamps. The light from hundreds of lamps placed before the altar cast transcendental radiance across the main temple hall, boosting the spirit of devotion. The splendour with which the festivities are carried out captures everyone's devotion. The altar is briefly closed at 7:30 PM,  followed by a Deepotsava Festival announcement. The significance of this festival is explained to the gathered followers. The devotees begin singing melodious kirtans as soon as the announcement is made, and the altar is opened. Everyone is captivated by the magnificent sight of Their Lordships Sri Radha Krishnachandra in the midst of smoke. A grand arati is performed as the devotees sing the Damodarashtaka song. Following the arati, the assembled devotees are given the opportunity to offer ghee lamps to Their Lordships. This is followed by Shayana Pallakki Utsava.