On November 16th, devotees in London celebrated the life of one of Srila Prabhupada’s greatest warriors, who continues to inspire and motivate ISKCON members to this day – Tribhuvanatha Das, who passed away in 2001.
Fifty temple devotees joined the procession with kirtan. Along the way, Their Lordships and the devotees received a description of each section of the Haveli.
It was a great opportunity for the younger devotee generations to serve, join in Srila Prabhupada Guru-Puja and listen to the memories of first generation of ISKCON devotees.
This was a modern expression of ancient culture in a spectacular story of how timeless wisdom from India came to swinging 60s London, and what a beautiful blue boy called Krishna has to teach people about the world today.
Fifty years ago, in 1969, three couples – Mukunda and Janaki, Gurudas and Yamuna, and Shyamasundara and Malati – were inspired by Srila Prabhupada to start the first ISKCON center in London.At the time, London was the music capital of the world, with bands like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Moody Blues conquering global pop culture.
The venue for the event was Conway Hall, where Srila Prabhupada had given a series of lectures in 1969.
“After we celebrated ISKCON’s global 50th anniversary in 2016, I was keen to capture the mood of something quintessentially British for our own UK Golden Anniversary in 2019,” says UK communications director Mina Sharma. “And what is more British than The Beatles!”
During the interview process, leaders were asked to express what it is that they look for in a temple president. Consistently, their responses were, ‘Someone to care personally for the devotees ... a spiritual presence ... a person who keeps us aligned to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada’.
Yoga Magazine says it is “the number one yoga, health and fitness brand in the UK and USA.” The publication is aimed at upscale cosmopolitan women aged between 25 and 45, who desire to improve their health and wellbeing.
Titled A Legacy Begins, the beautifully presented photo book features rare, original photos from Gurudas’ personal archive documenting the years 1968 – 1973, from when the seven pioneers first arrived in London, iconic pictures of the devotees meeting The Beatles.
"Opinions are evenly split between the east and west, with disciples in India representing the conservative arm of ISKCON and those in the western temples having a liberal bent."
As ISKCON UK anniversaries come thick and fast, Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant in London is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, snapping up a steady flow of awards and celebrity endorsements and changing more than a few lives along the way.
ISKCON-London’s Radha-Krishna Temple is celebrating the 50th installation anniversary of its presiding Deities Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara this year with a series of events and creative projects.
"The opening of the Radha-Krishna Temple was a historic occasion for the bhakti-yoga tradition – a long-standing order of the previous spiritual teachers had been fulfilled.”
Kamlesh Krishna Das will be serving within the Magistrate Court, which handles 95% of all legal cases in the UK. He was officially appointed and sworn in on Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is on April 1st, and will be based primarily in Hertfordshire.
On the show, Balaram Nityananda Das, who also runs Bhaktivedanta Manor’s outreach department in the UK, interviews a variety of ISKCON devotees about the challenges they face, what their spiritual perspectives are, and how those perspectives help them overcome their challenges.
In 1944, on the auspicious appearance day of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada started the English magazine, Back to Godhead.
Food For All took it over two years ago. “I began giving out free meals every Monday, and it became very popular,” says Parasurama. “130 homeless people came the first time.
In 2016, ISKCON centers all around the world celebrated the 50thanniversary of the society’s incorporation on July 13th, 1966 by Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada. Now, ISKCON UK is set to celebrate the 50thanniversary of its own incorporation, a story which has itself long been ISKCON legend.
Vedic Stories for Children Volume 2, a CD produced by the world-renowned Bhaktivedanta Players, was launched during the Diwali and Annakut festivals at Bhaktivedanta Manor in England.
Ofsted (The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) is the government organization responsible for inspecting all schools and nurseries in the UK.
The devotees of ISKCON-London are known for their special yearly anniversary event festivities and this year was no exception with what can only be described as a spiritually uplifting theatre production that left the audience at the edge of their seats - entertained throughout.
On the evening of 24thOctober, devotees from across London gathered at the Radha-Krishna Temple in Central London to celebrate Sharad Purnima, the beautiful full moon night of the autumn season.
