2nd Historical Jagannatha Ratha Yatra held in Vrindavana Dham on 17th July,2016 organized by ISKCON Vrindavana Namhatta dept.

For photos please visit the link:https://picasaweb.google.com/111226734450367493875/6309416429985764241

It was torrents of rain continuously from last few day in Vrindavana which became very heavy on the day of the Ratha Yatra.

Lord Jagannatha tested our devotion and determination till the last minute. First a pandal, to be erected in the complex of Ashram Vihar, had to be cancelled due to objection by residents. Then another big party hall, which was booked for the inauguration programme, was cancelled by the owner on the evening of 16th July. Most of the devotees were thinking to cancel the event, but they went ahead and were compelled to arrange the programme in a medium size hall.

Who can understand and know the mercy and the desire of the Lord. Sri Sri Jagannatha , Subhdra and Baladeva were given spiritual welcome by showering flower at Ashram Bihar by 09.00 hours .Subsequently, chhappan bhog, 108 aarties were offered to Sri Sri Jagannatha , Subhdra and Baladeva .

There was big reception to the Leader of Four Sampradaya Sri Mahanta Mahamandaleswar 1008 Phuldol Maharaj (head of Catur Sampraday), Sri Mahanta Brahmacari ji Maharaja, Sri Mahanta Basudevji Maharaj, Sri Mahanta Prahallad das ji Maharaj, Sri Mahanta Ambika dasji Maharaja, Sri Mahanta Ladli Sharanji Maharaj, Sri Mahanta Hari Sankar dasji Maharaj (Head of Naga Sampraday)

And also Sriman Narayan Seth Agrawal owner of G. L. A university of Vrindavan who sponsored morning Prasadam, all hoardings, Banners, and cards for Ratha Yatra

Prominent Sadhus of Vrindavana and donors were accorded warm welcome and were offered pattas (traditional cloth which is a symbol of respect).They were also invited to address the gathering. Many of them delivered short speeches on Lord Jagannatha Ratha and they all glorified ISKCON for the wonderful work they are doing to educate people in devotional life. And they also criticized Sankaracarya who spoke against ISKCON in Ujjain Kumbhamela. All mahantas of four Sampradaya gave stern warning to Sankaracarya to take his words, against ISKCON, back otherwise action will be initiated against him.

From ISKCON HH Bhaktidhir Damodar Swami, HG Sanak Sanatan Prabhu, Many Brahmacaris and congrational devotees from Vrindavana, Delhi, Agra, UP, MP, Rajasthan and foreign devotees attended the Ratha Yatra.

Finally all of them performed combined Maha Aarti to Sri Sri Jagannatha , Subhdra and Baladeva.

At 13.30 hours, Sri Sri Jagannatha , Subhdra and Baladeva were seated on the Ratha and Yatra started at 14.30 hours. Lord Jagannatha, being merciful stopped the rains right at that time and thousands and thousands of devotees attended the Ratha Yatra procession and pulled the Ratha. It was looking like a sea of humanity.

On the way of Ratha Yatra, Lord Jagannatha was warmly welcomed in twenty one places by many societies, hotel owners, ashrams etc by offering Aratik and distributing different kinds of drinks and Prasadam

The yatra was being led by devotees holding a big banner and following that was eight feet high Srila Prabhupada’s picture on the four wheeler car followed by team of Shahnai players. It appeared as if Srila Prabhupada is the leader of the whole world and our Ratha procession is following him.

After that were Jhakis followed by four different Kirtan parties. They were performing Big Harinam Kirtan on the Vrindavan Street. Most of the devotees were dancing on the tune of Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Three vehicles distributed Prasadam and all the visitors were honoring and feeling very satisfied and glorifying ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada.

Our Ratha started from Ashram Bihar (Chatikara Road) then Prem Mandir, ISKCON, Phogla Ashram, Vidyapitha crossing, Atallachungi Parikrama Marg, Lalila Ashram and then reached ISKCON Krishna Hall by 6:30 Pm. Deities were then taken to Krishna Hall on Their Simhasana.

Around 7:30 Pm we started Pandal Pragaram @ Krishna Hall on the big stage. There were cultural programmes like classical dance, and stage play on Lord Jagannatha followed by performances by Namhatta Youth boys and Girls and congregation children and one Brajavasi team. It was very wonderful programs, every one became very very happy. The programme culminated at around 22.00 hrs.

We would like to thanks all the donors, devotees, VIPS, Congregational members, Visitors who helped making ISKCON’s 50th anniversary Ratha Yatra of Vrindavan Dham successful.

And our very special thanks goes to HG Balabhadra Prabhu of ISKCON Delhi who sponsored and prepared Prasadam by his team of devotees the big Bhandara Prasadam @ Krishna Hall. More than 2500 devotees took prasadam.

Under the guidance of Namhatta Department different kinds of programmes are being organized in and around 150 km area of Vrindavana

We are inviting all of you in advance for our upcoming Ratha Yatra festivals in Palwal, Hodel, Hatras and many more places. Our Ratha Yatra organizing team from ISKCON Vrindavan Namhatta, who pioneered this festival in Vrindavana, is very encouraged to organize festival in other places also. We need the blessings of all the Vaishnavas.

We will announce the date of upcoming Ratha Yatra in time.

Jai Jagannatha, Jai Baladev, Jai Subhadra and Jai Srila Prabhupada!

ISKCON 50th Anniversary Ratha Yatra in Vrindavan Dham ki Jay!!

Yours in the service of the Lord Krishna Balaram!

Radhashyamsundar Das

Namhatta Department

ISKCON Vrindavan

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29775

In signing a new anti-terrorism law, Russian President Vladimir Putin could have authority to crack down on non-government-aligned churches, said Archbishop Andrew (Maklakov), administrator of the Russian Orthodox Autonomous Church of America.

The law that Putin signed on July 6 restricts religious proselytizing and imposes heavy fines for doing so. While the law exempts the Russian Orthodox Christian Church, opponents point out that exemption only extends to the Moscow Patriarchate critics say has been entangled with the Russian government since the Soviet era.  

There are two sects of Russian Orthodox Christians. The Moscow Patriarchate is the main branch of the church, which had ties to the Russian government going back to the czar era that ended in the early 20th century. During the Soviet era, the autonomous church was established, adhering to Russian Orthodox theology, but completely independent of the government-aligned church.

“As the Russian Federation has drifted back to its Soviet roots more and more over the past 25 years, it has increasingly sought to harass, persecute, and destroy any religious organization that it might consider competition to its own ‘state church,’” the archbishop told The Daily Signal in an email.

The autonomous church in the United States and abroad, “opposes this new law because as an entity not subject to the official state-run church, it is not exempt from the provisions of this law,” he continued. “Rather, it understands that this law is but another weapon in the hands of the neo-Soviet Russian state to dismantle and destroy our church in a way that appears lawful to Western observers and critics.”

The anti-terrorism law prohibits religious gatherings in nonregistered areas, which could reportedly include private homes. It also restricts promoting religion on the Internet. Missionary work or sharing faith without possessing certain documents to do so would lead to fines of up to the equivalent of $765 for a Russian citizen and up to $15,000 for an organization, while a foreign violator would be deported.

