Audiences have seen the bathing of Buddha at the Buddha's Birthday Festival on Southbank. Now they can participate in the bathing ceremony of Lord Krishna at the Krishna’s Birthday Festival on 24th August 2008. This festival has been celebrated for more than 5000 years and ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) is bringing the festival to Brisbane to give families, spiritual seekers and culture buffs an insight into the spiritual side of India.

The customary bathing is performed with a selection of substances that were used to anoint the body of great spiritual personalities and kings alike, in India. Honey, clarified butter, milk and yogurt are some of the ingredients for the sacred bathing rite. To the accompaniment of traditional Indian instruments and singing, Lord Krishna has this ceremonial public bathing once in a year. Usually the bathing of the Lord is strictly behind closed doors and only duly initiated priests with experience and great devotion are permitted to perform this rite. On Krishna's birthday the ceremony is made public so all can relish the moment of his birth, and join in to celebrate.

The celebrations start at 4pm on 24th August 2008. Continuing into midnight, the time when Lord Krishna was born, Brisbaneites are invited to participate in the family event which includes live music, Indian dance and cultural program, bathing of Lord Krishna, tasty vegetarian food, Little India stalls, kids' activities, yoga demonstrations and sacred chants. The festival will also provide opportunities for spiritual inquiry. The aim of this festival is to open a window into the spirituality of India, for the residents of Brisbane.

The festival also features the first Krishna Art Competition; open to all artists, with an open medium and on a specific subject matter. The winning artwork will be acquired and prizes announced during the festival, through an experienced judging panel along with a people’s choice award.