One of my favourite BBC Radio Four shows is Desert Island Discs. At the end of every show the guest is figuratively sent to the island with a copy of the Bible and the entire works of Shakespeare. They can also have a book of their own choice and some important item.
Firefighters were called to a blaze at the Hare Krishna Temple site near Aldenham. Several bales of hay were well alight at the Goshala barn. The fire is believed to have begun at around 1pm and firefighters arrived within ten minutes.
Radha Krishna Records – quite possibly the only record label owned by a temple – is nearing its tenth anniversary, which will be celebrated in July 2019 during the 50thanniversary of Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara at the Radha Krishna Temple in London.
Murali Gopal Das, a physicist based in Gainesville, Florida, during his recent summer tour in Europe has enthoused devotee scientists to work together and use their special talents for Krishna.
The catchily-named new restaurant “OmNom,” set to open in Islington, London in January 2019, aims to promote conscious eating, kirtan as meditation, and authentic bhakti-yoga.
In the early months of 1969, before they had managed to establish a temple, Shymasundara das had carved the beautiful deities of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra. And so it was, in July that year, five months before the Radha Krishna Temple was opened in Bury Place, the first London Rathayatra proceeded from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square.
Our "Paramahamster" comic strip follows an enthusiastic devotee as he navigates a 9 - 5 work day in the corporate world. Please check back weekly for new episodes!
He’s a multimillionaire, an entrepreneur, a master at business start-ups, a social media genius and a devotee. And on Saturday 20th May, Ajita Das shared his skills and experience with devotees, teaching them how to use social media to spread Krishna Consciousness even more.
A joint initiative between ISKCON UK and the SWAN end of life scheme was launched at a day conference in the ISKCON Temple in Leicester. SWAN offers dedicated support to patients in the last days of life and to their families into bereavement and beyond.
With everything else we’re concerned about, perhaps it’s too easy to overlook just how precious for us water really is.
Brand’s audience at the performing arts center, Swansea’s Grand Theatre (UK) on Tuesday evening this week were treated to vegan Hare Krishna cookies; the massive order was reportedly paid for by the comedian himself.
Sruti Dharma Das, Temple president at Bhaktivedanta Manor, has been diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. The news was unexpected as there had been no previous indications.
On Wednesday 15 February, Sruti Dharma das, Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor (UK), joined 1,000 dignitaries from across the British Commonwealth at Buckingham Palace.
For the past thirty-five years, the Bhaktivedanta Manor School in England has given children a loving Krishna conscious education, earning its moniker “The Small School With a Big Heart.” A year ago, the school moved into its own dedicated building. And now, with committed longtime head teacher Guru Charana Padma Dasi set to retire, it’s looking for a new principal to oversee its exciting next phase.
“Photographing at Bhaktivedanta Manor was an extraordinary experience for me in many ways”, explained Sally. “There was always a lot going on and I was accepted by the community right from the very beginning.
A school from Hertfordshire in the UK, which had been experiencing religious and racial intolerance amongst its students, made a very special visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor recently.
Charity organization Food For All, run by Parasurama Das and other ISKCON devotees, is set to move out of its previous home at Bhaktivedanta Manor and into two purpose-built kitchens in London. The move will see Food For All triple its prasadam distribution.
On Sunday 26th November, ISKCON-London celebrated Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara’s 48th anniversary at Camden Centre, in Central London. Over 500 guests participated in the program.
Monks live on the outskirts of civilisation in isolation - completely dissociated from modern society, and instead engaged with spirituality and tranquility.
Originally starting out under the name “CIT (Caitanya’s Instant Theater)” in the early 1970s, the group became known as the Bhaktivedanta Players in 1976. Devotees were inspired to focus on the service when Srila Prabhupada told Mukunda Goswami that England, with its rich culture of theater, could be culturally “conquered” through drama.
As thousands gathered for the Diwali fireworks at Bhaktivedanta Manor, the temple leaders and a host of community and political leaders, took to the stage to launch the Nainika Tikoo Memorial Trust’s allergy awareness campaign for places of worship.