“In my opinion, this is just a way for Putin to try to get the band back together,” the Rev. Mark Templet of Saint Peter the Aleut Orthodox Parish in Abita Springs, Louisiana, told The Daily Signal in a phone interview. “It’s about going back to the Soviet era; [Putin] wants the Moscow Patriarchate to stand alone for national identity. We are a fly in the ointment of that because we believe there should be a separation between the state and the church.”

Templet said that in the last decade, the Russian government has seized and shut down more than a dozen Russian Orthodox churches not associated with the Moscow Patriarchate. Still, the autonomous Russian Orthodox Church has 300 registered parishes in Russia, he said.

“They have labeled our people in Russia extremists, which is a word for terrorists, because they want to have only the government-supported Moscow Patriarchate,” Templet said.

The Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, a branch of the Moscow Patriarchate, did not immediately respond to The Daily Signal phone and email inquiries.

The U.S. State Department says it is also troubled by the law.

“The United States is concerned with the Russian Federation’s recent adoption of amendments to its anti-terrorism law, which President Putin signed July 7,” State Department spokesman Nicole Thompson told The Daily Signal in an email. “The amendments include a number of provisions which place greater restrictions on the right to freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, and also introduce criminal penalties for those who do not inform the authorities of alleged violations. Particularly troubling are the amendments dealing with religion and missionary activity.” 

“We believe that these new amendments will not better protect Russia’s citizens, but are rather part of a troubling Russian trend of intimidation and harassment of civil society and political activists,” Thompson added.

Supporters of the Russian legislation say the anti-terror bill was in response to the bombing of a jetliner in Egypt in October and the terrorist attacks in Paris last year. The package also puts restrictions on social media, increases sentencing for participating or financing terrorism, lowers the age threshold for prosecuting terrorism from 16 to 14, and issues fines of up to $15,400 for anyone calling for terrorism.  

Another controversial aspect of the law was requiring that communications companies provide the Russian government with encrypted data—with potential fines of up to $15,400 for not complying. This so-called “Yarovaya Law” is named after Irina Yarovaya, the Russian politician who wrote the bill.

The Embassy of Russia in Washington, D.C., did not respond to phone and email inquiries from The Daily Signal.  

This law will almost certainly be part of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom report on countries, said Faith McDonnell, director of religious liberty for The Institute on Religion and Democracy.

“The law doesn’t do that much to defend from terrorism and only prevents Christians and others who are not Orthodox from preaching and proselytizing,” McDonnell told The Daily Signal in a phone interview. “Given all of our complications with Russia, I’m not sure U.S. government or the United Nations will act on what is being sold on the surface as an anti-terrorism bill. … Russia is slipping back to what it was before.”

McDonnell’s organization was part of a coalition from the International Religious Freedom Roundtable that wrote a July 11 letter to Putin, which said the law could violate international treaties:

We are particularly concerned about the amendments that introduce an entire new section to the Religion Law, imposing strict limits on sharing beliefs, including where and who may share them, and increase extremism punishments. … the Yarovaya Law poses threats to the fundamental human rights and freedoms that are guaranteed by Russia’s Constitution and its international human rights obligations.

The fact that so many groups oppose the law shows how extreme it is, said Travis Weber, director of the Center for Religious Liberty at the Family Research Council.

“Stifling expression and the sharing of one’s faith does not advance security, it takes away from resources that could be used for security,” Weber told The Daily Signal in a phone interview.

The concerns about those promoting terrorism is legitimate, he said.

“Social media and promoting terrorism are not invalid concerns. The U.S. has freedom of speech, with limits. You can’t threaten violence,” Weber said. “The Russian law is overly broad and sweeping and doesn’t target radical Islam.”

Source:http://dailysignal.com/2016/07/20/back-to-the-soviet-era-putins-new-law-could-lead-to-religious-crackdown/

What a week of Vaisnava sadhu-satsanga this has been! I leave the richer, having exchanged with my family members, old and new, Godbrothers, Godsisters, nephews and nieces. While I feel most unqualified to speak to you today, I am honoured and privileged to join my Godsisters in voicing my concerns as a woman in ISKCON.

As the GBC body, all of you are responsible for establishing Srila Prabhupada’s legacy, which, in these difficult and turbulent times, is at stake. One realm of that legacy – the rapport Srila Prabhupada established with his Vaisnavi disciples – is the topic of our discussion today, because over the years since his disappearance it has been largely forgotten. Perhaps my personal service and association with him, along with his later guidance and instructions, offer some insights in this area.

As a strong and independent young woman I met Srila Prabhupada in 1966 and took initiation in 1967. Had Srila Prabhupada demanded conformity to orthodox roles for women as a condition of surrender, I, along with many of my Godsisters, would probably not have joined ISKCON. That he did not is testament to his spiritual vision. He lovingly encouraged and engaged us in the service of the sankirtana movement, and he consistently revealed himself to be panditah sama-darsinah – equal to all.

In both men and women, Srila Prabhupada observed our propensities and expertly dovetailed them in his preaching mission. For many years, in different countries and circumstances, I had the good fortune to render personal service to him. He trained me, urged me to accept more and more responsibility, and regularly asked me to lead kirtanas, give classes, arrange programmes, manage departments, provide comforts for visiting devotees, meet with leaders, and actively promulgate Krsna consciousness. In ISKCON India, where previously no women were allowed, he sent me to various temples to learn cooking and Deity worship, and he repeatedly asked me to train others in the same.

It would take much longer than the limited time I have here to give you a glimpse into the numerous exchanges that illustrate Srila Prabhupada’s demeanour and mood. However, one such exchange is what I call the Canakya Pandita episodes. I was present on four occasions when Srila Prabhupada repeated the Canakya adage: ‘Never trust a woman or a politician.’ On each occasion Srila Prabhupada looked me in the eye to see my response. On the last occasion, in Bombay in 1973, he quoted the saying, heartily laughing in front of a small group of men. Then he said: ‘What do you think, Yamuna?’ Immediately I retorted: ‘Of course it is true, Srila Prabhupada,’ whereupon he became grave, looked at me with great feeling, and said, ‘But you are not a woman, you are a Vaisnava.’

Another series of exchanges centred on leading kirtana. Srila Prabhupada often had me lead the first kirtana before he spoke at a programme, whether in front of twenty people or ten thousand people. There were occasions when I felt uncomfortable with this. At the Jaipur pandal at Radha Govinda temple, I refused to lead kirtana. Srila Prabhupada called me over and said, ‘Lead kirtana.’ I said, ‘I can’t. My throat hurts.’ He said, ‘No. Lead kirtana.’ So, croaking like a frog, I led kirtana.

In late 1974, not long after I had left my householder asrama, Srila Prabhupada pronounced it ‘good that you have left your husband’, and encouraged me to become a ‘sannyasini’. Although I was not in the traditional role of being protected by my father, husband or son, in both his personal darsanas and written instructions, Srila Prabhupada offered me unfettered encouragement and astonished me with unexpected answers to my questions.

After settling in Oregon with my Godsister Dinatarine, Srila Prabhupada, while pronouncing us ‘independent’ to a concerned Godbrother, at the same time twice rebuked us when we approached him to leave. ‘You westerners are so restless,’ he admonished. ‘Why can’t you remain in the same place? Stay where you are.’ We questioned, ‘But Srila Prabhupada, they are saying that if we aren’t in ISKCON, we lose your blessings and cannot make advancement.’ Prabhupada replied, ‘ISKCON is where you are chanting the holy name – that is ISKCON.’ We rejoined: ‘They are saying we don’t have any association here and are therefore in maya.’ He replied: ‘Association can be two or two hundred. If you are two and compatible, you can become perfect in Krsna consciousness. If you are 200 and are not, then no one will make advancement.’

