FAQs

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

Traditional Indian attire is encouraged. If you do not want to dress in Indian attire, Spring Garden Attire/Dressy Casual/aka whatever you wore for Easter the Sunday before is fine! Please avoid wearing pink, red, or black 🪷❤️🙏

Question

What kind of food will be served?

Answer

We will be mostly serving vegetarian Indian food, prepared by friends. We will also have some western vegetarian food as well (think macaroni and cheese, biscuits and gravy, salad, fruit, etc). If you would like to prepare something, please feel free to reach out to us!

Question

Will alcohol be served?

Answer

We will not be serving alcohol. We will have some fun non alcoholic beverages though 🪷

Question

Why do y’all have two names?

Answer

We have our original names, Katie and Chase, and we have our spiritual names, Kalindi and Jai. In Krishna Consciousness, devotees receive new spiritual names when they are initiated. These names usually consist of two parts. The first is a Sanskrit name that reflects a quality of Krishna or a devotee of Krishna. The second is a a suffix; “Das” for men and “Dasi” for women, both meaning “servant.” These new names signify a devotee’s commitment to spiritual life and their connection to the lineage of teachers in the Krishna consciousness tradition. Kalindi is another name for the Yamuna River in India. This river is closely associated with Krishna's childhood pastimes in Vrindavana. Kalindi/Yamuna is also one of Krishna’s wives. According to scriptures, she performed austerities to attain Krishna as her husband. Jai Sri is a name for Rādhārānī, and Hari is a name for Krishna. Rādhārānī is Krishna’s eternal consort and hladini shakti, the potency that gives Him pleasure. She is the source of all joy and bliss in the spiritual realm and the personification of mahabhava, which is the highest form of love of God. Her relationship with Krishna is one of pure, selfless love and is the ultimate example of divine love. She is known for her compassion and is considered the gateway to Krishna’s love.

Question

What religion is this?

Answer

This is Krishna Consciousness/Gaudiya Vaishnavism! It’s a branch of Hinduism that centers on love and devotion to Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is based on the teachings of the ancient scriptures Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. Krishna consciousness emphasizes the practice of bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion) and the importance of compassion, humility, and tolerance towards all beings. The chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare) is our central spiritual practice. Gaudiya Vaishnavism places special emphasis on the divine love between Rādhārānī and Krishna, as well as Guru-parampara, which is the importance of a spiritual teacher (guru) in guiding one’s spiritual journey. Our teachings have been passed down through a lineage of gurus, going all the way back to Krishna Himself.

Question

What is kirtan? And do I have to participate?

Answer

Kirtan is a form of devotional singing or chanting that is central to practicing Krishna Consciousness. It involves a call and response format, where the person leading chants a verse or mantra, and everyone else responds by repeating it. Kirtan is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and can bring about feelings of peace, joy, and connection with God. It is a practice that can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and beliefs. We will be having Kirtan after the wedding ceremony and before the reception. You do not have to participate, but we would love it if you did! You can be as involved as you would like, whether that means sitting and just experiencing it, clapping your hands or playing an instrument along with us, or getting up to dance and sing along. If you choose not to participate, there will be some refreshments outside. Everything here is voluntary and we want you to feel at home 💛🪷

Question

How do y’all feel about Jesus?

Answer

We love Him! We both grew up going to church and have had relationships with Jesus Christ since we were small children. Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, held a high regard for Christ. He considered Jesus to be a pure representative of God, a Son of God, and a spiritual master. We both share this view, and continue our relationships with Jesus to this day. We would not be in Krishna Consciousness without Him ❤️

Question

Can I bring my children?

Answer

Yes!