By Atma Tattva Das
On September 28th, 2024, the vibrant streets of Soweto came alive with the joyous sounds of Hare Krishna chanting as devotees and members of the local community gathered to celebrate the 17th annual ISKCON Soweto Rathayatra Festival.
This year’s event was a spiritual spectacle and a heartfelt commemoration of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami, a central figure in the festival’s creation and an inspiration to the community.
Mahaprabhu Dasa, the Temple President of ISKCON Soweto and one of the original organizers of the festival, sat down to reflect on the journey that has brought ISKCON Soweto from humble beginnings in 1985 to hosting one of South Africa’s most anticipated spiritual festivals. “This festival is a culmination of years of perseverance, community-building, and above all, Krishna’s mercy,” Mahaprabhu shared during the interview.
ISKCON’s journey in Soweto began in 1985, a time when the socio-political climate of South Africa was particularly tense. Amid these challenges, a small group of dedicated devotees, including Mahaprabhu, sought to spread Krishna consciousness in the townships, laying the foundation for what would later become a vibrant community. “We were preaching in people’s homes, organizing small gatherings—anything to share Krishna’s teachings,” Mahaprabhu recalled.
In 2007, ISKCON Soweto made history by hosting its first Rathayatra Festival, a large-scale spectacle that invited the local community to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath through the streets, a tradition rooted in the ancient world. “The first festival was small, but it was the start of something transformative. Kadamba Kanana Swami was there from the very beginning, supporting us with his presence and his love for kirtan,” Mahaprabhu shared.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/celebrating-17-years-of-devotion-iskcon-sowetos-rathayatra-marks-a-new-chapter/
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