Blog

Devotees in Toronto, Canada, have been actively engaging in building relationships with government officials and faith-based organizations throughout 2024. Here are some of the events from the past year, shared by Vallabh Hari Das, who serves as Interfaith Coordinator for the ISKCON Toronto Temple, in addition being the Chair of Reimagining Rath Yatra, and Emcee for major ISKCON events across Canada.

Diwali and Bandi Chhor Celebration at Parliament Hill, Ottawa

Devotees were welcomed to a Diwali

By Radhapriya

This past weekend of November 24th to 26th saw ISKCON leaders from across Zone 1 temples in North America descend upon Toronto for the annual leadership conference. Zone 1 encompasses ISKCON centers primarily across Canada but also includes one temple in Minnesota and some very northern states, as well as Alaska. The Zone 1 temple contingent has grown in recent years, now consisting of 25 centers from coast to coast.

Under the inspiration and title coined by HH Bhaktimarga Swami,

In the heart of Toronto, Canada’s biggest city. Five thousand years into Kali Yuga. Shortly after a
brutal pandemic. Surrounded by an ocean of materialism, sin, and providers of sense gratification, such as cosmetic surgery and Botox clinics, strip clubs, liquor stores, cannabis stores, and night clubs. In this most unfavorable environment, a residence of young devotees within the Toronto ISKCON temple ashram has surfaced with energy, commitment, and engagement to learn and practice Bhakti Yoga

By Radhapriya

ISKCON Toronto will once again be holding Toronto’s biggest annual kirtan to commence its Ratha Yatra festivities. Being held at the ISKCON Toronto temple on Friday, July 15th, kirtan leaders from around the world will be descending upon the city to chant for 12 continuous hours. As part of ISKCON Toronto’s 50th annual Ratha Yatra festival celebrations, this year’s 12-Hour Kirtan will be bigger than ever and is an event that is not to be missed. 

In 2020 and 2021, the Toronto kirt

The cherry blossoms are over, but that did not deter park lovers from coming to High Park. As mentioned, last week a constant stream of people was flowing into the main entrance off of Bloor, and it is there, on the green, under the trees, a few meters set in, where we (the chanters) were. And it was special; a good percentage of people spilling in wanted to see what the happy excitement was all about.

Our time slot for this weekly venture, which is likely to run till the end of October, is fro

In what is normally an event with 30-40,000 people in attendance, the Festival of India/Chariots was down scaled substantially due to the epic Covid-19 epidemic. That’s the reality today—learn to adjust. 

The organizers of this year‘s program in Toronto operated as cool as cucumbers, as usual, and their approach to this beloved event was full of innovation.  Deities of Jagannath were stationed in a convertible and were taken for a ride down the customary route of Yonge St to the waterfront at Su