The Krishna Janmashtami celebrations were traditionally celebrated with devotion, gaity and Kirtans here in Trinidad on 25th August. Thousands of devotees participated in the evening programmes of Sudarshana Homa, Special Krishna Puja, Dances, Bhajan Singing , Visit of Prime Minister and discourse by His Holiness Sri Swamiji.
Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago His Excellency Dr.Basdeo Panday and his wife partcipated in the Janma Ashtami programmes and received the Blessings of Sri Swamiji.
Sri Swamiji performed Krishna Puja in the evening and Maha Sudarshana Homam was performed by the Ashrama priests. The Prime Minister Dr.Basdeo Panday arrived at 7.45 P.M. and offered Maha Purnahuti for the Sudarshana Homa. He later lit the traditional lamp and inaugurated the night long cultural programmes. After the lighting, in a brief message The Prime MInister said that spiritual leaders like Sri Swamiji should look after the spiritual needs of the people while Goverments attended to the physical needs of the population. He commended Datta Yoga Center for doing a wonderful work of spreading the universal peace message of Sri Swamiji effectively in Trinidad. He also thanked Sri Swamiji for showering him with love and grace when the Prime Minister visited Mysore Datta Peetham in late January this year.
The Prime MInister was honored by Dr.Ralph Seiu Persad and Sri CS.Radha Krishna.
Sri Swamiji later sang Krishna Bhajans and blessed the people and gave away butter at 12 midnight to mark the birth of Lord Krishna. Sri Swamiji in his discourse spoke on the efficacy of the teachings of Lord Krishna through Bhagavadgita and other scriptures and its time tested universal appeal.
Local dance schools presented various dances on this occasion.
Sri Swamiji sings Krishna Bhajans at midnight and marked the birthday of Lord Krishna.
Sitting under a arch made up of baloons,Sri Swamiji is ecstatically singing bhajans on Lord Krishna as the blue Krishna idol next to Sri Swamiji is all listening.
Dr.Basdeo Panday, Hon'ble Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago lit the traditional Sanatan Jyoti (eternal lamp) and inaugurated the proceedings.
Purnahuti if Maha Sudarshana Homa was performed by Dr.and Mrs. Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister of Trinidad as His Holiness Sri Swamiji looks on.