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, one of the most endearing childhood pastime of Lord Krishna, highlighting His divine playfulness and loving relationship with His devotees.
Damodara-lila of Lord Krishna
The name “Damodara” originates from two Sanskrit words “dama,” meaning rope, and “udara,” meaning belly. On one occasion, after Krishna mischievously stole butter, His affectionate mother Yashoda tied Him with a rope around His belly. Hence, He became known as Damodara. This episode captures how the Supreme Lord, though unconquerable by anyone, allows Himself to be bound by the pure love of His devotees, and relishes being controlled by them.
Krishna Bound by His Mother’s Love
Once, Lord Krishna broke a pot of butter and began eating the butter in a secluded place. Mother Yashoda searched for her son and eventually found Him seated on an overturned wooden grinding mortar, feeding butter to the monkeys. Upon seeing His mother approach, Krishna fled in fear. Yashoda chased Him through the house, and though exhausted, she was finally able to capture Him.
Yashoda wanted to teach her mischievous child a lesson. She attempted to bind Him with a rope around His belly to a wooden grinding mortar as a gentle chastisement. Strangely, the rope was always two inches short, no matter how many ropes she tied together. Appreciating the hard labour of His mother and being compassionate towards her, Krishna allowed Himself to be bound by His mother’s love for Him.
Deliverance of Nalakuvara and Manigriva
After Mother Yashoda returned to her household duties, Krishna, still bound to the mortar, proceeded towards two tall arjuna trees standing in the courtyard. He passed between the trees, but the large mortar became stuck sideways. Then Krishna pulled the mortar forcefully, causing the trees to crash to the ground.
From these fallen trees emerged two demigods, Nalakuvara and Manigriva, the sons of Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods. They had been cursed to become trees by the great sage Narada for their sinful activities. Through this curse, they also received the highest benediction of seeing Lord Krishna and becoming His great devotees. Lord Krishna delivered Nalakuvara and Manigriva from their curse and granted them liberation at the end of their lives.
The Glories of Kartika Deepotsava
It is not possible to describe the glories of Kartika month. It is said that just as Lord Damodara is very dear to His devotees, the month known as Damodara or Kartika is also very dear to them. In this month, devotees worship Lord Damodara by offering a ghee lamp daily, and celebrate many important festivals.
Skanda Purana states that when someone pleases Lord Keshava by offering Him a lamp during the month of Kartika, then, by the mercy of the Lord, the ancestors in the family will all attain liberation. In the Padma Purana, it is said that anyone who offers a ghee lamp to Lord Damodara in the month of Kartika will be freed from all kinds of sins and will go to the abode of Lord Hari.
Experience Deepotsava at Hare Krishna Mandir, Guwahati
Every evening during Deepotsava, the temple hall is illuminated with hundreds of decorative lamps, emanating a transcendental radiance that elevates the spirit of devotion. The splendour of these festivities captures the hearts and souls of all the participants.
7 October – 5 November, 2025
The celebrations commence at 6 PM in the main temple hall with an introduction to the Deepotsava festival. Devotees are informed about the significance of this celebration. A mesmerising arati is then offered to Their Lordships, accompanied by the melodious rendition of the Damodarashtaka, a prayer glorifying the divine form of Lord Damodara and beseeching Him for the gift of loving devotional service.
Following the arati, all assembled devotees have the opportunity to offer ghee lamps to Lord Damodara and other Deities.
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We warmly invite you to participate in these spiritually uplifting celebrations. Offering a ghee lamp to Lord Damodara is a simple yet profound act that brings immense blessings. Come, join us at Hare Krishna Mandir, Guwahati during Deepotsava, and be a part of this divine celebration of love and devotion.
Offer Sevas for Kartika Deepotsava
A wonderful opportunity is available to contribute towards Annadana and Go seva, Pushpalankara and Vishesha Naivedya Sevas to the Lord. Sponsor these sevas and be infinitely blessed during this most auspicious month. Receive the special prasadam delivered to your home.
