By Padsevan Bhakta Das
The UDGAAR Mega Youth Festival 2025 saw over 15,000 young participants unite in India’s largest ever addiction awareness pledge—earning a coveted Guinness World Record. The festival, organized by ISKCON India Youth Council- North Wing (IIYC) in collaboration with Northern India Divisional Council (NIDC), and was hosted by ISKCON Greater Delhi, was held on Sunday, 12th August at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Delhi. It set new benchmarks for youth empowerment, value inculcation, and social transformation. This year’s festival, themed “ Culture and Wellness,” was a collaborative effort supported by the Government of India Ministries of Social Justice and Empowerment, Culture, and Youth Affairs and Sports, aligning closely with the Government of India’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan” movement, an initiative to make India addiction free. The festival was also awarded a certificate by the World Book of Records for ‘World’s Largest Youth Gathering of 15,000 Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra for World Peace”.
Ministers at Government of India for Youth & Sports Affairs- Sri Mansukh Mandaviya and Culture & Tourism – Sri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, attended as chief guests, commending ISKCON’s ongoing commitment to value-based youth initiatives. An appreciation letter for the mega festival, signed by the Honb’le Prime Minister of India, Sri Narendra Modi was also sent by Their office. There was also the presence of around 300 leading dignitaries from different domains like Indian Administration Services & Business at the event. The program featured exhilarating cultural performances, motivational addresses by renowned speakers (Dr. Vivek Bindra, HG Rukmini Krishna Prabhu, HG Amogh Lila Prabhu), and kirtan by the Vrajavadhus band, led by Gaur Mani, energizing participants to build a purpose-driven life rooted in devotion and values. Around 15,000 of Srila Prabhupada books were also distributed to youth attendees at the festival.
The festival was graced by the presence of some other important guests from ISKCON like, HG Mahamana Prabhu ( ACBSP),HH Kavichandra Swami and HH Bhakti Ashraya Vaishnav Swami.
A powerful mime by Delhi University and YMCA students, showcased youth struggles with addiction and the hope found in spiritual practice. Also, as per many participants a memorable highlight of the festival was a musical tribute to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami. It was sung by the popular Madhava’s Rock band.
The festival, which was a testimony of united efforts of all the Northern India ISKCON leaders and youth preachers, concluded with a talk by HH Guru Prasad Swami Maharaj, ISKCON GBC, who inspired everyone with a vision for a united, values-led Bharat.
More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FxVu_PP_oiCfPpr6rloMsb0n6TjnQHTf
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