Kartika Deepotsava
October 17, 2025 → November 15, 2025
Deepotsava, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated annually during the auspicious month of Kartika (October–November). This month-long festival commemorates the Damodara-lila, a beloved childhood pastime of Lord Krishna, which highlights His divine playfulness and His loving relationship with His devotees.
The Story of Damodara
The name “Damodara” is derived from the Sanskrit words “dama” (rope) and “udara” (belly). On one occasion, after Lord Krishna mischievously stole butter, His loving mother Yashoda bound Him with a rope. It was then that He became known as Damodara. This episode demonstrates that although the Supreme Lord is unconquerable by anyone, He humbly allows Himself to be bound by the pure love of His devotees.
Krishna Bound by His Mother’s Love
Once, Lord Krishna broke a pot of butter and began eating it in a secluded place. Mother Yashoda searched for Him and eventually found Him seated on an overturned wooden grinding mortar, feeding butter to the monkeys. When Krishna saw His mother, He fled in fear. Yashoda chased Him through the house until she finally caught Him and bound Him to a grinding mortar with ropes as a form of punishment.
Although Lord Krishna is the Supreme Lord and the controller of all, He willingly submits to being bound by the love of His pure devotees. Krishna, who is known as “Ajita” (the unconquerable), becomes conquered by the love of His devotees, exemplifying His affection for them.
The Deliverance of Nalakuvara and Manigriva
After Mother Yashoda returned to her duties, Krishna, still bound by the mortar, made His way towards two tall arjuna trees in the courtyard. As He passed between them, the mortar became stuck. Krishna then pulled on the ropes with great strength, causing the trees to fall. From these fallen trees emerged two demigods, Nalakuvara and Manigriva, who had been cursed by the sage Narada to become trees due to their sinful activities. However, this curse also granted them the supreme blessing of witnessing Lord Krishna and becoming His devoted followers. Thus, during the Damodara-lila, Lord Krishna liberated Nalakuvara and Manigriva from their curse and granted them liberation.
he Glories of Kartika Deepotsava
It is difficult to fully describe the glories of the Kartika month. Just as Lord Damodara is deeply loved by His devotees, the month of Kartika (also known as Damodara) is equally beloved. During this month, devotees worship Lord Damodara by offering ghee lamps daily and celebrate many important festivals.
As stated in the Skanda Purana, when one offers a lamp to Lord Keshava during the month of Kartika, the ancestors of the family attain liberation by the mercy of the Lord. The Padma Purana further mentions that offering a ghee lamp to Lord Damodara during Kartika cleanses one from all sins and ensures a place in the abode of Lord Hari.
Experience Deepotsava at Hare Krishna Golden Temple
Every evening during Deepotsava, the temple hall is illuminated with hundreds of decorative lamps, emanating a transcendental radiance that inspires deep devotion in the hearts of all participants.
Celebrations at Hare Krishna Golden Temple, Banjarahills
The celebrations commence at 8:00 PM in the main temple hall with an introduction to the Deepotsava festival. Devotees are informed about the significance of the celebration. A mesmerizing arati is then offered to Their Lordships, accompanied by the melodious chanting of the Damodarashtaka, a prayer glorifying Lord Damodara and seeking His blessings for loving devotional service.
Following the arati, devotees have the opportunity to offer ghee lamps to Lord Damodara and the other Deities. The evening concludes with a joyous shayana pallakki utsava.
Celebrations at Hare Krishna Heritage Tower, Kokapet
The festivities at Hare Krishna Heritage Tower, Kokapet also begin at 8:00 PM with a grand arati at the Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple, accompanied by the Damodarashtaka. Following the arati, devotees offer ghee lamps to Lord Damodara. At 8:15 PM, a special Kartika arati is performed, followed by the offering of ghee lamps by the assembled devotees.
