nija-pati bhuja dandacchatra-bhavam prapadya
prati-hata madadhrishtod-danda-devendra-garva
atula-prithula-saila-sreni-bhupa! priyam menija-nikata
-nivasam dehi govardhana! Tvam
(Sri Sri Govardhana Vasa Prarthana Dasakam)
O Govardhana! You became the umbrella which was held by the arm of your own Lord Krsna! In this way Sri Krsna diminished Indra, the king of the demigods, who was intoxicated by great pride. You are the incomparable king of all the big mountains, please allow me to live close by you.
On 2nd November 2008, ISKCON of CNJ celebrated Diwali and Govardhan Puja with great enthusiasm. This unique celebration commemorates the legendary act of Lord Krishna lifting the sacred Govardhana hill to shelter His devotees from the wrath of a celestial rainstorm and the triumph of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Krishna, over the demon king Ravana.
Program highlights:
- Annakuta Mahotsava, special Prasad offering to Giriraj
- Ecstatic kirtans
- Special dioramas depicting Krishna Lilas
- Krsna School Odissi dance enacting a pastime of Govardhan Lila
- Youth's Drama on Lord Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya
- ICNJ Presentation
- Damodar Arati
- Special Prasadam feast