A few years back a brand expert was asked about ISKCON UK’s presence on social media. His response was simple and to the point: ‘the good news is that you are not scary anymore, you are just confusing’. Though temples and devotees do have a solid presence on social media, the big question remains, how effective is that presence?
A short inspirational video by Pandava Sena Alumni to get into the deeper mood to surrender to Krishna and get closer to him.
Celebrations of Mother Kulangana's 85th Birthday at Bhakti Centre, London, UK, on Wednesday 3rd May 2017. She would leave her body on Monday 14th August 2017.
A video by Ravi Talsania (Radha Damodar Das).
The walk began from Canterbury Cathedral - the mother of all pilgrimage sites in the UK. The devotees were blessed by the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral for a safe journey, providing an auspicious start to the festival of peace. The opening ceremony was also attended by Cathedral officials, local dignitaries, members of the Canterbury interfaith group.
A video by the Bhaktivedanta Manor.
The message runs through loud and clear – a casual approach will inevitably cause casualties. We’ve witnessed it in catastrophes of the past, we’re witnessing it now and if we look closely, we’ll witness this principle constantly playing out in our own life.
The UK's first "slaughter-free" dairy farm, Ahimsa dairy, is hoping its model will be picked up upon by other farms. Dairy cows are usually culled when they get older and cannot produce as much milk. But for Ahimsa dairy, the older cows are "retired".
Today, many schools in the U.K. and beyond are teaching children mindfulness, a widely acclaimed therapeutic technique that focuses our feelings, thoughts and emotions, and induces calm and emotional wellbeing. Jayadev Dasa, a well-known musician and kirtan singer from England, has written a book that teaches children mindfulness in a unique way – through fun Djembe drumming lessons. Jayadev, of course, was the drummer for the ‘70s pop group The Rubettes, which had a hit with “Sugar Baby Love” and sold twenty million records worldwide.
Nineteen-year-old Kathak dancer Shyam Dattani, a devotee who attends Bhaktivedanta Manor, has won the South Asian category in the BBC Younger Dancer competition on BBC Four. Born and bred in London but of Gujarati origin, Shyam started learning Kathak at the astonishingly young age of two when he followed his older sister into class. “I’ve never stopped since,” he says. “I literally grew up with the art form, and use it as a language to express myself.”
It was fitting that on the hottest day of the year so far Bhaktivedanta Manor celebrated Ramanavami, the birthday of Lord Ram, who was born in the sun dynasty, several millennia ago. This year, the auspicious festival was celebrated on Sunday 9th April and the Manor played host to a number of dignitaries, including first citizen, Counsellor Peter Rutledge, the Mayor of Hertsmere. Most of the luminaries had visited the temple on numerous occasions beforehand as Counsellor Victor Eni of Harrow said, “I love coming here and seeing how much the community has progressed since I was last here.”
A video by Rajesh Hirani.
With mouth-watering flavors and gorgeously artistic and realistic scenes, Anuradha Dasi’s cakes – made for devotee life events and festivals at Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK – are astonishing, and have to be seen to be believed. Anuradha started learning her craft by helping out temple devotees when she joined the ashram at ISKCON’s Bhaktivedanta Manor, near London, in 1988. After getting married, she assisted her husband, Manor head pujari Gadadhara Das, who remains her baking partner.
In the sleepy seaside town of Folkestone, known for its tourism and harbour trade, is a little oasis for spiritual awakening right on the old High Street called: Atma Lounge. The official opening was on the 20th of January with the attendance Damian Collins and the landlord and Former Mayor of Folkestone Philip Carter, Leader of Shepway Council David Monk as well as other dignitaries and guests. The event included: a tour of the property, a presentation and introduction to the philosophy and organization the center is run by.
On Thursday 5th January 2017, ISKCON London and Bhaktivedanta Manor, co-hosted the UK film premiere of The Joy of Devotion at the Camden Centre in central London to a large and enthusiastic turnout of approximately 300 leaders, community members and those who have recently taken an interest in the ISKCON movement, as well as those who participated in the film.
