On a warm December morning last year, around 11:00 a.m., as I sought the association of the magnificent Lord and prayed to His dear most devotee Prahlada, I found myself involved in one of His temple lilas (pastimes), much to my astonishment
After offering my obeisances to the captivating Prahlada, who stands next to his beloved Lord with his hands folded and his small body decorated with fresh fresh flowers and beautiful ornaments, I prayed, "My dear Prahlada, you are expert in receiving all
Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.
This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.
What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b
The ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI) marked Earth Day 2025 with an engaging webinar that highlighted devotee-led initiatives that underscored the importance of local action in driving global change.
The online gathering with devotees from around the world was part of the IEI Seminar Series: “Divinity and the Environment,” and spotlighted practical, faith-based solutions to environmental challenges, both within ISKCON communities and in their broader engagement with other organizations.
Th
Yesterday, we celebrated the appearance day of Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, and it truly felt like a day full of mercy.
From the very start, we were blessed to witness the abhishek of Their Lordships, surrounded by beautiful kīrtan and joyful faces everywhere. It was a moment of deep bliss.
Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita is none other than Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī Herself in Gaura-līlā. Just as Rādhārāṇī is always by Kṛṣṇa’s side, in Gauralīlā, She manifests as Gadādhara Paṇḍita to quietly support Mahāprabhu throug
This date is my wrap up day for Winnipeg. It has been good and blissful. Not only was there an inauguration of a new temple/ashram for us here in central Canada, but on the same weekend, devotees in the Maritimes on the far east coast, witnessed the opening of their place of meditation and worship. What a victory that is over the world of maya, illusion.
Everyone took such good care of me in this Prairie city. I was happy to see a great participation from the youth here. Meanwhile, it was hear
Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.
This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.
What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b
On April 16th, 2025, a historic cultural event took place in the Hall of Honor of the National Congress of Chile — one of the country’s most emblematic venues, where official state ceremonies, presidential addresses, and national commemorations are held.
The event featured a concert by Sri Bhakti Das, who performed Indian classical and devotional music using instruments such as the surbahar, sitar, and esraj, accompanied by Francisco San Miguel on the tabla. The program concluded with the cong
Today, here in Mayapur, we celebrated the 1st Disappearance Anniversary of H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
It feels like it was only yesterday that we were struck by the news of Maharaj's departure — a moment we weren’t prepared for. Yet, isn't it so remarkable how Krishna has His perfect timing in calling back His dear devotees?
Maharaj’s life is a shining example of how a true Vaishnava should live. Anyone who visited Mayapur would often see Maharaj attending Mangal Arati — whether at t
Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Alachua, Florida, the New Raman Reti community stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Established in 1977, this 127-acre spiritual haven has evolved into North America’s largest Hare Krishna community, blending ancient Vedic traditions with innovative sustainability practices. Through daily worship, educational programs, eco-conscious initiatives, and a deeply interconnected res
Prime Minister Starmer (far right) with Visakha Dasi in background with other leaders.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK, invited faith leaders from different traditions to join him for breakfast on Thursday, November 14th.
Visakha Dasi, representing ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, was pleased to hear Mr Starmer emphasize the importance of faith to the fabric of UK society. “That was especially evident,” Mr Starmer said, “during the pandemic when great numbers of people turned to plac
Bhaktimarga Swami and leaders of Zone 1 cut a cake to honor the event.
The 2024 Zone 1 Leadership Conference, held from November 8th to 10th in Edmonton, Alberta, brought together over 60 leaders from more than 25 ISKCON centers across Canada and six northern U.S. states. Under the theme “Think Big, Do Big, Act Small,” the conference focused on a shared vision for ISKCON’s growth and mission, guided by Srila Prabhupada’s principles and the spirit of Krishna Consciousness.
Inspired by Bhaktimar
One of the first things I do when I come to a new place to reside for a few days is to get around and get to know the neighborhood and establish a good walking route for myself. I ask myself, “Where are the green and quiet spots for God? Solitude? I've been coming for years to Winnipeg, but the current location of the new temple is unknown to me. That's okay. It's part of the adventure. Let's explore.
Catching the horizonal sun beckons two things. One – it enthuses the chanting of the m
Nitai (center holding the certificate), celebrates the win with his team.
The Raytheon Autonomous Vehicle Competition is one of the most prestigious events in the technical sector, bringing together top engineering talent from across the southern U.S. Universities from Alabama to El Paso sent their brightest senior students to compete in this high-stakes event, where innovation and precision are key.
For Nitai, a 20-year-old bhakti practitioner, leading his 16-member team from the University o
The Birmingham 24-Hour Kirtan returns for its 26th year on Saturday, 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at The New Bingley Hall, Birmingham, UK, inviting devotees and spiritual seekers to immerse themselves in the chanting of the holy names of Lord Krsna.
Inspired by kirtan pioneers Aindra Das and Tribhuvannatha Das, this landmark event will feature renowned kirtaniyas including Candramauli Swami, Dayananda Swami, Amala Harinama Das, Saci Suta Das, Smita Krsna Das, Sharad Bihari Das, Kishor Gopal
The weather was the worst kind, with a wind, rain, slush, and cold, all a good reason to stay back. I came upon a poem of the past. Here it is:
IN THE COURSE OF A DAY
the morning
I heard a pandit speaking, highlighting dying
Then received a call of a sick man in bed lying
How many days in life can we actually count?
How much karma can one person mount
Before he moves on to the greener field
After the gloom-ridden body can be finally peeled?
by afternoon
It happens on occasion that someone enters the temple with good intent, but they are either not so stable, are on drugs, or both. This morning, we were blessed by the presence of someone like that.
A fellow came to the door, introduced himself and asked if he could sit down. His dress was casual, and to my dull recollection, he might have worn a poncho. He plopped himself down on the floor and pulled out of his long bag a number of stones – amethyst and crystals, and began praying or med
Last Saturday, April 12th, the St. Augustine Rathayatra filled the downtown streets with melodious kirtan and a joyous atmosphere. During the procession, the beautifully decorated chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra was accompanied by the Hare Krsna mantra, graceful youth dancers, and colorful flags and flowers calling the attention of the spectators who lined the route.
After the parade, the festivities continued with more chanting and the distribution of sumptuous prasada
On April 12th-13th, 2025, a historic moment unfolded in the sacred land of Birnagar, as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the laying of the foundation stone for a temple dedicated to Srīla Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Led by Jayapataka Swami, it marked the beginning of a long-awaited project that seeks to glorify one of the greatest acaryas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
This monumental initiative is being undertaken by the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust, an organization established t
Hari Rasa Pandita Devi Dasi, also known as Priti Wright, has spent her life navigating two very different worlds: the path of spiritual devotion laid before her from birth and the call of the mountains, where she pushes the limits of human endurance. Through Alpine Vagabonds, the project she shares with her husband, Jeff Wright, she documents these high-altitude journeys, carrying her faith to the summits of some of the world’s most demanding peaks.
Born into a family of Srila Prabhupada’s dis
