Devotees successfully sharing in Hong Kong.

The Damodara Outreach Program (DOP), initiated by the Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) in 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aims to spread the teachings and love of Lord Damodara during the sacred Kartik month, which spans from October 17 to November 15 in 2024. This initiative has grown from a small local effort to a global movement, attracting devotees eager to engage in acts of devotion.

Kartik month, revered for its spiritual significance, offers unique opportunities for devotion. The term “Damodara,” symbolizing the bond between Lord Krishna and His devotees, highlights the importance of performing devotional acts, particularly lighting ghee lamps. As outlined in various scriptures, this month is believed to eradicate sins from numerous lifetimes through sincere offerings.

Since its inception, DOP has seen remarkable growth in lamp offerings, with documented numbers increasing from 1.2 million in 2017 to over 7 million in 2023. This expansion underscores the program’s effectiveness in fostering devotion and community spirit, especially amid challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOP not only serves as a means of worship but also acts as a gateway for broader outreach efforts, including the distribution of spiritual literature and prasadam. It encourages communal gatherings, enhancing relationships among participants and allowing for deeper spiritual connections.

To implement DOP, devotees can host home programs, organize outreach in schools and hospitals, or engage the community through mobile temples and public events. The app “Lamp a Day” facilitates the reporting of lamp offerings and offers instructional resources to support participants. You can download the app here.