The Bhagavata Academy, a spiritual retreat center in Sealy, TX, suffered a great loss last November from an electrical fire. The fire caused over $50,000 worth of damage, including the workshop and guest housing. Thankfully, there were no injuries. The residents are hoping to have the new guest quarters completed by the end of this year so that they can offer guests even better accommodations than before.

Even after the fire, the Bhagavata Academy was able to put on its first festival on May 11th, 2024, which it called The Festival of Life. The festival featured world-class kirtan leaders such as Amala Kirtan Das, Bhima Karma Das, and Titiksava Karunika Das. Caru Das from Spanish Fork, Utah, came to help organize the color throws, and Maduha Das came with the Festival of India. They are in the process of planning their next festival, which will be announced soon.

On October 26th, Vatsala Das, president of The Bhagavata Academy, initiated his first disciple, Kīrtanīya sadā hari devi dasi (formerly Kimberly Vaughan). Over 80 devotees witnessed the event, some traveling more than 1,600 miles to be there. The name and beads were given in the main temple room. Guests then moved outside to a very comfortable setting for the yajna. After a beautiful sunset, Damodarastakam prayers were held in the temple room, followed by an ecstatic kirtan and prasadam. Vatsala Das was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1973 along with his wife, Sasikala Devi Dasi, and he is a GBC-appointed initiating guru.

The Bhagavata Academy is currently looking for other devotees who are interested in helping this mission. To find out more about the project, please visit their website or contact them via email.