To conclude, Srila Prabhupada trained me to be concerned about his movement, and at this time I am deeply concerned. Now more than ever, it is time to revive and imbibe Srila Prabhupada’s mood with his disciples. If we neglect this, an aspect of his greatness will remain unknown to future generations.

I appeal to the GBC that along with the laudable projects you are managing and those you are contemplating – especially the magnificent temple that will arise here in Sridhama Mayapura – consider that the behaviour of the ISKCON devotees who participate in these projects must also be magnificent. Any other behaviour will make the projects less than worthy of Srila Prabhupada’s name. This grave responsibility falls on you. In other words, let us instil in every person who comes into contact with Srila Prabhupada’s movement the healthy spiritual relationships that he had with his followers – his mood of encouragement, protection and kindness.

The closer we come to individually appreciating and honouring Srila Prabhupada’s personal dealings with his disciples, the closer we will come to his sense of completeness in Krsna consciousness, to his joyfulness, to his transcendentally attractive nature.

With great care, our service is to create a devotional environment where men, women and children can thrive in Krsna consciousness, rendering service according to their desire and inclination. Our service is to empower rather than inhibit the service propensity in others.

Finally, let us search our intelligence and hearts for ways to help the women who are sincerely looking for spiritual life. Without properly nurturing them, we as a society have no future. Women in Krsna consciousness are an intricate, essential part of Srila Prabhupada’s legacy. In our effort to move forward, let us not put Srila Prabhupada’s example behind us, but in front of us – our divine beacon – to guide us together towards the lotus feet of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and Sri Sri Radha-Krsna.

(Women in ISKCON: Presentations to the GBC, March 2000)

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=10145

Devotees from ISKCON Seattle are pleased to announce the Second North American Sravanam Kirtanam camp in ISKCON Seattle temple this year from Aug 12-Aug 14, 2016 (Last year it was in Dallas). Please make it a priority to attend this and other Srila Prabhupada disciples’ programs this year in ISKCON Seattle. A similar camp was done in Damodardesh (https://www.facebook.com/SravanamKirtanamCampDamodardesh) Belgium and an event in Birmingham UK is planned later this year. 
A key aspect of this event is continuous lectures and kirtans during the three-day period. The theme of this camp is Sravanam, Kirtanam, Vishnoh. Our hope is that this event becomes as popular as Sadhu Sangha in the east coast in the years to come. 
For details click here: https://goo.gl/xU86Mz

India’s government-owned TV channel, Doordarshan National aired a one-hour programme about ISKCON on July 13th, featuring a studio interview with Keshava Murari Das, President of ISKCON Rohini (New Delhi), interspersed with several video clips about different activities of ISKCON. He explained how Srila Prabhupada started the movement and continued to speak about the achievements of ISKCON today such as the movement’s expansion into 650 centres, distribution of 300 million plates of free prasadam and 50 million books. The programme showed several clips such as the youth festival in Pune attended by 20,000 young people and the recent visit of the then Prime Minister David Cameron to Bhaktivedanta Manor in London to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29680

We oftentimes hear devotees say that their preaching efforts might become easier if a disaster strikes somewhere, or everywhere. More suffering should mean more turning towards spirituality and God. Will things be as simple as this?

Would thinking like this be a tacit admission that we cannot preach successfully in “normal” times? In the event of a disaster, how do we know if the devotees themselves will not be immune to its likely trauma and effects, so as to impact on their own preaching abilities? Could it also be, that our urgency to see rapid and dramatic preaching results not always displaying, cause us to impatiently seek results through tragic adversity? Are impatience and tragedy useful companions for a preacher?

The fact that we somehow or other turned away from Krishna – since how long no one knows – was itself the ultimate of all disasters. Forever seeking peace and happiness within this tragedy can only earn the unlikely goal of a “peaceful and happy disaster.” Devotees are aware of these incompatible achievements. We can imagine a comedy movie or drama having the title, “Disastrous Serenity, and Jubilant Tragedy.”

Comical as it seems, the ability of the devotees to help people see through this irreconcilable heartbreak is the avid conviction of it to begin with. Without this conviction our power to persuade people otherwise will falter. If there are difficulties preaching within an already disastrous situation without other more dramatic adversities to happen, then we could be naively optimistic to think that people will suddenly want to become devotees during such times. There are reasons for this.

When petrol or gas for transport runs short of supply, we have seen how people react. Any small challenges to people’s “orderly” way of life result in extreme and often violent behaviour. Union and student marches, anti-racism and anti-capitalist protests and the rest all aim to highlight breaches of human acceptability. Of course there are usually anarchist elements that heighten the drama. But full or partial anarchy is likely if disaster strikes and affects the ability of law and order to keep the peace.

The same devotees also say that we can do Food for Life during hard times. This is true provided that logistical means and transportation are available. If the lifeblood of our economies, oil, runs dry, then do we use oxen and carts? Without oil and petrol the whole transportation system grinds to a halt. Food cannot get out, so people scramble for it. Hunger is going to drive people into survival mode and the use of weapons will ensure this. In desperation our oxen could become targets for food. The police cannot get around without fuel. Anarchy will spread.

This may be a worst case scenario, but other disaster situations may be less severe. Whichever level of severity or anarchy arises during expected disasters, it is not going to be as if we devotees are the “only” heroic guardian angels set on rescuing humanity alone. Christians, Muslims and Jews will also have the same compassionate motives. In other words, when these disaster sentiments are expressed, it is as if we devotees will be the only survivors and saviours. This may or may not be true.

These are very early formative years for Iskcon, and our preaching efforts are still part of laying the groundwork for future development. This includes helping to create the required sukrti for people in general, by letting them hear the holy names and read our books. Why do the millions of people who have brought Srila Prabhupada’s books not become devotees now, or even wholeheartedly appreciate us in every way? Because their sukrti is barely developed.

It is during these “normal” times that devotees need the most patience. While the good fortune of the people is building up very slowly, this can escape our detection. Most of our preaching results are undetectable, but they are working. This can lead us to think we are not progressing, and then our impatience surmises that perhaps a disaster will speed things up. For those of us who are visibly results orientated, we’re going to have to wait much of the time.

There are common situations where temples are results orientated for immediate financial stability. This often induces the devotees or congregation members to also develop the same short term expectations. This can lead to passionate types of devotee behaviour, and usually end up with some sort of “burn-out,” or unhappy devotees.

If there is more emphasis in the temples on Harinama, bhajanas and kirtans which pleases the public, they will naturally come forward to offer financial help, and our devotees remain happy. This seems to be a longer term way of keeping temples financially healthy. Happier devotees shall attract happier returns. When people see happy devotees, which are a pleasure to behold, then the public appreciation increases along with their sukrti. The more the public likes us the more they support us financially, and they advance.

Another advantage helping our preaching is the role of democracy. No matter how much democracy allows people to express themselves in often absurd ways, it gives us the freedom to practice Krishna consciousness and preach it.

We can see how democratic principles are being implemented in countries previously out of bounds for religious freedom, through the supposed warring expansion of Zionist imperialism. As deathly and divisive as they are, the new democratic freedoms intended for those undemocratic nations can only help our future preaching prospects. Who knows if these are nature’s way of helping to spread Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtana mission?

This complex chess game of world politics and the gradual aim of seeking “order out of disorder,” and the spreading of democracy are opportunistic for us. Devotees should be thankful that democracy allows them to practice the religion of their choice, and while the going is good, to preach with relative ease. If disaster does occur and anarchy results then can the merits of the original “Let’s have a disaster” argument withstand scrutiny?

Just as the direction of world politics is slowly being aligned towards democracy, the endgame of a fuller, inclusive “golden era” within Kali-yuga is some time away yet. We are presently meeting with preaching successes with fortunate people whose sukrti allows them to help us, but the long-term goal of benefitting many more people requires adaptable temple and devotee community plans based on faith in the power of the holy names. Are we convinced that through the holy names, all of our economic and financial problems can be solved?

These results should help the temples more than by short term measures. Another consequence of having disastrous situations is the possibility of delaying or reducing our preaching progress. Devotees will try to stay happy during such times, but patience and other good qualities are going to be rigorously tested too.

It should be far easier if Srila Prabhupada’s books sell, and our devotees excel in preaching during times of “disastrous” democratic peace and prosperity. We need to take advantage of the political stability granted by democracy and the freedoms given to us, before disaster either helps or hinders us.

Ys, Kesava Krsna Dasa

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=9167

ISKCON of Soho St, London and Bhaktivedanta Manor have been setting the standard and celebrating ISKCON 50 in style this July – the month when in 1966 Srila Prabhupada incorporated his society.

On Saturday July 2nd, performing arts group “Something Spiritual” put on “Departing for the West,” a spectacular production depicting the life and struggles of Srila Prabhupada with a cast and crew of sixty-five young people at Harrow Arts Centre.

The performance told an epic story, showing Srila Prabhupada’s entire life starting as a child in Calcutta, then a young man meeting his spiritual master, braving the Jaladuta steamship to the USA, and establishing ISKCON in New York; all the way through the rapid expansion of his movement and even his glorious passing from this world.

An audience of 400 was moved to tears by Milan Parmar’s performance as Srila Prabhupada and those of the cast around him. “The response was extremely encouraging,” says director Abhisekh Joshi. “This is just the beginning of an era which will help conquer Britain through drama as Srila Prabhupada said. This is just the beginning of Something Spiritual.”

Jahnavi Harrison leads the chanting at Soho St temple's London Mellows

Next from July 9th through 10th, the Radha Krishna Temple on London’s Soho St held its first ever Kirtan Mela, “London Mellows.” Devotees from all over the country as well as interested members of the public, making up a total of about 500 participants, chanted the Holy Names from 10am until 10pm each day.

The unique offering saw 50 Hare Krishna melodies for ISKCON 50 being recorded professionally for Radha Krishna Records, which will release it as a double album for Radha Londonisvara’s 47th anniversary in November.

Chanters included Jayadeva Das, who used his famous technique to turn the audience into a “Mantra Choir;” Radha Krishna temple president Jaya Nitai Das, who led a group of devotees he is mentoring in a classic Srila Prabhupada melody from the 1970s; recording artist Ananda Monet; Kirtan London’s Jahnavi Harrison; and local favorite Radha Londonisvara Das. Many children also performed, singing their hearts out individually or with their families.

Electronic drum loops, bass guitar, Spanish guitar and saxophone added some spice to the proceedings, especially in the evening when things got groovy and everyone danced until they were exhausted but ecstatic.

“This is an offering to Srila Prabhupada for the 50th anniversary of his movement,” temple president Jaya Nitai told the crowd. Organizer Gopibhava Dasi adds, “It was beautiful, to offer continuous kirtan to Radha Londonisvara and Srila Prabhupada for twelve hours a day. We plan to do it every year from now on.”

 5,000 ISKCON 50 cupcakes were distributed to say 'Thank you London!' on Incorporation Day

Meanwhile on July 13th, the actual day of ISKCON’s incorporation back in 1966, devotees distributed 5,000 cupcakes decorated with the ISKCON 50 logo and the words ‘Hare Krishna’ to commuters. Recipients included the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and the effort was covered on BBC News.

On the same day at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Yogesvara Das, author of the new authorized Prabhupada biography “Swami in a Strange Land,” spoke on the importance of the day and the depth of Prabhupada’s sacrifice. He emphasized the timelessness of Prabhupada’s message and its relevance today on issues such as global warming, the peace process, and genetically modifying nature.

Srila Prabhupada's disciples gather around a commemorative plaque in the new guru-disciple garden at Bhaktivedanta Manor

Incorporation Day celebrations also included a beautiful performance on Prabhupada’s life by gurukula students, heartfelt speeches of gratitude from senior devotees, and offering gurupuja and 108 dishes to Srila Prabhupada in his personal quarters at the Manor.

On July 16th, the murti of Srila Prabhupada was carried out onto the grounds of Bhaktivedanta Manor to view the opening of a gorgeous new garden dedicated to the ISKCON founder and his disciples. The garden includes an elegant fountain and arches, as well as rocks engraved with the defining qualities of the guru-disciple relationship such as enquiry, homage, service, shelter and realization.

 Rathayatra, Srila Prabhupada's favorite festival as a child, comes to London

In their speeches, Manor president Srutidharma Das and Prabhupada disciples Kripamoya Das and Yogesvara Das all spoke about how apt it was for a garden to commemorate the guru-disciple relationship. They compared traits of good gardners, like attentiveness, patience and hard work, to those of good disciples, and likened ISKCON to a sequoia tree in the garden, whose seed had been planted by Prabhupada and whose disciples were the branches that spread the philosophy around the world.

Then, as Jahnavi Harrison sang verses from Guru Vandana, a black and gold plaque was revealed, reading: “Celebrating 50 years of ISKCON: This garden is dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and his disciples, who spread the teachings of Lord Krishna throughout the world.”

Finally, on July 17th, a huge and highly successful Rathayatra festival was held in London, with about 4,000 people participating in Lord Jagannath’s parade from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square, 12,000 plates of prasadam distributed, multiple lively kirtans, and entertaining stage performances.

Each of the three chariots carrying Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra carried the ISKCON 50 logo, there were ISKCON 50 booths with literature to raise awareness of ISKCON amongst the public, and ISKCON 50 was also the main theme onstage. The festival was another ideal offering to Srila Prabhupada on this occasion, as he famously grew up celebrating Rathayatra as a child and it was one of his favorite festivals that he brought to the West.

Even after all this, the UK’s ISKCON 50 celebrations are not over yet. There will be a 50th anniversary book distribution marathon from July 18th to 29th, an Open Day to encourage the public to find out more about Krishna consciousness on July 30th, and a grand finale Kirtan on the Thames on July 31st. 

Source:http://iskconnews.org/london-celebrates-iskcon-50,5699/#

Throughout our lives, we benefit from the selfless gifts of our spiritual master. He teaches us things so essential that we forget that there was a time when we did not know them. He shapes us in ways so fundamental that we could not be called human without them. He gives us gifts so profound—protection, wisdom, love, and life itself—that there is no way to measure their value. He cleans up our mistakes, looks after us even when we want to avoid him, and speaks the truth even when we would rather not hear it.
Jaya Srila Prabhupada!

