Author Archives: Dandavats.com

Mayapur Academy’s 2017-18 semester
→ Dandavats

Mayapur Academy’s 2017-18 semester.
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The international diploma in arcana course at the Mayapur Academy begins on October 6th in Sridham Mayapur!
Each year, Mayapur Academy trains pujaris from all over the world in the various arts and aspects of deity worship. From dressing and cooking for the deity, to the daily services of worship in the temple, to a deep study in the culture and lifestyle of brahmana, the Mayapur Academy covers the whole spectrum of what it means to be a pujari.
The Mayapur Academy facilitates pujaris to get a deep understanding of their service and offers systematic training that can be used in all ISKCON temples around the world. The school focuses on a training program that equips pujaris with the knowledge, skills, and values which are integral for pujari service. Students get the amazing opportunity to learn first hand from the ISKCON Deity Worship Minister and two of ISKCON longest serving and most dedicated pujaris Jananivas Prabhu and Pankajanghri prabhu, as well as learn from many other senior devotees who have all mastered the field in which they teach. The experience is really like nothing else in ISKCON and truly has a life changing effect for those who participate.
There is still available space in the Academy for the 2017-18 semester. Interested students should visit the Mayapur Academy website at www.mayapuracademy.org and fill out an online application. The course runs from October 6, 2017 – January 29, 2018.
Space is filling up, so please send in your application soon and take advantage of this special opportunity of learning how to serve Krishna in his deity form in the spiritual abode of Sri Mayapur dham!
If you have further inquiries about the Mayapur Academy, please write to Acarya-nistha dasa at acarya.nistha@mayapuracademy.org
Hare Krishna!
Your servants,
The Mayapur Academy staff
More photos here: https://goo.gl/GzUw3N

Gold Coast, Australia, Bhakti Centre Rathayatra (Album with…
→ Dandavats

Gold Coast, Australia, Bhakti Centre Rathayatra (Album with photos)
Srimati Devi Dasi: Yesterday we went to the Toowoomba Flower festival parade in which the Gold Coast Bhakti Centre Rathayatra cart was part of. It was wonderful sharing the Holy Name with over 50,000 people and the mood was really nice and happy. Lots of lovely devotees and kirtan and lots of beautifully decorated other carts around. Lord Jagannatha’s cart won first prize for the third year running for the best visiting float!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/LYcwkH

West Liberty University discovers the spiritual tradition of…
→ Dandavats

West Liberty University discovers the spiritual tradition of India (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday evening we performed at West Liberty University, one of West Virginia’s most well-known universities. Three hundred students, as well as the dean of the university, several professors, the local chief of police and numerous other dignitaries enjoyed the program. In fact, we received a standing ovation twice during the show.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/g3c1Ea

TOVP: A paint which will last forever! (Album with…
→ Dandavats

TOVP: A paint which will last forever! (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Please have a look at the wonderful mineral paint from Germany.
This facade paint which is very resistant to sunburn and exposure to the atmosphere will be coated on the GRC ribs on all three domes and on the decorative elements of the GRC under three Kalashes.
It’s fabulous, isn’t it?
Find them here: https://goo.gl/wZqnsA

Canadian Premiere of “Hare Krishna!” the movie…
→ Dandavats

Canadian Premiere of “Hare Krishna!” the movie (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna chant is called the maha-mantra, the great, exalted mantra above all other Vedic mantras, because simply chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra brings so many beneficial effects. (Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.1.17 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/XY6vvF

Sriman Havi Das will receive Grammy Award for Excellence
→ Dandavats

Sriman Havi Das, a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, will receive Grammy Award for Excellence 2017.
Havi das (Ilan Chester) at the age of 19, in 1971 he first met Hare Krishna devotees and two years later he was initiated and given the spiritual name Havi Das by his spiritual master His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Chester has stated on record that ‘Krishna consciousness is and has always been my true source of inspiration. It is the love found in the hearts of the devotees for Krishna that has motivated me to write songs.’ He and his family continue to be active practitioners of the Vaishnava Bhakti tradition.
“I must admit that the phone call I received from The Latin Recording Academy to inform me about the decision to give me a special recognition for my musical trajectory was a complete surprise,” said the Venezuelan musician after hearing the news.
Havi das (Ilan Chester) transformed a deep mystical devotion and his fascination for many different sounds in a long and long career of impressive variety and depth. Chester, a talented singer-songwriter and musician, grew up listening to Venezuelan folklore, Afro-Caribbean dance rhythms, British progressive rock and American R & B, and incorporated them all into his own music. Received a Latin Grammy for Best Folk Music Album for his Treasures of Venezuelan Music of 2010.
The Music Excellence Award is awarded by a vote of the Academy’s Board of Directors to artists who have made creative contributions of great artistic importance in the field of recording during their careers. The Directing Council Award, also granted by a vote of the council, recognizes individuals who have made important contributions in the field of recording, excluding interpretations.
Each year the Latin Recording Academy honors esteemed Latin music makers with their Special Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and a Trustees Award.

