The Chariot Fest, also known as Ratha Yatra, is a successful one, considering the good attendance here in Durban since its inception 35 years ago. To throw together a great party by the local Durban Krishna Conscious community is a large undertaking. Funds must be raised, purchasing, cooking, decorating, securing permits, entertainers preparing, accommodating guests from abroad, transportation of goods and people etc.
I walked around the grounds to meet the organizers, out of my own interests
Bhaktivedanta Manor’s public Rama-Navami festival was honoured to welcome a distinguished array of guests, hosted graciously by the Communications team.
Among those attending were three local Mayors and other dignitaries representing a wide spectrum of faiths and communities, including Miatta Fahnbulleh MP , Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities); Dr. Sayed Ali Abbas Razawi , Chief Imam of Scotland; Lord Raval of Hertsmere, Flight Lieutenant N
By Sharmila Radhika devi dasi
The third annual UK National ‘Rise’ Retreat began in joyful fashion this Easter weekend with a vibrant harinam through Nottingham city centre. Devotees filled the streets chanting, singing and dancing as curious passersby stopped to watch. It was the perfect opening for a weekend dedicated to this year’s theme: The Community of Love.
Inspired by Keshava Swami, the Rise Retreat has grown steadily since its beginnings in 2024 with around 300 participants. Attendance r
The disappearance day of a pure devotee is observed in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition as a deeply meaningful spiritual occasion. For the devotees of International Society for Krishna Consciousness, especially those connected with ISKCON Delhi, the disappearance day of His Holiness Srila Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj is on 14 April 2026, which is a time of heartfelt remembrance and introspection.
While externally it appears as a moment of separation, internally it is an opportunity to deepen o
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,
In a significant step toward bridging India’s ancient intellectual heritage with modern academic research, the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IIT Bhubaneswar) and the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 19, 2026. The partnership signals a growing institutional consensus that India’s classical knowledge traditions deserve a central place in contemporary scholarly discourse.
The signing ceremon
Gita Valley (ISKCON Gita Nagari) has released its Q1 2026 quarterly update, titled “Soil, Soul, and Sweet Abundance,” offering a glimpse into a season marked by spiritual programs, community service, and continued growth.
Among the highlights are the community’s ongoing efforts to expand and strengthen its mission. The update points to continued development following Gita Valley’s recent rebranding and expansion plans, as well as ongoing improvements to infrastructure and community facilities. T
The parade for Jagannath is one of the few processions that take place along North Beach in Durban during the year. Devotees take full advantage of the spacious, ocean breezy area which is highlighted by three gorgeous chariots hand-pulled with love.
At the time of the massive wheels rolling down the street I am engaged back at the Chatsworth temple with drama rehearsals. Once the practice is over I’m driven to the festival site and to the Bhakti Cloud Tent for conducting a session on “Dance
Over four days in New Vrindaban, more than 40 devotees gathered for a Leadership & Management Course led by Anuttama Dasa.
It was simple, practical, and grounding—how to lead and serve with clarity and care.
As Jaya Krsna shared, even compared to his MBA, this was one of the most practical courses he’s experienced.
Grateful for the association, the learning, and the shared intention to serve better.
Read more: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117755
Varuthini Ekadasi
(Krishna Paksha, Vaisakha — April–May)
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You. Please now describe to me the Ekadasi of the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May), including its specific merits and influence."
Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh King, in this world and the next, the most auspicious and magnanimous Ekadasi is Varathini Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaisakha.
There are times when I think lowly of myself, not so much to do with my twenty years of my life before I entered into monkhood. I really can’t feel too ashamed of a phase innocent, young and naive but I do have moments of when I have flashes of past, what I would call, misbehaviours that do humble me. I must say that I swear on not breaking any major vows I committed myself to, but I do feel terrible about mistreatment towards others while in the course of life as a monk. For instance shortly a
From Back to Godhead
The phrase “culture of distraction” has been around for a while. I guess I was just too distracted to notice it.
We’re constantly bombarded with so much information that focusing on anything is extremely difficult. Economists wonder how that affects productivity in the workplace. Psychologists wonder what it’s doing to our minds.
Controlling one’s mind is the purpose of yoga, and Krishna consciousness is the yoga of bhakti, or service to Krishna with love. As with any type
From Back to Godhead
Personal Letters from Srila Prabhupada
As a genuine spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada takes personal responsibility for the advancement of each of his students in the spiritual life of Krsna consciousness. Although now his transcendental instructions are available in book form, when Srila Prabhupada first began the Krsna consciousness movement, the only way his new disciples could get the answers to their many questions was to ask Sri
By Atma Tattva Das,
ISKCON Hungary demonstrates how a spiritually grounded community can grow while remaining faithful to its devotional core. Across rural farmland, urban temples, educational institutions, and national relief programs, the Hungarian Yatra moved forward with a clear emphasis on cohesion, public engagement, and sustainability. What emerges is a portrait of a community integrating devotion, professionalism, and societal relevance.
Reflecting on 2025, GBC Secretary Radha Krishna Da
Here is a revised version of a poetical narrative from the script, “Shiva and Sati:”
SHIVA AND SATI OPENING NARRATIVE
It was in the Puranic era
Some brahmins began to prepare
A sacrifice with ghee, grains, fire
Seeing to the flames getting higher
vedavyaso ya evasid daso vrindavano’dhuna
sakha yah kusumapidah karyatas tam samavishat
Vedavyasa became Vrindavan Das Thakur. Krishna’s friend Kusumapida also entered into him for special purposes. (Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 109)
Vedavyasa described Krishna-lila in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Non-different from Vyasa, Vrindavan Das described Mahaprabhu’s lila in his Chaitanya Bhagavat. His book was first called Chaitanya Mangala, but when Locana Das gave the same name to his biography of the Lord, it
Thank you Oh Srimati Radharani, Oh Divine Mother for giving this fallen and sinful soul entrance into Your personal abode, Sri Vrindavan. I know that I am fully unqualified to step onto this holy land of Yours but Your mercy is unfathomable, unimaginable and incalculable.
Vrndavana Vilasini was attached to a hippie life of independence but found that lifestyle to be no protection from painful events and the intense suffering they caused. In her travels around America, she met devotees, heard the holy name, and took prasada. Finally, she ended up back in Seattle, Washington, her hometown.
One day, I was visiting the Seattle temple when the president, Makhanlal, said to me, “Do you want to meet someone who loves God more than anyone else?” I said, “Sure!” A little
From Back to Godhead
When Charles asked his son and daughter-in-law a Hare Krishna couple to move in with him, he knew he’d have to adapt, but his reward was more than he could ever imagine.
Charles was born in 1917. He grew into a man of courage and principles, serving his country in the U.S. Navy for twenty years and then the Civil Service for twenty more. Assigned to a submarine fleet during World War II, he saw his share of pain and suffering and, like many veterans, came to value a safe, s
From Back to Godhead
Dear Sivarama Swami,
Hare Krsna. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. I hope you do not mind my writing to you. I have never written to a spiritual master before. You do not know me. My name is Bhaktin Dora and I live in Pecs (Hungary). I am 14 years old, and I live at home with my mother and older sister.
Some years ago I went to the Hare Krsna Festival with a friend. I was not very interested, but I enjoyed the chanting and dancing at the e
We joined ISKCON during the Zonal days. Now we are old, maybe cynical, — but convinced about Srila Prabhupada and the importance of his transcendental books.
My friend Rasada Prabhu knew that his days were numbered, left his body and left his legacy funds to be spent on Srila Prabhupada’s books — a substantial amount of £166,000.
Read more: https://foodforalluk.com/vrindavan-books
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117739