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29694

Srila Prabhupada: “Write a letter to the Coca-Cola company and propose that they change the name of their drink to ‘Enjoy Hare Krishna’ 
Danavir Goswami: Prabhupada spoke to guests at the Sunday night programs. At the end of his lecture he asked if there were any questions, and one old lady cried out, "Why have you come so late?”
She was practically in tears that she had missed the opportunity to take to Krishna consciousness when she was younger. Prabhupada said, “Because you are so late.”
On another occasion, another old person asked the same question, and Prabhupada answered in a different way; He said, “Better late than never.”
Krishna sends the pure devotee when someone’s ready. If you’re not ready then Krishna won’t send.
Two ladies in their fifties asked if they could see Srila Prabhupada. I was the temple president, so I brought them to see him.
They were very respectful but didn’t know what to say. There was silence. Finally one of them said, “Swamiji, we have been meditating for the last twenty years.”
They thought that Prabhupada would be impressed, but he said, “What have you achieved by your meditation?”
The lady thought for a moment and said, “We have learned to become silent.” Prabhupada said, “Stones are silent for millions of years. To become silent is not a very great accomplishment.” That set the mood for that discussion.
There was a young Indian gentleman who had been staying in one of the temples and who said to Srila Prabhupada, “I’ve noticed that some of your disciples nod out in the morning when they are chanting japa. I would like to teach them yoga exercises so they won’t fall asleep.”
Prabhupada politely said, “Yes, yes. Sometimes they fall asleep, but they will learn and improve.”
He sidestepped the question, but the man insisted, “If you just give me your permission, I will teach them yoga.”
Prabhupada said, “No, it’s not required. Bhakti-yoga is—” The man became adamant. He said, “They are deficient. I must teach them.”
Prabhupada became a little upset and said, “They may have some deficiencies, but they are still better than anyone else.”
Prabhupada would not agree to have this man teach yoga in the temple. The man began to argue more, and we asked him to leave.
Pusta Krishna, Nanda Kumar, and I were sitting in the back seat of the car. I was in the middle. Shyamasundar was driving, and Prabhupada was sitting in the right front seat.
There was no talking, and it seemed that Prabhupada was nodding off a little. I thought I would ask a very intelligent question.
I said, “Srila Prabhupada?” He said, “Hmmm.” I said, “How much association did your Guru Maharaj have with Srila Gaurakishor das Babaji?”
There was silence. It became a long silence. The other devotees in the back seat began to silently chastise me for asking a foolish, inappropriate question. They said, “Oh, no! Why have you …?”
Even Shyamasundar turned around to give me a dirty look, although I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the question.
After a silence that appeared to be practically forever, Prabhupada said, “Why do you ask?” Then I realized that it wasn’t an appropriate question.
I said, “I’m sorry, Srila Prabhupada. It was just a question out of curiosity, and it wasn’t important,” and Prabhupada didn’t say anything more.
I learned that, “Don’t try to make small talk. Don’t ask questions that are not appropriate to your level of understanding or that are not important. And don’t ask questions out of curiosity.”
I told Srila Prabhupada that some people claim there is nothing wrong with eating eggs because the eggs aren’t fertilized.
Srila Prabhupada answered that if they allowed the male and female to mix, then there would be fertilization, and the eggs would become chickens. That was the main reason he gave.
We were driving to an engagement in Portland, when we stopped at an intersection. Prabhupada looked around and saw signs that said,“Enjoy Coca-Cola,” “Things Go Better With Coke,” and “Drink Coca-Cola.”
It was a coincidence that there were all these different Coca-Cola signs at this particular intersection.
Prabhupada light-heartedly said, “Write a letter to the Coca-Cola company and propose that they change the name of their drink to 'Hare Krishna.’
They can keep the same drink, but the signs will say, 'Enjoy Hare Krishna,’ 'Things Go Better With Hare Krishna.’”
From that we learned that we should try to promote Krishna consciousness on a broad scale.
Somehow or other we should get the Holy Name to the public, even by using the media. We can use all kinds of methods, whatever we have to use.
—Danavir Goswami
Excerpt from “Memories-Anecdotes of a Modern-Day Saint” 
by Siddhanta das
www.prabhupadamemories.com 

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29703

Deena Bandhu Das: Please join us in prayers for our very dear Godbrother Krishna Das Swami who just left this world a few minutes ago. He was on his way to Vrindavan, and after entering Vraja Bhumi, fully conscious and with devotees chanting in the vehicle, he peacefully departed.
He was born in Punjab and took diksa from Madhva Sampradaya. He was lamenting when he met Srila Prabhupada and knew his glories, that he couldn’t take diksa from him. So Prabhupada gave him sannyasa! Krishna Das Swami was very instrumental in preaching in UK, South Africa, and Mauritius. He even convinced the municipality in Mauritius to name the neighborhood of our Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir as Vrindavan!

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29705

There are two Hare Krishna festivals set to take place in Edinburgh this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the spiritual movement’s arrival in the West from India.

The movement, characterised by the bright and colourful dress, shaven heads and Hare Krishna chanting worn by those who are a part of it, defines itself as “a universal, non-sectarian message of love, simple living, service and above all – connecting the self with the original spiritual source, Krishna.”

The events will be organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a world-wide organisation set up in the 1960s which today boasts 700 temples and centres around the globe.

The first of the festivals will take place on Saturday 23 July 2016 at 2pm. Beginning in The Meadows, there will be a large procession moving through towards the High Street down to Holyrood Park where there will be a free vegan feast beginning at 4pm.

Aditya Devi Dasi, the main organiser behind the event said: “This event commemorates the story of Lord Jagannath being paraded through the streets of Puri, east India. The huge processions accompanying the chariots play music, instruments, and devotional songs, including the infamous Hare Krishna mantra. 

Dear devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

One day in late January, or perhaps early February, in 1973, a devotee named Caranaravindam das came into the main brahmacari room in the ISKCON temple at 7 Bury Place, London, and told us how he had just met an amazing devotee while he was preaching in East London, I think in an area named Forest Gate. The devotee was named Krishna das, and he was from India, and he did not know about the existence of ISKCON or Srila Prabhupada, but as soon as he saw our brahmacari he became extremely excited and inspired, and wanted to know where in London he could find our devotees and temple.

Shortly after that Krishna das visited Bury Place and took part in the programmes. George Harrison had recently donated Bhaktivedanta Manor, and Srila Prabhupada spent some time there during that year. While Srila Prabhupada was staying in the Manor Krishna das met him and was deeply impressed by him. Prabhupada asked him about his background and if he was initiated, and Krishna das told him he was already initiated in the Brahma sampradaya, and Srila Prabhupada told him that he should join the temple, and that after some time he would give him sannyasa. Krishna das was deeply affected by the meeting, and would sometimes tell us about it. It was a life changing experience for him.

Not long after that, I think around July or August 1973, he left his family and his school teaching and moved into the temple. He was considerably older than the brahmacaris, being around 40 years of age, whereas the other asrama residents were from their late teens to about 25 or so at the oldest, but everyone was very impressed with his sincerity and dedication from the outset, and he was greatly respected by all. We had a queuing system for the shower in the brahmacari asrama, and there were about fifty of us, but he patiently waited his turn with the other, much younger men.