“Discover India” devotees visit New Vrindavan (Album…
→ Dandavats

“Discover India” devotees visit New Vrindavan (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Our base for the next few days is beautiful New Vrindavan in West Virginia as we prepare for our next few university programs in the area. We have been told that all seats for tomorrow’s program at West Liberty University are sold out. To keep up our high standard devotees are practicing day in and day out.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/hxcxbZ

Krsna’s love for His bhaktas (video)HH Keshava Bharati…
→ Dandavats

Krsna’s love for His bhaktas (video)
HH Keshava Bharati Dasa Goswami’s exceptional lecture about how Gopa Kumar visits Narayan in Vaikuntha.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/RNo4bZ

British actor Russel Brand credits the Hare Krishna mantra for…
→ Dandavats

British actor Russel Brand credits the Hare Krishna mantra for overcoming addiction.
Russell Brand is said to have turned to chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra to overcome his drug addiction, and even now at the end of a show he says, “Hare Krishna”. He’s a regular visitor to Bhaktivedanta Manor, the Watford estate given to Prabhupada in 1973 by George Harrison.
He has met with the Hare Krishna Guru Radhanath Swami and called him “a beautiful fellow. He’s got the answer. I’m a spiritual gent and increasingly that’s the level I want to vibrate on.” While not claiming he is part of the religion, he has said he is a “well wisher” that has used the chanting as a substitute for narcotic use. He has been sober for 16 years.

Meet Jonas. Veera: During the Pandava Sena trip to America last…
→ Dandavats

Meet Jonas.
Veera: During the Pandava Sena trip to America last month, SSP managed to spend a few hours with the New York Harinam team who go out to distribute the Holy Name and Srila Prabhupada’s books every day!
Whilst there, I met Jonas – a university student currently doing a course in Music Technology. He was drawn by the kirtan party and wanted to know more so I explained that this is a form of mantra meditation and they do this here in Union Square everyday. To my surprise he commented ‘I can’t think of anything better to do with my day!’
He explained that he has always been interested in non-conventional instruments and was intrigued by the harmonium, mridanga and karatals. I invited him to join the kirtan group for a little while and he happily did so. He got so absorbed in the Holy Name that time flew and before we knew it, more than an hour had passed!
Once he got up from the kirtan party, Jonas looked at the various books spread out on the table. In the end he took a copy of Bhagavad Gita, Science of Self-Realisation and Chant & Be Happy and exchanged contact details with one of the devotees in New York.
Even after acquiring the books Jonas remained with us, taking photos and videos and inquiring more about different aspects of Krishna Consciousness. He mentioned that he will definitely try to visit the Bhakti Centre soon and also wishes to do kirtan with his course mates in university. Soon we had to leave the harinam party in order to get back to the PS program but Jonas remained, even after we left!
It was so incredible to watch the Holy Name work its magic – just a moment’s interaction had such a deep impact on Jonas that he felt inspired to set aside his plans for the day and spend a few hours with the devotees doing kirtan!
Yuga dharma harinam sankirtan yajna ki jaya!!

