On 6 April 2025, the auspicious appearance day of Lord Ramachandra, ISKCON Bangalore organised an Arunodaya Kirtan, a citywide celebration with Harinama Sankirtana, the yuga-dharma.
Lord Ramachandra appeared in Ayodhya about 17.28 million years ago in the Treta-yuga of the 24th chatur-yuga of this Vaivasvata manvantara. Lord Rama appeared on the call of the devatas to destroy the demons harassing the devotees.
He played the role of a perfect human being and king, Maryada Purushottama, and as the Supreme Lord, gave shelter to all those who surrendered to Him and took them back to His eternal abode, thus freeing them from repeated birth and death.
Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President of ISKCON Bangalore, participated in the sankirtana at one of the locations, inspiring the assembled devotees with his presence. At another location, Sri Vasudev Keshav Dasa, Senior Vice President, also joined the devotees, offering his guidance and support during the event.
The streets, gated communities, and parks resounded with the divine vibrations of the Lord’s holy names as more than 200 devotees enthusiastically performed Harinama Sankirtana across 120 places in Bengaluru and distributed Halwa and Kaja prasadam to over 15,000 people. They also distributed over 10,000 Hare Krishna Mahamantra cards.
Many people were introduced to chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra by receiving Japa Malas.
Many onlookers, initially surprised, were drawn to the devotional atmosphere, with some joining in and chanting 108 times Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Though the kirtans were scheduled from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM, the transcendental energy carried them forward until the evening sunset.
The devotees felt immense joy in engaging themselves and others in Harinama Sankirtana, the yuga-dharma, and sharing the joy of Rama Navami.