In October, ISKCON Hungary hosted an early celebration of Diwali (Dipavali), known as “The Festival of Lights,” an event with a long-standing tradition in the local community. This exclusive gala dinner is held annually in Budapest, inviting key supporters of the yatra, public figures, decision-makers, goodwill friends, professional partners involved in Food for Life, members of the Indian Embassy, and interested media representatives.

Dipavali, celebrated around the world, marks the New Year in the Indian calendar and commemorates Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya, making it one of the most sacred festivals in India.

The evening commenced with a stage program that included a welcome address by a representative of the Indian Embassy and a video message from Miklos Soltesz, Secretary of State for Churches, Minorities, and Civil Affairs from the Prime Minister’s Office. The Masters of Ceremony narrated the story of the Ramayana while an animated video played for the guests, enhancing the storytelling experience.

The program continued with a presentation of Bhagavad-gita verses and the Gita-mahatmya, partly recited and partly accompanied by live music. This spiritual performance was delivered by students of the Bhaktivedanta College of Theology. The stage show was directed by Lila-purusottama Dasa, a former theater director and actor who has since taken initiation. As the evening’s highlight, distinguished guests, led by Radha Krishna Dasa, GBC secretary, ceremoniously lit the Dipawali flame.

Following this, Nama Ruci Dasa performed live music during the palatable dinner, creating a serene and uplifting atmosphere. This year, over 300 guests attended the event, where they were served a delicious vegetarian menu. The deities of Sita-Rama-Lakshman-Hanuman, the spiritual hosts of the evening, were honored with flower offerings from the attendees. At the conclusion of the night, guests were gifted a recipe booklet with traditional Indian vegetarian recipes to bring home a piece of the Dipawali spirit.

More than 100 devotees contributed to the event’s organization and execution, including the kitchen staff, the Krishna Valley Gurukula students who created the decorations, and members from the communication department, Bhaktivedanta College, the Budapest Temple, and the local congregation. This collective effort made the gala one of the yatra’s most prestigious preaching events.

“The event provided guests with an experience unlike any they might encounter at other, more conventional galas. The devotees’ smiles, devotion, and spiritual performances touched their hearts deeply. Based on past experiences, this often leads to guests feeling more open to supporting Srila Prabhupada’s mission in the future,” said Gandharvika Prema Dasi, the main organizer of the event and head of the Communications Department.

Photo credits: László Tas Balogh