ISKCON Czech Hare Krishna farm – The Harvest festival 2017 (4…
→ Dandavats

ISKCON Czech Hare Krishna farm – The Harvest festival 2017 (4 min video)
ISKCON Czech Hare Krishna farm – Krishna’s yard.
We would like to evaluate today’s harvest festival on the farm Krishna’s yard. It was a beautiful event we organized 2nd year with an idea not only to entertain the visitors with the different attractions and the workshops, but also we wanted to evaluate the entire agricultural season. During whole day were prepared a different workshops – the hand milling of flour on a stone mill, a ceramics production on the pottery circle, a blacksmith workshop, a threading beads for children, a women could decorate themselves by a henna painting or they could try out to dress an indian sari, a face painting and many other activities. A few times during a day was organized a guided tour around the farm. The visitors could see our barn, to get acquainted with grinding flour on a stone mill and look around on our filelds. A big attraction was our newly born calf Uttara, which visitors, and especially the children, cuddled. Our small bull “Jay” on a leash walked through the farm, so anybody could approach him, caress him or feed him. It was possible to ride a horse or on a bullock cart. In a yoga and massage stall, Induprabha devi dasi massaged and advised about the healthy lifestyle. In the educational stall a visitors could get acquainted with various branches of Vedic knowledge in the form of educational banners and there was also an offer of books for sale. A delicious meal with lots of Indian specialties was available all day. There were stalls with farm flour, honey, biscuits and other farm products… The whole event was very nice in a very joyful mood. We consider it to be a very successfull. We would like to thank to all our visitors, as well as the organizers and all others, who helped us with this event. We hope, it was a nice experience for everybody and we hope, that it helps to make the general public more aware of these farms and about this lifestyle. It was a great desire of Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-acharya od the Hare Krishna movement to start these farm projects around the world so that people can become more and more acquainted with an idea of “Simple living, high thinking”. So, we hope that today we fullfiled his desire at least a bit. We look forward to further events on the Krishna’s yard. Hare Krishna. Follow us on:
facebook.com/krisnuvdvur
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/pAZRJY

Book distribution “miracles” I was distributing in…
→ Dandavats

Book distribution “miracles”
I was distributing in Bethlehem, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. In the Countdown Supermarket parking lot I saw a young delivery guy heading toward his van. I approached him and put a Hiding in Unnatural Happiness in his hand. Eru is a nineteen-year-old New Zealander half Maori native.
Enthused about the book and our exchange, he wanted to donate but had no cash, so I pulled out the mobile eftpos PayClip machine. Eru trusted me but had doubts about this device. He expressed that he didn’t want to take the risk.
Just at that moment, a young lady came from behind us and asked what books I had. She saw the Hiding book in Eru’s hand, and glorified it with much enthusiasm and sincerity.
Sheata revealed that this book dramatically changed her life and that she had bought three copies from different devotees and given them to her friends in the last couple of months. Sheata first saw a HIUH in her local hair salon and started reading it each time she had an appointment. She would take photos of the pages so that she could continue reading it when not at the salon – until she met devotees in Auckland and in the Bay Area and bought a copy.
Eru was hearing this testimony and started looking through the copy he was holding.
Sheata asked about the Srimad Bhagavatam that I was holding. I handed it to her, and she took it in her hands as though it was the most precious gift ever given to her. I gave her a brief outline of the Bhagavatam, and she relished every word.
She shared how much impact this knowledge had on her and her friends’ lives. Sheata pulled out her card and wanted to give $10 using the portable eftpos machine. So after the transaction was complete and Sheata left I turned to Eru.
He was moved by what he just witnessed, and he said, “OK, here’s my eftpos card. Can I please purchase a copy? I saw what this book did for her. And your machine is legit, I hope.”
Joking that Sheata should step in on all of my exchanges and help clinch the deal, Eru and I pondered the greater powers at work that day.
Sankirtan yajna, ki jaya!