ISKCON-London celebrated the 47th Anniversary of the installation of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara on Sunday, 27th November. This special 50th Anniversary year of ISKCON, themed “The Joy of Devotion”, has been filled with many joyous celebrations both in London and worldwide. This particular event was one of the signature events this year, and was held at a big theatre-style venue in central London.
For the 15th anniversary of the disappearance from the this world of Tribhuvanatha Das, at the end of November 2016, devotees premiered at Bhaktivedanta Manor a special 30 minute movie featuring footage of historic and pioneering preaching activities around the world and especially in Africa, and audio remembrances of Tribhuvanatha and his preaching efforts. They also spoke and shared memories at the program.
British faith organisations, including ISKCON's Bhaktivedanta Manor say the new £5 note 'ceases to be a simple medium of exchange but becomes a medium for communicating pain and suffering'.
On the sacred day of Govardhan Puja, Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted a gathering at London’s House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of ISKCON. The House of Lords is the upper house of the UK Parliament and was built to advise the Crown Imperial since 1295. With the kind permission of the Lord Speaker, the event was hosted in the Principal State Room.
Kirtan Academy aims to educate individuals in the practice of Kirtan, alongside a Bhakti-Yoga lifestyle. Kirtan Academy trains students in skillful singing and playing of instruments (Mrdanga, Harmonium, Karatals) in the mood of glorifying the Supreme, it will help them develop favorable attitudes for leading or taking part in kirtans. More information: www.kirtanacademy.co.uk
Srutidharma das was invited to the Diwali function at Number 10 Downing Street, the residence of the British Prime Minister, Theresa May MP. Along with the Prime Minister and other dignitaries such as the Indian High Commissioner Mr Dinesh Patnail, Srutidharma das lit the ceremonial lamp before being invited to say a few words and lead the Diwali prayers.
No Glastonbury is complete without a visit to the Hare Krishna tent.
Back with new album K 2.0 and touring the U.S. for the first time in seventeen years, British rock band Kula Shaker are concluding a euphoric set of hits at New York City’s Rough Trade venue the same way they always do: with “Govinda.” “Govinda Jaya Jaya, Gopala Jaya Jaya, Radharamana Hari…” The crowd roars along as lead singer Crispian Mills beckons them to chant with esoteric hand guestures, then punches the air as his electric guitar surges back into the mix.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Janmasthami 2016.
Devotees at ISKCON of Leicester, England, publicly inaugurated their temple and presented new renovations to Srila Prabhupada as an offering for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary on Saturday July 30th. It was a special moment for Leicester devotees. Back in September 2010, their Thoresby Street temple was completely destroyed by a gas leak explosion in the kitchen. They purchased a new temple, a 15,000 square foot historic former HSBC Bank in the very center of Leciester, in December 2011.
Four years after acquisition, ISKCON Leicester will finally reveal major renovation to the City Centre building, allowing it to be finally used as a temple, this Saturday 30th July 2016.
The garden opening was followed by the launch of the book Swami in a Strange Land, written by Prabhupada’s disciple Yogesvara Das.
Lord Jagannath, Lady Subhadra and Lord Baladev were carried in three beautifully decorated chariots. In celebration of ISKCON’s 50th anniversary the chariots also carried the “ISKCON 50” logo.
ISKCON of Soho St, London and Bhaktivedanta Manor have been setting the standard and celebrating ISKCON 50 in style this July – the month when in 1966 Srila Prabhupada incorporated his society. On Saturday July 2nd, performing arts group “Something Spiritual” put on “Departing for the West,” a spectacular production depicting the life and struggles of Srila Prabhupada with a cast and crew of sixty-five young people at Harrow Arts Centre.
As a part of Incorporation Day celebrations, the Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted esteemed members of various religious organisations for a discussion about devotion (bhakti) in Vaishnavism and Christianity. On July 14th, individuals from BAPS Swaminarayan, the Interfaith Network UK, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and various churches from around the region, gathered at Srila Prabhupada theatre to hear guest speakers Rev Kumar Rajagopalan, from the London Baptist Association and Saunaka Rsi Das from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.
