The India Heritage Foundation NJ-NY (IHFNJNY) presents Colors of India, a vibrant cultural and arts initiative that celebrates and preserves the rich traditions of India. This dynamic program engages over 2000 participants annually, offering weekly sessions in music expression, voice and choir, dance, sculpture, painting, and drawing. It also hosts 10-12 captivating performances each year, bringing the beauty of Indian heritage to life through artistic expression.
Through Colors of India, IHFNJNY provides a platform where individuals of all ages can immerse themselves in the diverse cultural and spiritual traditions of India, fostering a deeper connection with their roots and community.
A Gentle & Sacred Celebration of Colors
Holi, the festival of colors, is traditionally celebrated with vibrant powders and water. However, our Flower Holi Festival offers a unique and sattvic (pure) approach—showering participants with fragrant flower petals in a blissful tribute to Lord Krishna’s playful pastimes in Vrindavan.
📖 The Spiritual Significance
The origins of Holi trace back to two divine stories:
✅ The Triumph of Devotion – Prahlada Maharaja’s unwavering faith in Lord Vishnu led to the downfall of his evil father, Hiranyakashipu, and his sister Holika, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
✅ Krishna’s Playful Pastimes – The Srimad Bhagavatam describes how young Krishna and the gopis played Holi with flower petals, expressing divine love and togetherness.
🌿 Why Celebrate Flower Holi?
✔️ A spiritually uplifting and eco-friendly alternative to traditional Holi
✔️ Deepens devotion by replicating Krishna’s Vrindavan pastimes
✔️ Promotes a joyful, inclusive, and sacred celebration
🎶 The event features soulful kirtans, dance performances, and theatrical reenactments of Krishna’s Holi, transporting participants to the divine forests of Vrindavan.
A Night of Devotion, Celebration & Spiritual Awakening
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, over 5,000 years ago in Mathura. On this auspicious night, the temple transforms into a vibrant spiritual hub, filled with devotion, music, and joyous festivities.
📖 The Story of Janmashtami
Born to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva, Krishna’s birth was divinely orchestrated to restore dharma (righteousness) and protect His devotees. In a miraculous turn of events, baby Krishna was secretly taken across the Yamuna River to Gokul, where He was lovingly raised by Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yashoda.
🌟 Why Celebrate?
✅ To honor Krishna’s divine birth and childhood pastimes
✅ To immerse in devotional singing and storytelling
✅ To strengthen faith through fasting, kirtan, and spiritual discourse
✨ How Janmashtami is Celebrated at IHFNJNY
✔ Midnight Abhishek – The sacred bathing of Krishna’s deity
✔ Dramatic enactments of Krishna’s childhood pastimes
✔ Kirtan & Bhajans – Soulful melodies glorifying Krishna
✔ Feast after midnight – Breaking the fast with Krishna’s prasad
The Victory of Light Over Darkness & Devotion Over Rituals
Diwali, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after His victory over Ravana. But for Vaishnavas, Diwali is also deeply connected to Krishna’s Govardhan Lila, which we honor with a grand Govardhan Puja celebration.
📖 The Spiritual Significance
✨ Lord Rama’s Homecoming – The lighting of lamps symbolizes the people of Ayodhya welcoming their beloved Lord after 14 years of exile.
✨ Krishna’s Protection of Devotees – Govardhan Puja, celebrated the day after Diwali, commemorates the time Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavan from Lord Indra’s devastating storm.
🌿 The Month-Long Deepotsava (Festival of Lamps)
For a full month following Diwali, devotees offer ghee lamps to Lord Krishna, a sacred practice that:
✔ Destroys past karma – As described in the Skanda Purana
✔ Invites Krishna’s mercy – Dispelling the darkness of ignorance
✔ Expresses devotion & surrender – Just as the gopis offered lamps with love
🎂 The Grand Govardhan Cake
A unique highlight of Govardhan Puja at IHFNJNY is the preparation of a grand Govardhan cake, symbolizing Krishna’s divine pastime of lifting Govardhan Hill. Devotees lovingly prepare and decorate the cake as an offering of gratitude.
✨ How We Celebrate
✔ Lighting thousands of ghee lamps in devotion
✔ Dramatic enactments of Lord Rama and Krishna’s pastimes
✔ Joyful kirtans & bhajans to glorify the Lord
✔ A grand feast (Annakuta) with 108+ food offerings
These artistic expressions bring spiritual teachings to life, ensuring that devotees of all ages can engage deeply in Krishna Consciousness through creative mediums.
Remember Krishna & His divine pastimes
Engage in devotional service through music, drama, and artistic expression
Spread the joy of Krishna Consciousness to all
Strengthen our faith & spiritual practice