2015 Youth Bus Tour near Mt. Rainier in Washington.

For thirty years, ISKCON Youth Ministry volunteers have led the Krishna Culture Festival Tours (aka Youth Bus Tours) across North America to inspire youth in Krishna consciousness. Now they are at a crucial crossroads needing funds for a newer, reliable bus. 

“Our goal is to inspire, train, engage, and empower youth in Krishna consciousness through transformational immersive “mission trip”  experiences, passing on the missionary spirit to the next generation, our future hope,” said Manorama Dasa, ISKCON’s global Youth Minister, and one of the tour’s long-time organizers.  

“We take youth on extended road trips during their summer and winter school breaks to help put on Rathayatras across the USA and Canada, visit temples, and present Krishna culture festivals across Mexico. At last count, we’ve done some 57 tours in the past 30 years.” Bus tour alumni include Gauravani, Jahnavi Harrison, Amala Harinama, and many others who continue to serve ISKCON in exceptional ways.

The Need

“Our current bus is now 18 years old, becoming less reliable for long-distance travel on a tight schedule — we had three breakdowns last summer,” said Manorama. “Installing a new engine would cost between $80-100K, so we decided to start raising funds towards a newer bus. Please consider giving a donation, and help us spread the word among your friends and anyone who could help.”  

Matching Support Within the Next Two Weeks

“We’ve just received a challenge from one of our supporters who is pledging to match up to $3,000 for any donations you make within the next two weeks,” This morning we also received a pledge of $5K from Niranjana Swami, and a $15K pledge from an anonymous donor, bringing us to $28K, close to 10% of the $300K we need for a newer bus. 

How to Donate

Manorama Dasa & Jaya Sri Radhe Devi Dasi, as well as all the volunteers at ISKCON Youth Ministry, express their deepest appreciation for devotee support and for helping to spread the word. To donate, click the GoFundMe link here, or you can also donate via PayPal, Zelle, or a wire transfer. For details on those options, email [email protected]. 

Testimonials

“The bus tours mean so much to me and have changed my life. I can 100% say there was a ‘before the bus tour’ Rukmini and ‘after the bus tour.’ I went on my first tour when I was 18 and never looked back. And I’m just one of hundreds of other kids who had this experience!” said Rukmini-chandrika Poddar. “I just donated, and I encourage you to do the same! If we all chip in a bit, we can make a huge difference.” 

“I went on the [Mexico] bus tour twice, and I can say without a doubt that it was the most enriching experience for my Krishna consciousness. It put me out of my comfort zone, and so I had to be bold to share Krishna with others. And not just me, but I saw so many of the devotee youth grow in their Krishna consciousness. I saw some distributing their first book. I saw devotee youth share Krishna through kirtans, through plays. The bus tour instilled in me a deep desire to serve in Srila Prabhupada’s movement and in Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtana mission.”  Sruti Sagara Dasa, ISKCON Krishna House, Gainesville, Florida

“We’ve all had the privilege of enjoying Ratha Yatra Chariot Festivals for many years. The main attraction for many of these festivals is the youth traveling on the Youth Bus Tour, who bring their talents from wonderful drama and dance to fantastic kirtans. I’ve traveled myself with the youth tour for many years now and can attest to how successfully it helps our local communities become more Krishna conscious, what to speak of the youth themselves. The bus allows them to serve you and your communities, and they need your help now in reciprocation for the many years of joy they’ve provided our communities with. With your help, there will be many years to come. Time is of the essence. Please donate. Thank you.” – Your servant, Bhaktimarga Swami

For more inspiring images, see the gallery below: