Author Archives: Thomas Haribol

A recent short documentary released by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) explores the unlikely and inspiring journey of the Srimad Bhagavatam to Antarctica, the most remote continent on Earth. Antarctica, the Earth’s southernmost continent, is p…

Founded in 2016, the Govardhan Skill Centre, an initiative of Govardhan EcoVillage (GEV), is filling a massive gap among rural and tribal residents by providing educational and employment opportunities. The institution was conceived by HH Radhanath Swa…

On September 7th, devotees participated in an online Vyasa Puja broadcast from the Matchless Gifts storefront to celebrate His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda. The year’s event was hosted by Candrasekhara Swami with the help of a team …

The Mayapur Institute has recently released its Winter Semester courses (October 2023-February 2024) that will be available onsite in Sridham Mayapur or online. Since the time of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Mayapur has been a place for learning Gaudiya Vaisn…

ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, the spiritual sanctuary donated by the Beatle George Harrison in 1973, celebrated a historic milestone this week after hosting the Temple’s 50th annual Janmashtami festival. The festival featured live music, performanc…

ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, the spiritual sanctuary donated by the Beatle George Harrison in 1973, celebrated a historic milestone this week after hosting the Temple’s 50th annual Janmashtami festival. The festival featured live music, performanc…

Insider Travel, with over 8 million followers on Facebook, published their 2023 roundup of the 40 most beautiful places to visit in the US, and Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold is on this prestigious list. Their recommendations are selected, in part, …

It is with gratitude and deep sadness that ISKCON extends their heartfelt condolences to the Family of Prince Buthelezi, the Zulu Nation, and followers of Prince Buthelezi, Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party. ISKCON’s rel…

On September 2nd, in a remarkable display of devotion and cultural unity, residents of Batam, Indonesia, witnessed the Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival. As part of the esteemed Indonesian Cultural Week, known as “Pekan Budaya Indonesia,” this…

On September 2nd, in a remarkable display of devotion and cultural unity, residents of Batam, Indonesia, witnessed the Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival. As part of the esteemed Indonesian Cultural Week, known as “Pekan Budaya Indonesia,” this…

During the September 6th Krishna Janmashtami festivities at ISKCON NYC, Jenifer Rajkumar, a member of the New York Assembly, 38th District, presented an official proclamation that honored the NYC’s Harinam Sankirtan devotees for their many years …

On September 6th, BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought episode was entitled “My Spiritual Inspiration” and presented by devotee Nimai Devi Dasi (Nima Suchak). Her reflection, an homage to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupad…

Understanding the meaning of Vyāsa-pūjā begins with understanding the full import of the well- known verse Śrīla Prabhupāda chose to begin his Introduction to Bhagavad-gītā As It Is: oṁ ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tas…

HH Niranjana Swami visiting devotees in Izky village, Ukraine, June 2023. The Share Your Care Foundation (SYCF) has released its most recent newsletter, outlining the extraordinary service it has been offering in Ukraine over the last six months (Febru…

ISKCON NYC Sri Sri Radha Govinda Mandir is undergoing extensive renovations as part of its Transform Campaign. The ambitious initiative is restoring, in part, some of the original features of the Brooklyn building while creating a more welcoming facade…

The ISKCON Ministry of Education has announced the 2023 “Books Are The Basis” week.  This global event will take place September 29th-October 5th, and the topic this year is Shastra Caksu, that is, seeing the world through the eyes of Srila…

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of the Padayatra celebrations in the Czech Republic, establishing a legacy that transcends generations. The event, which involves a spiritual journey on foot, has been a steadfast symbol of devotion, culture, and communi…

Murari Mohini Devi Dasi and some of her team cleaning the streets of Mayapur. Mayapur Clean & Green has expanded its service to address one of the most dangerous kinds of waste for one’s health and the environment: electronic or e-waste, incl…

With nearly 20 years of success and the expansion of Krishna House ashrams, the leaders of this transformative approach have recently published a resource outlining the principles and practices that can be replicated by other devotees seeking to attrac…

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 continu…

Honorable Mr. Shyam Advani, a long-time supporter and well-wisher of ISKCON Philippines, appreciates the exhibit. In the heart of Manila, a unique artistic journey awaits as the Krishna Balaram Ashram (ISKCON Manila) prepares to host its much-anticipat…

The “World Holy Name Festival,” commemorating the September 17th arrival of Srila Prabhupada in America on September 17, 1965, will be marked by devotees worldwide on September 17-23, 2023. This expression of gratitude to ISKCON’s Fou…

London Mellows is an annual kirtan festival organized by a committed team at ISKCON London for the temple congregation and the wider devotee community in the UK. This year the event was held on August 12th, 2023. In addition to UK-based kirtaneers, the…

On August 25, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the temple president of ISKCON Greece, Dayanidhi Das. In the private conversation, which lasted about 15 minutes, Dayanidhi Das shared a copy of “Bhagavad-gita As It Is” in Greek and…

The UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign aimed at addressing gender-based violence and promoting respect and fair treatment of women. From a Gaudiya Vaishnava perspective, the campaign emphasizes the …

Every year, a cherished tradition unfolds as the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education’s staff, teachers, students, and guests unite to seek the blessings of Srila Rupa Gosvami by commemorating his Disappearance Day on August 26th and 27th at the VI…

Toowoomba, QLD: In a jubilant display of spirituality and community camaraderie, the city of Toowoomba witnessed its first-ever International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Ratha Yatra Festival on July 22, 2023. Organized by Hare Krishna To…

Sikh member Ajit Ahuja, with his wife and friend visiting the ISKCON booth with Anuttama Dasa, Subal Dasa and his wife Krsnarcana Dasi from ISKCON Chicago. Last week, the Parliament of the World’s Religions (PoWR) gathered thousands of people of …

Bhaktivedanta Manor celebrated its 50th anniversary in style last weekend. Amongst a huge myriad of devotional activities, there was a grand procession of 14 beautifully decorated trained oxen across the centre’s 79-acre estate. Her Grace Vishaka Dasi,…

Radha Mohan Das (center in white) with other multi-faith team members. Recently, the fourth annual Camp Unity, held on the outskirts of Borehamwood at Well End Scout Activity Centre, had another successful gathering. The popular event allows area child…

The Chant Now initiative is a part of ISKCON Online, under the leadership of Pancharatna Das. ISKCON Online aims to thoughtfully package Krishna consciousness on all the new media platforms, including websites, apps, online e-learning, social networks,…

In advance of the Appearance Day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the 53rd edition of the Sri Vyasa-puja book is now available online. The first vol…

In a harmonious blend of spirituality, culture, and community, the 47th Annual LA Ratha Yatra Festival illuminated the heart of Los Angeles with vibrant colors, soul-stirring kirtans, and a deep sense of unity. Hosted by the International Society for K…

The North European BBT has released its annual report for 2022, highlighting the expansion of both distribution and printing, as well as informative features on devotee service, preservation projects, translation efforts, and digital initiatives. Some …

Photo by Min An. In a transformational initiative to bridge spiritual healing and personal growth, the Bhakti Recovery Group (BRG) is gearing up to host an empowering convention in Alachua on September 23-24th. Rooted in the principles of Bhakti yoga a…