He became close to the Temple President, Vicitravirya das, and they would regularly go out and do programmes with Indian families around London. Vicitravirya would sometimes tell us how Krishna das would preach very strongly to these people, and insist they become life members and donors. I saw him in action during festivals at Bhaktivedanta Manor. He was literally like a transcendental lion, roaring at the people and powerfully arousing their sense of responsibility as people from Indian backgrounds. He glorified Srila Prabhupada very nicely, sometimes referring to him as the thirteenth Mahajana, and would tell the people that Prabhupada was the real representative of their culture and tradition.

In 1979 he went to the Mayapur festival with a group of us, led by Vicitravirya prabhu. Part of the mission was that he was going to visit his older family members in Punjab, where he had been born and spent his early life. They were deeply disturbed that he had left this family and joined ISKCON full time, and Krishna das was to meet them and try to make amends and pacify them. Vicitravirya went with him, and later told us that it had been a hair raising experience. The family had tried to force Krishna das to go back to his wife and children in London, but Krishna das would not hear of it at all. They then wanted to attack Krishna das, but somehow he and Vicitrivirya managed to escape.

This greatly impressed all of us. We were all from hippy type backgrounds, and leaving our families had been no problem for us, but here we saw someone from a completely different social environment, a cultured person who had been brought up as a devotee. And when he had been put under severe pressure to give up his dedication to Lord Krishna he had adamantly refused. He resolve in Krishna consciousness struck us deeply.

Time then separated us for some years, but in around 1986 or 1987 he started visiting South Africa, on the invitation of Giriraja Maharaja. The yatra there had just lost their GBC and zonal acarya guru, Bhagavan das, and it was a trying time. By now Krishna das was Krishna das Swami, having been formally given sannyasa by Sivarama Maharaja in the interim period. He preached in his characteristic powerful way, sometimes giving classes to Indian audiences until late at night. His influence helped stabilize the yatra after Bhagavan’s departure.

I remember one time he told a small group of us (it may have just been Giriraja Maharaja and me) how as a boy of about eleven, he had gone with a group of pilgrims to Sri Vrndavana-dhama. While walking through the town he saw Krishna appear to him, and became stunned, and remained in the same place for hours, becoming separated from his pilgrimage party. Later the party came looking for him, and found him, still anchored to the same place, unmoving.

He often lamented the degradation of modern day India, always fondly referring to it as “Bharat” which of course is the traditional name for the country. In the late 80’s, when a gentleman named V.P. Singh was Prime Minister of India, and was trying to update the country to become some sort of modern Westernized state, Krishna das Maharaja would sometimes rail against him in his public programmes, calling him “Chandal Singh”. In his heart, Maharaja wanted India to really become the Bharat of its ancient tradition, and knew that Krishna consciousness was the only thing that could help achieve that.

In the last few years I did not see Maharaja often, and I regret that very much. But he always continued preaching powerfully, and glorifying Srila Prabhupada as the savior of humanity. His contribution to Srila Prabhupada’s movement was outstanding, and I’m sure he is at his lotus feet right now. I pray I can join him there in due course.

Your servant,

Bhakti Caitanya Swami

Source:http://bcais.com/writings/in-memory-of-his-holiness-krishna-das-maharaja/

ISKCON of Central New Jersey Deity Installation and Kirtan Mela 2016. 
July 29 @ 6:30 pm - July 31 @ 9:00 pm
Join us for the most awaited event of 2016!
Sri Sri Jagannath Baladev and Subhadra Devi and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Deity Installation (Murti Sthapana) and Kirtan and Cultural Festival
Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON movement, With the Installation of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and Jagannath Baladev & Subhadra!
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON movement, the temple ISKCON of Central New Jersey is pleased and very excited to announce that the installation of the deities – Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai & Jagannath Baladev & Subhadra and Kirtan Mela 2016! – will take place on Ekadasi Day– Saturday, July 30, 2016! The festivities will begin the day before – on Friday, July 29 – and will continue until 7pm on Sunday , July 31 Evening.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/2Kvopx

Source:http://iskconnj.com/temple2016/event/deity-installation-kirtan-cultural-festival/

Studying and seeking to understand sastra (spiritual literature) can sometimes be a challenge – especially for the science minded. We may come across things that are hard to grasp or full of paradox. Join us as we explore this topic in search of spiritual truths.
Listen to it here: https://goo.gl/0rg9Ni 

Source:https://soundcloud.com/iskconofdc/paradox-bramha-tirtha-das?in=iskconofdc%2Fsets%2Fsunday-open-house-talks

A short compilation of devotional Kirtan, Sanskrit chants of the Bhakti tradition, to uplift the spirit and create a blissful atmosphere.
Details:
Lead Vocals & Harmonium: Niranjana Swami (Purification & Ocean Of Bliss), Ananta Govinda (Awakening)
Background Vocals: Acyuta Gopi, Ananta Govinda, Akincana Krishna Dasa, Rati Manjari, Krishna Kishora (Kish)
Bass: Purusartha Dasa
Percussion: Ananta Govinda
Flute: Krishna Kishora (Kish)
Kartals: Acyuta Gopi
Recorded at: Butler Recording, Brooklyn, NY
Recording Engineer: Chris Butler
Mix Engineers: Chris Butler & Devananda Sadkin
Produced by: Niranjana Swami & Hrsikesa dasa (Harish Vaswani)
A very special thanks to Bada Haridas for his expert guidance.
Previews and details: https://goo.gl/Gbb810 

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29668

The Yamadūtas had considered only the external situation of Ajāmila. Since he was extremely sinful throughout his life, they thought he should be taken to Yamarāja and did not know that he had become free from the reactions of all his sins. The Viṣṇudūtas therefore instructed that because he had chanted the four syllables of the name Nārāyaṇa at the time of his death, he was freed from all sinful reactions. In this regard Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura quotes the following verses from the smṛti-śāstra:

nāmno hi yāvatī śaktiḥ
 pāpa-nirharaṇe hareḥ
tāvat kartuṁ na śaknoti
 pātakaṁ pātakī naraḥ

“Simply by chanting one holy name of Hari, a sinful man can counteract the reactions to more sins than he is able to commit.” (Bṛhad-viṣṇu Purāṇa)

avaśenāpi yan-nāmni
 kīrtite sarva-pātakaiḥ
pumān vimucyate sadyaḥ
 siṁha-trastair mṛgair iva

“If one chants the holy name of the Lord, even in a helpless condition or without desiring to do so, all the reactions of his sinful life depart, just as when a lion roars, all the small animals flee in fear.” (Garuḍa Purāṇa)

sakṛd uccāritaṁ yena
 harir ity akṣara-dvayam
baddha-parikaras tena
 mokṣāya gamanaṁ prati

“By once chanting the holy name of the Lord, which consists of the two syllables ha-ri, one guarantees his path to liberation.” (Skanda Purāṇa)

These are some of the reasons why the Viṣṇudūtas objected to the Yamadūtas’ taking Ajāmila to the court of Yamarāja.

- Purport by Srila Prabhupada, SB 6.2.7

Source:http://servantoftheservant-ananda.blogspot.in/2016/07/the-power-of-holy-name-of-hari.html

As a continuation of the celebration of Incorporation Day – the day Srila Prabhupada received the certificate stating that ISKCON was officially incorporated – and the 50th year anniversary of ISKCON, Bhaktivedanta Manor held the grand opening ceremony of the Srila Prabhupada garden to honour the spiritual leader and founder of ISKCON along with his disciples.

