Bhakti Caitanya Swami, GBC for ISKCON in South Africa, led the harinam procession accompanied by Adhokshaja Swami.

Approximately 40 devotees from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) gathered in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, to march for peace following the devastating tornado that struck nearby Tongaat in June. Jahnava Kripa Dasi led the peace march, which aimed to uplift the spirits of those affected and remind the community of the strength found in solidarity and prayer.

“The Peace March came together because of the plight of the people in Tongaat,” explained Jahnava Kripa, the event’s principal organizer. “They were struck by a tornado, which was very devastating. Most of the community rallied around to supply food, clothes, and building supplies. But after everything settled, it was evident that the communities needed hope. They needed prayer and unity.”

Jahnava Kripa, a psychologist by profession, has been a devoted practitioner of Krishna Consciousness from a young age. However, it was in 2017 that she took her commitment to a deeper level, receiving initiation from Giriraj Swami. “I became more serious in my Krishna consciousness,” she reflected. “Since then, I’ve been serving the devotees and my community in every possible way.”

The march commenced at an Engen filling station. It proceeded to the Ballito Taxi Rank, encompassing a loop back to the starting point. This central route was chosen to maximize visibility and engagement, as the main street is a bustling area opposite Ballito’s main mall. The timing, around 11:30 AM, ensured that the march coincided with one of the busiest periods of the day.

As the devotees chanted and prayed, their procession drew the attention of many onlookers. “People on the streets were stopping and asking us what was going on,” Jahnava Kripa Dasi recounted. “In the meantime, we were distributing books and prasadam. Although Ballito is ‘well-to-do,’ many impoverished people come here for work and don’t have the means to provide for themselves. Distributing prasadam to them was a significant part of our outreach.”

The involvement of Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Food For Life was crucial to the event’s success. Bhakti Caitanya Swami, who is the GBC for ISKCON in South Africa, led the harinam procession accompanied by visiting sannyasi Adhokshaja Swami, singing and chanting alongside the devotees. “He responded to our plea, understanding the need for representation and the importance of the Hare Krishna movement establishing a presence in Ballito,” Jahnava Kripa said.

Local print coverage of the Hare Krishna Peace March.

Food For Life, an organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to those in need, generously supplied 200 meals for the event. Mahaprasad and his team from the La Mercy branch not only provided sumptuous meal packs but also sent marshals and distributed sponsored Krishna Conscious literature, ensuring a comprehensive support system for the march.

Reflecting on the community’s response, Jahnava Kripa noted the significant influence that such endeavors can exert. “Outreach programs give people a sense of coming together, especially in times of distress. They offer hope, prayer, and unity. Even teaching someone to chant can help calm their mind and bring peace in times of trouble.”

The march in Ballito was a powerful expression of compassion and solidarity, reflecting a deep commitment to the collective community’s well-being. Jahnava Kripa shared her vision to establish a Namahata in Ballito as a hub for spiritual discussion, prayer, and community service. “We aspire to create a Ballito Namahata with regular programs that will draw people from diverse backgrounds and inspire new devotees to embrace Krishna Consciousness.” Looking to the future, she envisions more harinams on the beach, prasadam distribution, and book distribution to further spread the teachings and culture of Krishna Consciousness. “Our goal is to make our presence felt in Ballito regularly,” she emphasized.

For those inspired by the peace march and wishing to support Jahnava’s efforts, she welcomes any assistance. “Any help in establishing the new presence of Krishna Consciousness through our Namahata in Ballito would be greatly appreciated,” she said, sharing her contact details for interested volunteers. You can contact Jahnava Kripa at +27 83 628 0425 (WhatsApp) or via email for more information or to get involved.