Bhakti Carudesna Swami, Mahavishnu Swami and Yugala Kishora Das greeting local officials.

From July 11th to 13th, 2024, the streets of Kinshasa burst into life with the vibrant sights and sounds of the first-ever Rathayatra festival hosted by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This groundbreaking event marked a momentous milestone in the history of ISKCON Kinshasa, which began with humble beginnings and has now blossomed into a powerful beam of spirituality and cultural integration in Central Africa.

Under the dedicated leadership of Yugala Kishore Das, the Temple President of ISKCON Kinshasa, the Rathayatra festival was more than just a celebration; it was the realization of a visionary dream to bring the Hare Krishna movement to the heart of Africa and the culmination of years of effort, perseverance, and faith. “It was a good thing to behold, a very pleasant, nice experience to see Lord Jagannath being pulled through the streets of Kinshasa,” he reflected, capturing the essence of the event’s impression on both devotees and the local community.

Rathyatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, is one of the most important and ancient festivals in the Vaishnava tradition. Grandly celebrated in Puri, India, the festival symbolizes Lord Jagannath’s journey riding on a grand chariot to bless the world with His merciful glance and presence. Bringing this festival to the streets of Kinshasa was not only a spiritual triumph but also a cultural milestone, weaving together the rich tapestry of Congolese heritage with the deep spiritual roots of Krishna consciousness.

Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra at Kinshasa RYF 2024.

The history of ISKCON in Kinshasa is one of renewed hope and inspiration. In a country known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant festivals, ISKCON’s presence has steadily grown, largely due to the commitment of its members and guidance from stalwarts such as Mahavisnu Swami. Yugala Kishore recalled the early days of the temple when resources were scarce and there were many challenges. Yet, with a determined spirit, they built a community that embraced the teachings of Krishna consciousness while also honoring local African traditions. “I wanted them to remain genuinely African,” Yugala Kishore explained, emphasizing the importance of cultural authenticity in their spiritual practice. This dedication to inclusivity was evident in the preparations for the Rathayatra, where local groups were encouraged to sing the Maha Mantra in their unique styles, using traditional African instruments and rhythms.

The lead-up to the festival was a time of intense preparation and anticipation. Yugala Kishore and his team began working on the event months in advance, meticulously planning every detail to ensure that it would be a success. The involvement of the local community was crucial, as they actively participated in rehearsals, singing, and dancing. Yugala Kishore recounted how the magic of the Maha Mantra resonated with the participants, “Once they got to know the meaning, they could relate to it. They sang it like anything and put their own tunes and movements into it. It was natural to them to sing and dance for the Lord.”

The festival itself was a spectacular display of devotion and unity. As the chariot procession began in front of the Parliament, the streets of Kinshasa transformed into a colorful array of spirituality and cultural celebrations. The sound of drums and the rhythmic chanting of the Maha Mantra filled the air, blending seamlessly with the vibrant energy of the city. The deities were mounted on a flatbed truck, adorned with flowers and festoons, surrounded by a sea of chanting devotees and curious onlookers. “It was a good thing for us,” Yugala Kishore said, describing the slow-moving procession that created traffic jams, allowing more people to hear the Maha Mantra and see the Lord. The sight of devotees dancing and singing in the streets, accompanied by traditional African drumming, was a powerful symbol of the fusion between ISKCON’s inclusive spiritual message and the local culture.

Traditional chiefs greeting visiting ISKCON Sannyasis.

The experience of witnessing this festival left a lasting impression on the people of Kinshasa. National television provided extensive coverage of the event, broadcasting key moments to a broad audience. “The media did a nice job,” Yugala Kishore acknowledged, noting the positive feedback from both devotees and non-devotees alike. The festival not only introduced many locals to the aesthetics of Krishna consciousness but also showcased the inclusivity and universal appeal of the movement. “It helped to reunite certain devotees,” Yugala Kishore observed, highlighting the revitalized enthusiasm and sense of community that the festival inspired.

The Rathayatra festival was graced by the presence of two visiting sannyasis, Mahavisnu Swami and Carudesna Swami, whose participation added a layer of spiritual depth and inspiration to the event. Mahavisnu Swami led the procession with his engaging chanting, creating an atmosphere of spiritual significance. Carudesna Swami offered blessings to the devotees and participants, emphasizing the importance of unity and spiritual growth. Their presence uplifted the local community and reinforced the significance of the festival as a spiritual milestone for ISKCON Kinshasa.

Left to Right: Kali-Yuga, Nadege, Mitterand, Azaria, Joelle, Caitanya Bhagavat, Modeste, and Seva Gauranga.

Looking to the future, Yugala Kishore is already planning for the next Rathayatra with hopes of making it an even bigger and more impactful event. He envisions expanding the festival to include philosophical conferences and deeper engagement with the academic community, particularly university students and professors. “We want to touch those people,” he said, expressing his desire to build upon the momentum generated by this inaugural event.

For ISKCON Kinshasa, the first-ever Rathayatra was more than a festival of sorts; it was a shining example of the power of faith, dedication, and vision. As the movement continues to grow in the DRC, the seeds planted during this historic event will undoubtedly flourish, leading to a brighter, more spiritually enriched future for all in the region.

To learn more about ISKCON Kinshasa or to participate in future events, you can reach Yugala Kishore at ISKCON Kinshasa through WhatsApp at +243 819 776 554.