Devotees from across the country and many of Srila Prabhupada’s direct disciples from around the world, gathered on the 16th of July 2016, for a day dedicated to expressing gratitude to Prabhupada, for making the perilous journey to the west, and changing the lives of people for generations to come.

The celebration began with the abhishek of Srila Prabhupada in the temple room, in which all the assembled devotees could partake. Srila Prabhupada was then carried out and around the temple to the sounds of cymbals, drums and joyous devotees chanting. He was brought into the gardens and placed in his altar, to view the opening.

The temple president Sruti Dharma Das commenced the opening ceremony by welcoming the chief guest, Yogesvara das. He spoke of the garden being an offering to Srila Prabhupada and his disciple. Referring to the traits of good gardeners as being attentive, forward-looking, dependent on the weather, hardworking and patient he compared these to Srila Prabhupada and his disciples who too possessed these qualities, although, they are dependent on Krishna.

Kripamoya Das too spoke about the aptness of a garden offering, by likening ISKCON to a sequoia tree in the garden, whose seed had been planted by Prabhupada and whose disciples were the branches that spread the philosophy around the world. Gauri Das shared a conversation he’d had with George Harrison’s wife, Olivia Harrison, who thought he would have loved the garden because it would have made people come to the temple and thereby learn.

One of the most important things to learn is the nature of the relationship between guru and disciple because that can raise us above this material world and bring us back to Godhead. Because of that relationship between Srila Prabhupada and his disciples, Krishna consciousness spread throughout the world. Hence, the defining qualities of this unique, spiritual relationship were engraved on stones around the garden and some of Srila Prabhupada’s direct disciples stood on these stones and elaborated on each quality, with extracts from the Holy Scriptures and stories of their time with Prabhupada. These qualities are enquiry, homage, service, shelter and realisation.

Jahnavi Harrison interspersed devotees’ speeches on each of these qualities by singing a verse from the Guru Vandana. A plague, stating the dedication of the garden to Srila Prabhupada and his disciples was then unveiled. A verse from the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta that encapsulates the deep and ever-lasting bond between guru and disciple is inscribed, like a necklace around the central fountain in the garden.

The garden opening was followed by the launch of the book Swami in a Strange Land, written by Prabhupada’s disciple Yogesvara Das. The book is a biography on Prabhupada, written to not just be enjoyed by devotees but also teach non-devotees about the life of Srila Prabhupada. The book was therefore also an offering to Srila Prabhupada on the 50th year anniversary as a means to further Prabhupada’s desire to propagate Krishna Consciousness around the world.

Devotees praised the book and its ability to sufficiently highlight the depth of struggles Prabhupada faced in his mission in this world, without diminishing the fact that he was a truly extraordinary being. Assembled guests were able to collect signed copies of the book and were then served a grand prasadam after which Yogeshwara Das gave a PowerPoint presentation on his book.

As Srila Prabhupada once said; “When the sun shines, there no place better than the Manor” and indeed, in the blissful summer weather and amongst the beautiful flowers of the garden, there really was no better place to celebrate his divine grace and his followers. 

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29638

It takes an incredible effort to cook for 16,000. Parasuram prabhu and a stellar crew have been doing this faithfully for over 12 years. Titiksu prabhu expertly procures the required donations and Parasuram goes about assembling the massive amounts of ingredients.

Vonunteers beging cutting up, frying, steaming and roasting on Saturday and the heavy duty cooking done by Para, Acintya Rupa and Arjuna prabhus begins at midnight. Ony the best for Lord Jagannath’s Feast; Ghee, cream, Panir, and first class fruits and vegetables. Over one ton of Prasadam offered to Their Lordships.They were served, Rice, Halavah, Curd/Chickpea Subji, Srikand and Fruit Juice. Quite remarkable down to the loading, transporting and serving the huge crowd. It was a pleasure serving with these dedicated devotees. There were many other devotees working equally as hard taking care of so many other aspects of this wonderful Festival. All glories to them all….

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29641

With over ten thousand people taking part, this year was the biggest ever Ratha Yatra held aa Netrakona, Bangladesh. Jagannath Vallabh Temple, ISKCON Netrakona celebrated its 6th Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival from the 6th till 14th of July with grand success. Around 8 years back this centre started with only three brahmacharis- Jayram Das, Tulasi Das and Anantadev Das, simply distributing Srila Prabhupada books. No facilities for accommodation, practically going hungry at times having nothing to eat or surviving for days on puffed rice and boiled potatoes. By their hard work and beacse of their firm faith in Srila Prabhupada words and strict adherence to the instructions of their Spiritual Master Srila Subhag Swami, today the Jagannath Vallabha temple has over 35 enthusiastic brahmacharis serving full time, a moderate temple hall with a sitting capacity of 100 or more, a kitchen that can serve more than ten thousand plates of maha prasadam at a time last but not the least, a contingent of sincere and simple hearted devotees which keeps the very temple bubbling with life.

‘All activities, words, everything should be offered as a service to the Deities, and this offering wit remembering will gradually increase as you practice it.’ (SPL to Prajapati das, 16th May, 1976)

Just few back there was a terrorist attack at Gulshan, Dhaka…a blast that claimed the lives of 20 foreign nationals and injured many more. There was an air of uncertainty as to how such a grave incident would affect any festivities, especially Ratha Yatra. This would be one day after eid. Devotees could not help but pray to the Lord of the Universe, Jagannatha. Preparations continued, invitations went out and by Jagannatha’s mercy response was favourable: the police agreed to give full security, state ministers gave their approval to go ahead with the festival, even local government authorities agree to participate in the festival. This was certainly a source of great enthusiasm for all the devotees.

July 6th, 2016- The pandal was ready, chariot was decorated, prasadam prepared and ready for distribution and now the final wait…would there enough people? A fire sacrifice was arranged to invoke auspiciousness for the festival. People started to arrive. After a short while the pandal was packed up. The Deputy Commissioner of Netrakona arrived along with the Superintendent of Police and both of them released the first Ratha Yatra magazine and also gave a speech about Ratha Yatra. The Mayor and local minister also joined the festival and praised the devotees for organising such a wonderful festival which is bringing together not only the Hindus but also people of diverse faiths and giving a ray of hope in time of great calamity in the country.

‘Just like the other day we held the festival, Ratha Yatra. Chant and take prasadam. That’s all. Organize this all over the world. They will be saved. They will understand Krishna.’

(SP lecture on BG 1.10, London, July 12, 1973)

His Grace Maathuresh Das from Mayapur gave inspiring lectures on Jagannatha’s pastimes and led wonderful kirtan. With an ecstatic kirtan the deities, nicely decorated, were brought to the chariot. All the local authorities and distinguished guests were invited to offer arati to Their Lordships Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. The whole area was full of people, from where they came nobody knew. After the arati, devotees started to pull the chariot.

rathe ca vamanam drstva punar janma na vidyate…anybody who sees the lord on the chariot does not take birth again in the material world.