“Prabhupada’s a genuine holy man.” [From the time she was 4,…
→ Dandavats

“Prabhupada’s a genuine holy man.”
[From the time she was 4, Urmila (Dr. Edith Best) was looking for God. If somebody said, “What do you want to do?” she’d say, “I want to be spiritually perfect. I want to find God.” They’d say, “Don’t you want to get married, have kids, have a career?” She’d say, “I just want to find God.”]
Urmila: My first contact with Prabhupada was in ’67 when I was 12 years old.
I would regularly listen to him chanting on the Happening album playing in Alan Kallman’s shop on the Lower East Side.
I’d ask, “What is this record? Who is this?”
My next contact was through the Radha Krishna Temple Album, which I heard on the radio.
Prabhupada’s picture was on the album and my initial response to it was skeptical.
I thought someone who takes the role of guru might think he’s better than others.
When I was 17, I got Prabhupada’s translation of Bhagavad-gita.
After reading it, I decided to move into the temple, but at first I didn’t want to get initiated.
Soon after I moved in I got married; my husband was already second initiated, and in his association I started thinking,
“How am I going to be able to find God and become spiritually perfect without a spiritual master?”
Gradually my relationship with Prabhupada developed and I became his initiated disciple, after he accepted me through the mail.
When I first met Prabhupada in Chicago in the summer of ’74, a little more than a year after I’d moved in.
I was expecting a mystical experience.
Prabhupada was sitting on the vyasasana giving class and I was fanning him.
I was standing very close, to his left, moving the peacock fan, absorbed in every word and gesture.
My experience was, indeed, mystical, but not in the way I expected.
I felt, “Prabhupada has always been here, because playing a recording of Prabhupada lecturing and listening to him lecture in person is exactly the same.”
I was hearing him directly but I felt the same as when I was listening to a recording.
It was satisfying and amazing–I realized that I could associate with Prabhupada even in his physical absence with potency equal to his presence.
Still, I felt incomplete in the experience.
Later that morning, my father, husband, and I met Srila Prabhupada in his room and I got to know him as a person–he was funny, laughing, casual, jovial, and exchanging affectionately with my father.
I understood he cared about me, as an individual, and I felt a loving relationship with him.
At that point there was full satisfaction.
My father asked why we give people prasada, and Prabhupada said,
“Just like if you eat the food of a sick person, you will get their disease. If you eat Krishna’s food, you will get Krishna’s disease.”
My father thought he was only supposed to come to the temple if he was a devotee, so he asked,
“Can I come to the temple just to see my daughter and son-in-law?”
Smiling, Prabhupada said,
“They are loving Krishna. Chanting and dancing are symptoms of loving Krishna. You are loving them and they are loving Krishna, so two things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.”
Prabhupada’s mood was light, but I thought,
“Prabhupada said I love Krishna, so it’s just a matter of time. Someday I’ll love Krishna.”
That meeting changed my life. And it moved my father.
He said, “Prabhupada’s a genuine holy man.”
He enjoyed Prabhupada’s company and became somewhat of a devotee.
—Urmila

In The Heart Of New York (Album with photos) Indradyumna Swami:…
→ Dandavats

In The Heart Of New York (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Our 2nd performance in New York took place in the prestigious Kaufman Music Center in downtown Manhattan. The show sold out with all 486 seats taken. The resounding applause after each a…

New USC ‘Music Meditation Club” A Huge Draw for Western…
→ Dandavats

New USC ‘Music Meditation Club” A Huge Draw for Western Students.
The method involves three steps: to chant, focus and repeat. According to a mantra meditation guide Das passed out, the first step is to chant the three names of “Hare,” “Krishna” and “Rama” to create a spiritual sound vibration. Next, the key is to focus on the words of the chant to create a transcendental feeling and to revive one’s consciousness. Finally, students are encouraged to repeat the chant and to make it a regular daily practice to promote relaxation.
https://goo.gl/tCHXYE

Bhakti-sastri report from Alachua. Sukhada devi dasi: His…
→ Dandavats

Bhakti-sastri report from Alachua.
Sukhada devi dasi: His Holiness Guru Prasad Swami launched Krishna Institute’s Bhakti-sastri Course on Labor Day weekend by offering the first 3 Lessons of Nectar of Instruction with separate classes in Spanish and English. Eager devotees filled the Alachua Learning Academy’s cafeteria and heightened their appreciation of Srila Rupa Goswami’s and Srila Prabhupāda teachings. Maharaja made PowerPoint presentations during the first half of each lesson with ample time for lively discussions. He organized interactive exercises during the second half, enabling us to delve deeper into the devotional principles being unpacked and to get to know each other better.
In Lesson 3 devotees paired up to share a time when they felt nourished in spiritual life and a time they felt starved. Some devotees then presented to the whole class what they shared with their partners. (these devotees gave permission to use their names.) For example Jishnu prabhu related his experience of arriving in India 20 years ago as a new devotee with almost no money! In fact, with less than $10! Bhadra Prabhu, who’s also in the course, however, compassionately made arrangements for him in Vrindavana and cared for him when he got sick. This loving support greatly encouraged Jishnu Prabhu in his spiritual life. With these kinds of exchanges we grasped much more than ever the significance of Srila Rupa Goswami‘s 6 loving exchanges.

By the end of the seminar we felt indebted to those who arranged this amazing devotional experience. We walked away feeling more determined than ever to follow the principles Srila Rupa Goswami established and Srila Prabhupada lovingly bestowed upon us.

