A Night of Chanting, Meditation, and Devotion: Inside Janmashtami in Bogotá
The festival, which commemorates the birth of Krishna, was celebrated on September 4 at the Hare Krishna temple in Bogotá – a gathering of chanting, meditation, spiritual teachings, and traditional cuisine
- Carolina Gaviria Salazarjournalist and communication strategist
- Lizeth Ortega Cubillosjournalist and digital communication specialist
As night fell, chanting began to fill the Hare Krishna temple in Bogotá. Amid music, meditation, and cultural displays, Colombians and members of the devotee community came together to celebrate Janmashtami, one of the principal festivals dedicated to Krishna – a central figure in various Hindu traditions, especially Vaishnavism.
The celebration, attended by the team of the Social Research Center (SRC) in Colombia, offered a close-up look at a spiritual tradition that, while rooted in India, is also part of Bogotá's religious and cultural diversity.
The gathering began at 5 p.m. local time at the Hare Krishna temple in the north of Bogotá. Attendees gradually arrived in clothing and with symbols characteristic of the festival, joining in the chanting and deep meditation. Particularly striking was the chanting of the maha-mantra Hare Krishna, a devotional practice expressing love and spiritual connection with Krishna.
"This institution's purpose is to share with the Western world the ancient teachings of Vedic culture, specifically those related to the spiritual dimension. And we celebrate this day not merely as something folkloric, but as a wondrous event for all humanity. That God makes His advent on this planet is something that blesses all human beings," says Harinam Gauranga Das, president of the Hare Krishna ISKCON Temple in Bogotá.
Krishna is one of the most important and revered figures in Hindu traditions, particularly Vaishnavism. Janmashtami commemorates his birth and stands as one of the principal celebrations dedicated to this deity. Although the festival has deep roots in India's religious and cultural traditions, devotion to Krishna has spread beyond its borders and today brings together communities of different nationalities across the world, including Latin America and Colombia.
Harinam explains that the Hare Krishna movement arrived in Colombia in 1973. "According to the first devotees, its beginnings were not easy in what was then a very conservative country. However, I've served as director for nine years now, and I've encountered an open public in search of spirituality – people who approach with questions and who have found peace in the depths of this philosophy," he concludes.
The celebration, attended by the team of the Social Research Center (SRC) in Colombia, offered a close-up look at a spiritual tradition that, while rooted in India, is also part of Bogotá's religious and cultural diversity.
The gathering began at 5 p.m. local time at the Hare Krishna temple in the north of Bogotá. Attendees gradually arrived in clothing and with symbols characteristic of the festival, joining in the chanting and deep meditation. Particularly striking was the chanting of the maha-mantra Hare Krishna, a devotional practice expressing love and spiritual connection with Krishna.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
"This institution's purpose is to share with the Western world the ancient teachings of Vedic culture, specifically those related to the spiritual dimension. And we celebrate this day not merely as something folkloric, but as a wondrous event for all humanity. That God makes His advent on this planet is something that blesses all human beings," says Harinam Gauranga Das, president of the Hare Krishna ISKCON Temple in Bogotá.
Krishna is one of the most important and revered figures in Hindu traditions, particularly Vaishnavism. Janmashtami commemorates his birth and stands as one of the principal celebrations dedicated to this deity. Although the festival has deep roots in India's religious and cultural traditions, devotion to Krishna has spread beyond its borders and today brings together communities of different nationalities across the world, including Latin America and Colombia.
Harinam explains that the Hare Krishna movement arrived in Colombia in 1973. "According to the first devotees, its beginnings were not easy in what was then a very conservative country. However, I've served as director for nine years now, and I've encountered an open public in search of spirituality – people who approach with questions and who have found peace in the depths of this philosophy," he concludes.