The security was well arranged and even though most security personnels were from other faiths they happily took part in the festival. Chanting and dancing, everyone was in ecstasy. Reaching the Gundicha near main market the deities were taken to their resting place where a feast was organised. Back in the temple more than ten thousand visitors took Jagannatha Maha Prasadam. Vedic dramas and cultural dance added the finishing touch making the festival complete. For the next seven days the festivities continued, replete with kirtan, dramas, discourses and vedic dance..and of course prasadam. There was a competition as to who could eat the maximum amount of Jackfruit at a time. Everybody loved it and the winner was given a prize. Daily a total of one or two thousand visitors took Prasad. The team of sankirtan devotees distributed more than 200 books. On the 14th July the return ratha festival was held with almost equal enthusiasm and ecstasy. Now the devotees at the Gundicha area took lead in pulling the chariot. It was a huge festival when the deities came back to the temple after seven days. By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and previous acaryas the Ratha Yatra festival was held very nicely, without any mishap or unwanted events…and all the festivities were welcomed by all in great happiness.

We thank all the devotees who gave all sorts of assistance to make the festival successful, either it may be just sweeping the temple floor or supplying rice, vegetables and other commodities required for the festival, or preparing the garlands, arranging security or distributing prasadam….to all the wonderful devotees we offer our humble obeisances. We pray to Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra that may They shower Their immense blessings upon you and your family that you may be able to render more loving service and that your life become sublime and full of joy.

Srila Prabhupada ki jay! Jai Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra!

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=29644

During its ISKCON 50 festivities this month, Indonesia added some rich local culture to proceedings as its over 5,000 devotees focused on uniting together to serve Srila Prabhupada.

Celebrations included a brahmachari sankirtan party touring with a Prabhupada murti through the thirty-two ISKCON temples, centers and Namahattas on the island nation; and a youth camp bringing together youth from across the island of Bali.

The highlight, however, was the International Leadership Sanga (ILS) and the Bhakti Festival and Rathayatra from July 5th through 10th.

Both events were held in Denpasar, the provincial capital of Bali. As a predominantly Hindu Island – with its own regional brand of Hinduism – in an 86% Muslim country, Bali is the natural headquarters of ISKCON Indonesia.

Guards in ceremonial Balinese attire protect Lord Jagannath

Around forty temple presidents, leaders and senior devotees attended the International Leadership Sanga from July 5th to 8th at a local Denpasar hotel, for the first ILS ever held outside of Mayapur, West Bengal (where the idea originated).

Leaders hailed from the Indonesian islands of Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and even far away Papua, marking the first such gathering in the history of ISKCON Indonesia.

Each day of the ILS was packed with seminars from the morning program through to dinner, given by experts in their subjects.

Each spoke on multiple topics. Kaunteya Das from Mayapur, a key member of the GBC Strategic Planning Team, talked about organizational development and strategic planning; how to improve Sunday programs; and why the growth and stability of our movement depends on unity in diversity.

Lord Jagannath's ceremonial guards

Kaunteya’s wife Sri Radha Govinda Dasi, Director of Bhakti Marriages online premarital courses, spoke about how to build relations among devotees through appreciation, listening and speaking skills.

Another husband-and-wife team, Bhakta Das and Bhakti Dasi of ISKCON Communications Australia, taught participants practical communications skills to deal with the media, VIPs and other external audiences.

Separately, Bhakti spoke about how to practically add Krishna to our daily lives; while Bhakta talked about how to make a better community by applying compassion in our personal dealings with devotees, and how to effectively communicate with people of different religions. He also gave Srila Prabhupada: The Greatest Communication, a seminar on how Prabhupada applied communication skills in his dealings with multiple key audiences.

Meanwhile Melbourne temple president Aniruddha Das explained what the ISKCON Disciple Course is all about, discussed what Srila Prabhupada wanted for ISKCON’s management, and talked about how to raise money for temple programs through prasadam distribution – something he has lots of successful personal experience in.

High school children recite Bhagavad-gita verses

The ILS was a very bonding experience, with devotees also taking three prasadam meals a day together, residing together in the hotel (half of which had been booked for the event), and doing kirtan together.

On July 8th, the leaders, along with GBCs Ramai Swami and Kavicandra Swami, also held the first ever Annual General Meeting of ISKCON Indonesia’s National Council, just created in October 2015.

“With this event we really focused on building unity in diversity within our own community,” says Indonesian communications director Ravinjay. “When you have devotees in the same country trying to achieve the same goal, but remaining disconnected from one another, it’s pretty difficult. So we throught ISKCON’s 50th was a perfect time to make sure that we go forward for the next fifty years as family, together, with the same mindset. It was the first time we had ever had all the Indonesian temples represented, talking about how we can actually work together as one unit to serve Srila Prabhupada.”

Following the ILS on July 9th and 10th was the Bhakti Festival, which shared its theme, “Celebrating the Joy of Devotion,” with ISKCON 50, and was the first attempt at opening up ISKCON Bali’s Rathayatra to the general public.

Kirtan, Indonesian style

Held at the Bajrasandhi Monument park in Denpasar, the festival drew about 3,000 devotees and 1,000 members of the public.

A gala prasadam dinner on the 9th welcomed representatives from the provincial government of Bali and the Indonesian Hindu Dharma Council, along with a representative who read a statement by the Director General of Hindu Dharma from the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs.

“Seeing this movement of Bhakti, now presented as a festival, I would like to say how important this event is in accommodating the Hindu community to positively contribute [to the society],” the statement by Director General I Ketut Widnya read.

Widnya also said that the Bhakti Festival displayed “the harmony, unity and boundless fraternity of the ISKCON members in Indonesia.”

After the dinner there was a showing of the 20-minute ISKCON 50 film “Fifty Years of Joy and Service,” and several performances that showcased the wonderful devotional Balinese culture. The Gopi-Bhakti Dance mixed Bharatanatyam with Balinese dance, the Pancha Tattva Bhakti Dance saw devotees portraying Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates but dressed in Balinese costumes, and the hour-long Ramayana musical utilized both full Balinese outfits and music.

Performing another stunning Balinese musical for Lord Jagannath

“Ramayana and Mahabharata are very intrinsic to the entire Indonesian culture, especially in Java and in Bali, where still to the present day every single person, even if they’re Muslim, knows the characters,” says Ravinjay.

The next day, there was a morning program on site at the park, as well as yoga and a seminar on the glories of cow protection. These were followed by a reading of Bhagavad-gita verses by local high school children, and a Balinese-style kirtan utilizing traditional instruments such as the gamelan, an Indonesian xylophone.

Huge two-meter tall Jagannath Deities, carved in Indonesia, were then taken out on a five-kilometer Rathayatra parade past the governor’s office, government buildings, and through the main streets of Denpasar.

Performances afterwards included a “mantra jazz” acoustic set of Jaya Radha Madhava, Nrsimha prayers and other chants, and a Balinese musical version with full traditional outfits of Krishna defeating Kamsa.

Meanwhile a full prasadam meal blending Indonesian, Balinese and Indian cuisines was served out to 4,000 people.

Next up for ISKCON 50, ISKCON of Indonesia is holding an appreciation night to thank devotees for services they’ve rendered.

“ISKCON 50 for us is definitely more about strengthening our community from the inside,” says Ravinjay. “Historically, we’ve had a lot of splinter groups and miscommunication. And so ISKCON 50 is really an opportunity to bring the country back together, reunite all the devotees, and figure out how in the future we can make better and happier devotees.”

Source:http://iskconnews.org/indonesia-adds-local-flavor-to-iskcon-50-festivities,5688/