ISKCON of Harrisburg is gearing up to celebrate its 14th Annual Hare Krishna Festival of India on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at City Island in Harrisburg. Harrisburg is only a short drive from most major cities on the East Coast – 3 hours from New York City and 2 hours from most towns and cities in New Jersey, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.

The festival will start at 11 a.m. with kirtan inaugurating the festival followed by a two-hour procession of beautifully decorated carts carrying the Deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi, pulled by devoted followers. It will then be followed by entertainment at the festival site, including cultural dances and music performances. There will also be vendors selling various foodstuffs and art. Finally, a free splendid vegetarian feast will be served.

Ecstatic devotees dancing in the Parade.

This year, the devotees are also organizing an Adhivas Kirtan festival, which will take place on Friday, July 19^th, preceding the Ratha Yatra. The first portion of this festival will be from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. From 7 p.m. onwards, participants will be taking kirtan to the streets of Downtown Harrisburg in harinama sankirtana. This is a great opportunity to take darshan of the beautiful newly welcomed Lordships Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra and invite all of the city to the festival the following day.

The devotees of ISKCON of Harrisburg are extending their warm welcome to one and all to attend the festival. The unique, 1-mile long, 63-acre City Island is conveniently located just across the walking bridge from downtown and easily accessible by car. From mini golfing and taking a tour on the train to enjoying a walk and grabbing something delicious to eat, there are plenty of activities on the island for the whole family.

Devotees chanting Kirtan on stage.

“We are eagerly waiting to celebrate and bring Lord Jagannatha, Baladev, and Subhadra into the streets of Harrisburg. It’ll be two days of chanting, dancing, and feasting. We look forward to your association,” said Anasuya Devi Dasi, Community Temple President of ISKCON of Harrisburg.

Many senior Vaishnavas are expected to attend the festival this year. We look forward to your association at the festival, and your presence will be highly encouraging to members of our community. For more information, visit their website.