Some of the participants of the ISKCON Hungary Padayatra.

The ISKCON Hungary Yatra completed its 30th annual padayatra recently, a 14-day event from July 8th to 21st. Devotees walked 120 kilometers, beginning their journey in the northern city of Eger.

The padayatra’s organizer, Triyuga Das, reflected on the significance of this milestone and the importance of ensuring that the legacy of the padayatra continues for generations to come: “As an organizer and leader of the padayatra pilgrimage, I find it very important that when we grow old and are no longer able to walk or manage the challenges of organizing, the younger generation will continue this wonderful mission. We want every young person to learn the art of helping others and giving selflessly, beginning as children. I am so lucky that my nephew, Nimaj, has been part of our pilgrimage team since he was little.”

Book distribution was another important highlight of the padayatra. Devotees distributed approximately 600 Back to Godhead magazines, 80 copies of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, and 200 other spiritual books. The harinam sankirtan, which continued for four to five hours each day, brought an ecstatic atmosphere to the pilgrimage, with devotees joyfully chanting the Holy Names and engaging the hearts of all who participated.

One of the participants, Madhavananda Das, wrote on Facebook, “The organizers, Triyuga Das and the saintly Viola Simon, as well as Caitanya Das (who led our walking every day), Avadhuta Raya Das (who led some wonderful kirtans), and others were so kind to us. It was a wonderful, ecstatic experience. Simply put all of your problems and business aside and chant all day. We hope that Krishna will allow us to take part again in the future.”

Avadhuta Raya Das, who inspired many with his kirtans during the padayatra, expressed his gratitude for the selfless efforts of the organizers. He said, “It was also deeply inspiring to see that this padayatra was a labor of love, born from the hearts of Triyuga Das prabhu and Caitanya Das prabhu. Everyone who participated did so out of love and respect for the organizers and the cause.”

Virudavali Devi Dasi shared her own experience of the padayatra: “Devotees chanted Dayal Nitaya Vijaya Gauranga to a heart-touching tune. I thought unexpectedly, beautiful Lord Caitanya and gracious Nityananda were filling the chariot for these wonderful Bhaktas who simply took me with them. I was so fortunate to be able to help distribute the gifts just to bear with these weak legs. I heard earlier that harinama is special.”

A key highlight of this year’s padayatra was planting trees at the end of the journey, which also reflected the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, who emphasized the responsibility of devotees to care for the environment as part of their service to Krishna.

Triyuga remarked, “We are in desperate need of trees! While their value can be expressed in material things, their ecological value is invaluable. Trees are the most innocent and useful creatures on earth. Let’s plant lots and lots of trees! For ourselves, for others, for the whole world.”

To learn more about the Hungary padayatra, visit their Facebook page or contact them via email.