More Arabic and Farsi books going out on the streets and in the…
→ Dandavats

More Arabic and Farsi books going out on the streets and in the subways of New York City! (Album with photos)
And it’s remarkably easy to do, because these people really want the books (and there’s a special reason for that)! To find out how you can taste this unprecedented bliss yourselves, in your own city, please contact us today: https://goo.gl/940n3O

Distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books in Lyon, France…
→ Dandavats

Distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books in Lyon, France (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Adi Purana Krishna tells Arjuna: “Anyone who is engaged in chanting My transcendental name must be considered to be always associating with Me. And I may tell you frankly that for such a devotee I become easily purchased.” (Nectar of Devotion, 12)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/tqC7w1

A dancing rendition of HH Jayapataka Swami’s song…
→ Dandavats

A dancing rendition of HH Jayapataka Swami’s song “Yadi Prabhupada Na Hoito” (9 min video)
If Srila Prabhupada had not come, what would have happened? How could we have passed our lives?
Who else would have distributed the unlimited mercy of Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga all over the world?
Which other compassionate person would have endeavored to deliver the miscreants, sinful, impersonalistic and voidistic people in the West?
Who else would have come to distribute Harinama to them? Who else would have come forward to transform them into civilized beings?
For the rest of the lyrics: https://goo.gl/m5wxeq
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/uSQGbk

Florida Devotees Escape Hurricane Irma With Minimal Damage….
→ Dandavats

Florida Devotees Escape Hurricane Irma With Minimal Damage.
Just two weeks after Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, Irma made landfall at the Florida Keys on September 10th as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing 130 mph winds and a storm surge of 10 feet.
Predicted to tear its way through the entire state, the hurricane cast a cloak of fear over many residents in advance of its arrival.
In Alachua, North Central Florida, devotees of New Raman Reti – the largest ISKCON community in the Western World – braced themselves for a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, rarely seen so far inland.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/2n4McZ

Radhanath Swami Speaks at Climate Change Workshop, Govardhan…
→ Dandavats

Radhanath Swami Speaks at Climate Change Workshop, Govardhan Eco-Village.
A Nexus International Workshop entitled “Climate Change Adaptations for Sustainable Development- A Vedic Perspective” was held on August 27 and 28th, 2017. The workshop was jointly organized by Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV) & Shree Halari Visa Oswal College of Commerce (SHVOCC), and sponsored by The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).
The conference was inaugurated by Radhanath Swami, the Visionary behind Govardhan Ecovillage, who highlighted the Vedic perspective that the restoration of the ecology has to be done in conjunction with the restoration of the ecology of the heart. He explained, “The Vedic perspective teaches us that the solutions of climate change lie in the understanding that we are entrusted the sacred care Mother Earth, and that through this care we can become the followers of true dharma.”

Guest of Honor Shri Rajendra Singh ji spoke of how the Vedic approach toward environmental crises were involved traditional localized adaptation techniques which were not only decentralized but also cost-effective, unlike the modern techniques which are complicated and cost prohibitive. He also emphasized the urgent need for climate change literacy and water literacy to the present generation.

The impact of climate change is continuing to grow as are the challenges we are facing in adapting. The workshop provided a platform to share experience and knowledge, of opportunities, tools, resources, local initiatives, and expertise.

Among the themes featured in the technical sessions were: Ground water resources, Governance: a role to be played for sustainability, Inca Civilization and its sustainability, Jal Vayu parivarthan at Rajasthan, Water Conservation and River rejuvenation with special reference to Karnataka, Bioremediation :A tool to combat Aquatic Pollution, Exploration in search of Incessant Ganga River Rejuvenation at Harmu River, Steps to save Mahanadi the lifeline of Orissa, Eco-tourism a Vedic perspective, Agro ecological systems for future economic growth. Most sessions were followed by lively interactions.

The conference was conceptualized by Jalapurush Dr Rajendra Singh, Gauranga Das and Sanat Kumar Das from Govardhan Ecovillage, and Dr Sneha Dhonde from SHVOCC, and was attended by more than 120 global participants.

Consolidating the input of all the speakers and participants, which included academicians, researchers, NGOs, community developers, government official’s and students, a four-page declaration was released at the workshop which was signed by key panelists.

