By Atma Tattva Das,
The 12th Annual Bhaktivedanta Swami Lecture (BSL), hosted in partnership between the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Africa (BBTA) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), marked a milestone in ISKCON’s academic engagement in South Africa. This year’s event took the shape of a full-scale academic conference, celebrating fifty years since His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s arrival in the country.
For the first time, devotees, scholars, and professionals shared
On October 3, 2025, devotees from around the world gathered online to honor Her Grace Hladini Devi Dasi, a beloved disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and a dedicated servant in the African preaching effort of Bhakti Tirtha Swami, whose extraordinary devotion, humility, and final act of fearless sacrifice continue to inspire generations of devotees.
Hosted under the auspices of Hare Krishna Africa, the gathering brought together disciples of Srila Prabhupada, Bhakt
In late 2024, the African Regional Governing Body (ARGB) was formally established to improve coordination, unify leadership, and enhance the strategic implementation of ISKCON’s mission across the African continent. As a regional extension of the Governing Body Commission (GBC), the ARGB was created to serve Africa’s diverse and expanding yatra through structured collaboration and regionally informed leadership.
Presiding over this newly formed body is Harideva Das, the ARGB’s first Chairperso
Devotees gather for the first-ever Rathayatra festival in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Recently, the first-ever Rathayatra festival in Ethiopia took place, quietly but significantly, inside the compound of the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa. For Mahaprasad Govinda Das, the only full-time ISKCON preacher currently active in the country, the festival marked a historic milestone in a long and determined effort to establish Krishna consciousness in one of Africa’s most religiously sensitive regions. “The
Each year, the streets of Accra come alive with vibrant kirtan, smiling devotees, and the majestic presence of Lord Jagannatha on His chariot. What began two decades ago as a humble extension of Ghana’s Food for Life initiative has now become a cherished annual celebration of Krishna consciousness, the Accra Rathayatra Festival. At the heart of this journey is Srivas Das, whose spirit of service has shaped
Salika Das (far right) at the World Interfaith Harmony Week in February 2025.
This February of 2025, Plateau State, Nigeria, hosted two significant interfaith events aimed at fostering peace and unity among diverse religious communities. The celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week on February 5 set the stage, followed by an engagement organized by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COF) on February 13. Religious leaders from various faiths, including the International Society for
Residents of Klerksdorp patiently waiting to be served prasadam at ISKCON Klerksdorp.
In October 2023, the establishment of ISKCON Klerksdorp in the North West province of South Africa marked a significant milestone for the movement. Formerly managed by the Klerksdorp Hindu Samaj, the temple transitioned into ISKCON’s care, heralding a new chapter of spiritual service in the region. Less than a year later, the temple’s leadership initiated a feeding program that has already begun to touch hundre
The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Africa (BBT) hosted the 10th Annual Bhaktivedanta Swami Lecture, presented in honour of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977), the founder of ISKCON and the BBT. His literary contribution continues to be appreciated by global audiences for his Vedic commentary on national priorities like education and leadership. The lecture premiered today, August 30th, on YouTube.
This year’s Bhaktivedanta Swami Lecture focuses on AI, Humanity, and God
In the heart of South Africa, a dedicated team of devotees has come together to form the African Ratha Yatra Alliance or ARYA. Led by Baladev Jagannath Das, the coordinator of programs and logistics, ARYA has been enthusiastically working to bring the devotional vibrancy of Ratha Yatra festivals to different corners of Africa. In a recent interview, Baladev shared the inspiring journey of ARYA and shed light on the challenges they have faced along the way.
The origins of ARYA can be traced back
By Atma Tattva Das
In a groundbreaking move to spread the teachings of Srimad Bhagavatam and advance Vedic education, the renowned ISKCON Bhagavata Mahavidyalaya has launched a new educational program in collaboration with the Simhachalam community. With a vision to serve Europe and Africa, this initiative aims to provide a systematic and accessible platform for studying sacred scriptures.
Under the leadership of Govinda Dev Das, currently serving as the Temple President and facilitating the es
By Madhava Smullen
About 170 book distributors, temple presidents, GBC members, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust staff and devotees in general viewed the 12th Annual BBT Africa Conference, held online and broadcast at https://www.youtube.com/c/BBTAfrica on Saturday November 6th.
Speakers from Kenya, Ghana, South Africa and Mauritius participated in the three-hour conference, which is a platform for an exchange of ideas and strategies on all matters of book distribution, publication, and innovation. Insp
