Ekadashi Calendar 2023 Iskcon: A Guide To Important Events And Festivals
Introduction
As a devotee of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), I have always been fascinated by the rich calendar of events and festivals that the organization follows. In particular, the Ekadashi Calendar is of great significance to me and other devotees. In this article, I will share my personal experience of following the Ekadashi Calendar and provide a detailed guide to the important events and festivals that are scheduled for 2023.
What is Ekadashi Calendar?
Ekadashi is an auspicious day for Hindus and is observed twice a month, on the eleventh day of both the waxing and waning phases of the moon. The Ekadashi Calendar, followed by ISKCON, is a comprehensive schedule of all the Ekadashi days in a year, along with other important festivals and events. The calendar is based on the Vedic lunar calendar and is followed by millions of devotees around the world.
Important Events and Festivals in Ekadashi Calendar 2023
The Ekadashi Calendar 2023 is packed with important events and festivals that are celebrated with great fervor by devotees of ISKCON. Some of the key festivals and events that are scheduled for the year are:
1. Vaikuntha Ekadashi: This is one of the most important festivals in the Ekadashi Calendar and is celebrated on January 6, 2023. The festival marks the opening of the gates of the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha and is a time for devotees to offer prayers and seek blessings.
2. Gaura Purnima: This festival is celebrated on March 16, 2023, and marks the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes chanting, dancing, and feasting.
3. Rama Navami: This festival is celebrated on April 6, 2023, and marks the appearance day of Lord Rama. Devotees observe a fast and offer prayers to Lord Rama on this day.
4. Janmashtami: This festival, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, is one of the most important events in the Ekadashi Calendar. The festival falls on August 14, 2023, and is celebrated with elaborate decorations, chanting, and feasting.
5. Radhastami: This festival is celebrated on September 4, 2023, and marks the appearance day of Srimati Radharani, who is considered the eternal consort of Lord Krishna. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and includes chanting, dancing, and offering prayers.
World Events and Festivals in Ekadashi Calendar 2023
Apart from the important festivals and events that are celebrated by ISKCON, there are several other world events and festivals that fall on Ekadashi days in 2023. Some of these events are:
1. Makar Sankranti: This Hindu festival, which marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn, is celebrated on January 14, 2023, which is also an Ekadashi day.
2. Diwali: This popular Hindu festival of lights falls on November 1, 2023, which is also an Ekadashi day.
3. Christmas: The Christian festival of Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, falls on December 25, 2023, which is an Ekadashi day.
Questions & Answers
Q: What is the significance of Ekadashi in ISKCON?
A: Ekadashi is considered an auspicious day for spiritual advancement and is observed by devotees of ISKCON as a day of fasting, prayer, and meditation. The day is considered especially important for devotional service and is believed to be a time when the Lord is especially merciful towards his devotees.
Q: How is Ekadashi observed by devotees of ISKCON?
A: Devotees of ISKCON observe Ekadashi by fasting from grains and beans and focusing on devotional activities such as chanting, reading scripture, and offering prayers. The day is considered an opportunity for spiritual growth and purification.
Conclusion
The Ekadashi Calendar 2023 is a comprehensive guide to the important events and festivals that are celebrated by ISKCON and falls on Ekadashi days in the year. By following this calendar, devotees can deepen their spiritual practice and connect with the Lord in a more meaningful way. As we approach the new year, let us embrace the Ekadashi Calendar and use it as a tool for spiritual growth and enlightenment.