You can read the declaration here: https://goo.gl/KG1GWD

FLOW OF MERCY IN LAWRENCE! Danakeli Dasi: Another wonderful day…
→ Dandavats

FLOW OF MERCY IN LAWRENCE!
Danakeli Dasi: Another wonderful day distributing copies of Bhagavad-gītā, this time at Kansas University in Lawrence. So many nice students! A few highlights…
When I told one student that this book is about Arjuna’s existential crisis, he said, “Wow! I went dry [stopped drinking alcohol] two years ago & have found clarity enough to start asking existential questions myself. You mean you’re giving me this book?”
A girl who I told that the book addresses existential questions became wide-eyed & said, “That’s what I’m all about!”
A smiling student walked up to us carrying BG in his hand, saying, “I saw you both busy talking to others, so I took this from your box. I’ve been wanting to read this book! May I take it?” He disclosed he already knew the Hare Krishna mantra, having heard it sung on a comedian’s show. Since then he’s been “singing that song” & “feeling high.”
A girl from Bangalore had never seen Śrīla Prabhupāda’s BG before & was so happy to see us propagating it at KU that she gave a $50 donation to help us print more.
Several students took a serious interest in our invitation to attend a BG discussion on campus this Wed. evening organized by Hannah & Kishori Gopi through their Bhakti Club.

Guru Gauranga Dasa: Dear Niranjana Maharaja, Please accept my…
→ Dandavats

Guru Gauranga Dasa: Dear Niranjana Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
What the modest delegation of devotees returning home to Switzerland from the 2017 Ukraine Bhakti Saṅgam Festival lacked in numbers, they surely made up for by their unbridled enthusiasm and immense happiness.
In this connection, I’d like to share with you a spontaneous testimonial (see below) which I received from Ramadas (Ramabiriya Krishnadas) (waving in photo) and which made my day as I was in the process of “riding out” Hurricane Irma back in Florida.
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my profound thanks to you and and the leaders of the Ukrainian Yatra, especially to Acyuta-priya, Gaura Pūrṇimā, Viṣṇudāsa, Devatātma and Mathurānātha Prabhus, and of course to the amazing Ukrainian devotees themselves for the many kindnesses and warm hospitality extended to the devotees visiting from Switzerland. Once again, I am in awe of the Ukrainian yātrā’s great zest for the seva of Lord Kṛṣṇa, Śrīla Prabhupāda and the Vaiṣṇavas.
Your servant always,
Guru Gaurāṅga dāsa
____
Begin forwarded message:
Hare Krishna, dear Guru Gauranga Prabhu
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
We arrived [back home] in Zurich today, and I want to express my infinite thanks to you. The [2017 Ukraine Bhakti Sangam] Festival was an incredible experience. Before going to Ukraine, I had some idea how the Festival would be, but the Festival actually left a much bigger impression on me.
When we arrived at the Festival place in the night, the driver shocked me by saying that my accommodations would be in a room separate from the other Swiss devotees and that the distance between the two locations would be a 15-minute walk.
I soon realized, however, how merciful Krsna was with His plan. My room was just in front of the main pandal and since I wished to remain every day until the very end of the kirtans, this was the best situation which could happen to me!
The organization of the Festival was amazing and perfect. The seminars were all inspiring and nourishing, the aratis were so beautiful (especially the Deities were so sweet and beautiful, that it appeared that they are dancing with us), the prasadam was delicious (we could, in fact, take prasadam with the Maharajas!), the kirtans were so ecstatic. Most of all, the enthusiasm of the Ukrainian devotees was incredible. I have never seen such a huge willingness for service.
The only negative point is that the festival only lasted just five days. It could have lasted one week more. Nevertheless, I am bringing with me such unforgettable memories, that I am very glad and thankful to you, that you contacted me to attend. My parents are also very happy that they let me go for this trip and are already inspired to attend the [2018 Ukraine Bhakti Sangam] Festival! They would also like to express their thanks to you.
With Hrvoje Kušanić Prabhu, we have taken many pictures and videos. In the upcoming days, we will compile them together and present them to the devotees of the Swiss Yatra.
I wish you a good time, my prayers will also be with your mother and you and may the Lord give your family the best protection against the hurricane.
Looking forward to see You soon.
Your servant,
Ramadas

Matchless Gifts and Harinam in the East Village (Album with…
→ Dandavats

Matchless Gifts and Harinam in the East Village (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday our festival crew visited “Matchless Gifts,” the very first of Srila Prabhupada’s temples in ISKCON. It was a deeply emotional moment for many of the devotees. Later we went on harinama samkirtan throughout the streets of New York’s famous East Village. People Ioved it – and so did we! [ All black and white photos are of Matchless Gifts. ]
Find them here: https://goo.gl/M2wDTd