Meet the family behind Bhakti Lifestyle (left to right): Kalin, Srinivas Acharya Das, Gauranga Priya Devi Dasi, and Sashin serving up compassion, one handcrafted meal at a time.
When the COVID-19 pandemic upended global industries in 2020, Srinivas Acharya Das found himself among thousands retrenched from long-standing corporate roles. But what began as a personal economic crisis gave birth to something far more meaningful: Bhakti Lifestyle, a family-run, Krishna-conscious vegetarian and vegan food business rooted in compassion, devotion, and community.
“Our journey didn’t start with soy patties, it started with prasadam,” Srinivas said, with heartfelt laughter. His first encounter with Krishna consciousness came in 2003, through an invitation to the Durban Festival of Chariots. “I only went because a colleague was kind enough to invite me. But when we arrived, the whole site struck me, it was clean, coordinated, and welcoming. And then came the prasadam. It was simply the best we’d ever had.”
That sensory experience, the aroma of spiced rice, the warmth of devotees serving with smiles, the satisfying fullness of a plate offered with love, ignited a transformation. He and his family began attending mangala aarti and quickly fell in love with the Vaishnava way of life. “The devotees’ affection was infectious. We felt accepted, guided, and loved. That’s why we’re still here today.”
Srinivas and his wife, Gauranga Priya Devi Dasi, were later initiated in 2008 by Parthasarathi Das Goswami (ASBSP). He soon took on leadership roles, serving on the management team of New Jagannath Puri Temple in Phoenix, South Africa, and organizing the local Ratha Yatra festival. “There’s something powerful about building a festival for the Lord. You don’t just serve, it transforms you,” he reflected.
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