Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi describes the Baisakh Month Challenge.

The Baisakh Month Challenge, organized by Bhakti Kids, an initiative of ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry, is set to begin from April 14 to May 12, 2025, inviting devotees of all ages to immerse themselves in a month of intensified devotional practice. Inspired by Jayapataka Swami, the challenge is part of a growing series of interactive spiritual programs created under the Bhakti Kids.

Speaking about the importance of the Baisakh month, Jayapataka Swami, Minister of ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry,  stated, “The Baisakh Month is a holy month that comes every year. This month is for increasing sadhana-bhakti. Just like in Kartik month, we specially offer lamps; in Baisakh month, it is recommended to chant. Encouraging people to chant or increase their chanting during this month is very beneficial. The scriptures state that whatever devotional service we perform in this month, we will receive 100x the benefit.”

During the 29-day challenge, participants are encouraged to commit to a fixed number of daily japa rounds and engage in a new seva (service) every day, such as writing letters to Krishna, singing kirtans, memorizing shlokas, and more. These daily activities are organized through a specially designed Baisakh Month Calendar that offers creative and engaging ways to deepen spiritual practice.

The experience is further enhanced through bi-weekly online sangas hosted on Zoom, where participants come together to discuss the nine processes of devotional service, chant together, play games, and share realizations.

To help participants stay focused and inspired, a two-level daily sadhana tracker has also been created. While using the tracker is optional, it has proven to be a helpful tool in maintaining consistency and tracking progress throughout the challenge.

What sets this challenge apart is not just the spiritual benefits, but also the strong sense of community it fosters. There were similar challenges organized previously, which have drawn thousands of participants, many of whom were engaging with ISKCON programs for the first time.

Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi from Bhakti Kids said, “Many of them shared that it was their first time chanting japa and participating in an ISKCON program. There was a boy and his family who came up to me saying that they’ve joined Krishna Consciousness because of these challenges.”

One of the key highlights of this year’s challenge is the availability of a specially made Baisakh Month Challenge Kit. The kit includes a japa bag and mala, handmade counter beads, a mini journal for writing realizations, Gopichandan tilak, and a Bhakti Charades game—items chosen to make the month more interactive and meaningful for participants of all ages. The kit can be ordered here. 

Every participant who completes the challenge will receive a certificate signed by Jayapataka Swami. Additionally, all participants’ names will be offered to the deities of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Panca-tattva, and Lord Nrsimhadeva in the sacred land of Mayapur, further amplifying the spiritual significance of the commitment.

Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi shared how the idea for these challenges originated during the COVID-19 lockdowns. “Maharaja was concerned about the children being home and wanted to engage them spiritually. We started with the Purushottam Month Challenge in 2020, which had over 3,000 participants. Since then, we’ve done several others, including the Bhishma Panchak and Panchatattva Seva challenges. Now, with the Baisakh Month Challenge, we are continuing this tradition and building a thriving devotional community.”

She further added, “Initially, these were meant to inspire children already in the movement, but they’ve become a powerful outreach tool. Many participants have made their first contact with Krishna Consciousness through these challenges. It’s my favorite service because it’s incredibly inspiring to see how these programs touch people’s hearts. Before, we were offering one challenge every year. But this year, we already had one challenge in February. We’re doing this Baisakh month challenge. And later on in the year, we’re going to do the Bhishma Panchak challenge again.”

With a growing number of devotees from around the world joining each year, the Baisakh Month Challenge promises not only a boost in spiritual practice but also a joyful, transformative experience for everyone involved.

The challenge is completely free and open to all age groups. You can watch this video to learn more about the Baisakh Challenge here. TO REGISTER click here. For more information, visit the Bhakti Kids website here and follow them on Facebook, and YouTube.