Worshippers perform ceremonial bathing of the Krishna deities in yogurt. Hindus and members of its Hare Krishna denomination believe the religious statues represent God: Photos by Hilary Schleier

Worshippers perform ceremonial bathing of the Krishna deities in yogurt. Hindus and members of its Hare Krishna denomination believe the religious statues represent God: Photos by Hilary Schleier

Remember Advocate’s photo essay from 2013 by photographer Hilary Schleier about the celebrations surrounding the popular vegetarian restaurant Kalachandji’s? If that piqued your interest regarding the Hare Krishna community, which is full of devoted followers whose vivacious festivals, such as spring’s Benediction Moon Festival (pictured), include singing, dancing, chanting and feasting in the streets of East Dallas, you should mark your calendar.

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emple members observe the ceremonial bathing of the Krishna deities in yogurt: Photos by Hilary Schleier

Temple members observe the ceremonial bathing of the Krishna deities in yogurt.

On Saturday, Sept. 5, Kalachandji’s Hare Krishna Temple, which is next to Kalachandji’s Restaurant at 5430 Gurley in East Dallas, is celebrating Janmastami, a 5,000-year-old Vedic tradition that commemorates “the earthly appearance of Krishna, who is described in India’s sacred writings as God Himself,” according to an email invite.

“One of the biggest religious festivals in the world, it is celebrated by nine hundred and thirty million people around the world — and two million in the United States alone,” the email continues. “To devotees, it’s Christmas and New Year’s in one, a day of deep spiritual renewal and celebration that effectively finishes an old year and begins a fresh one. Kalachandji’s Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas will be celebrating this festival on Saturday, Sept. 5.”

Nityananda Chandra Granger meditates in the gardens at Kalachandji’s: Photos by Hilary Schleier

Nityananda Chandra Granger meditates in the gardens at Kalachandji’s.

It’s open to the community and free. For those who wish to attend, the festivities will begin before dawn at 4:30 a.m. and extend all day until midnight, the exact moment of the anniversary of Krishna’s appearance. Then the main program starts at 5 p.m. Events will include activities for the entire family, such as dance and drama entertainment in the park, arts and crafts, singing, and a free vegetarian feast. The altar and temple room will be decorated with garlands, and an outfit for the Deities will be made entirely of flowers.

The evening will include a kind of ablution ceremony called Abhisheka, in which the Deities are bathed with a variety of auspicious liquids. Sometimes taking over two hours, this ceremony is performed with great pomp. The entire festival culminates with hundreds of devotees packing the Temple room — literally hanging from the rafters — anxiously waiting to celebrate the exact moment of Krishna’s appearance. At the stroke of midnight, the crowd will let out a joyous roar when the altar curtains open and Krishna appears gorgeously decorated in a new outfit. After the midnight service, another free vegetarian feast will be served, with the entire celebration ending around 1:30 a.m.

Chetan Patel, Rupa Tansey, Hari Chanm, and Kapil Patel sing and chant in the temple room during the Benediction Moon Festival: Photos by Hilary Schleier

Chetan Patel, Rupa Tansey, Hari Chanm, and Kapil Patel sing and chant in the temple room during the Benediction Moon Festival.

For the full schedule go to www.radhakalachandji.com. The celebration is free. It is at Kalachandji’s Hare Krishna Temple, located at 5430 Gurley.

Learn more and see more beautiful photos like these in our 2013 photo essay.