For fifty years, the Hare Krishnas have been a part of life on Oxford Street. Today the organisation marked its half centenary doing what it's known for. Putting on a colourful spectacle in the heart of London - and sharing food. Jo McDermott from the BBC reports. See comments on the video on BBC's FB page: https://www.facebook.com/BBCLondon/videos/vb.128645453843827/1177760398932322/?type=2&theater
On a joint initiative themed “Day of Gratitude”, ISKCON-London and the Bhaktivedanta Manor distributeed 5,000 cupcakes to commuters at key locations in central London on July 13th.The grand finale of the month-long celebration will be the Kirtan on the Thames Boat Event on 31st July. This National Signature Event will be a day of chanting, dancing and feasting on a cruise around the famous landmarks of London.
On the eve of Saturday 2nd July in the outskirts of London, a cast and crew of 65 young people who are part of an upcoming performing arts group known as "Something Spiritual", came together to put on a spectacular production depicting the life and struggles of Srila Prabhupada. It was a night that captured hearts, moved people to tears and transformed the lives of many.
Bhaktivedanta Manor has planned a packed week of events from 13th to 17th July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation. The events start on the actual day of incorporation on 13th July with a ‘Day of Gratitude’ that will see 5000 cupcakes being distributed to commuters at key locations in central London to say 'thank you'. This will be followed by a special ceremony of offerings to Srila Prabhupada in the form of poems and prayers, and an exquisite lunch for disciples of Srila Prabhupada.
Highlights from Something Spiritual's first show, Prabhupada – Departing for the West at Harrow Arts Centre, London.
Sivarama Swami talks about his personal experience as a refugee fleeing Hungary in 1956, about his recent encounters with Syrian refugees in Budapest, and about the ancient Indian scriptures' teachings of how to treat people who are "different" from us. The video's timeliness is reinforced again by the increasing xenophobia in the wake of Brexit, Britan's leaving the European Union. A video by Karuna Productions.
A win for tolerance!
A historic day celebrating ISKCON's 50th anniversary with UK Prime Minister David Cameron, who performed the ground breaking ceremony for Bhaktivedanta Manor's new Shri Krishna Haveli.
Bhaktivedanta Manor marked the start of a new chapter in its history on Friday 10th June, as the groundbreaking ceremony for the long awaited Haveli building was led by UK Prime Minister David Cameron. The ceremony formed part of the Manor’s offerings to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON, upon which Mr Cameron heartily congratulated ISKCON on by praising Srila Prabhupada on his creation of a "global mission".
The UK Padayatra starting on May 30th, will be emphasising the theme of cow protection, self-sufficiency, a simple way of life in tune with nature and the will of the Lord, and love for all living entities. The planned route is from Hastings to Brighton via Eastbourne which is a sum total of under 40 miles which will be walked by us over a period of 5 days which averages out at 8 miles a day.
The day, organised in collaboration with Religions, Philosophies and Ethics at the University, was dedicated to talks, presentations and a panel discussion on the history of ISKCON including its greatest achievements and challenges.
Over 2,000 people from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe are expected to attend the 17th annual 24-Hour Kirtan in Birmingham, England from Saturday April 30th to Sunday May 1st. Today, it’s a huge bank holiday weekend draw. But back when the event – the oldest 24-Hour-Kirtan Festival in the Western world – began in 1999, attendance was muchsmaller. It all started with a group of Pandava Sena teenage youth, fans of the year-around 24-Hour Kirtan program in Vrindavan, India.
Mantra Choir is a unique experience in community devotional expression. Sitting somewhere between Rock Choir and the popular kirtan performances, Mantra Choir blends the ancient euphoric call and response art of kirtan with upbeat counterpoint melodies to provide a beautifully rich sound and experience. In celebration of Gaura Purnima, the Mantra Choir team has just released a new piece "Mahaprabhu", involving over 400 musicians, singers and dancers from all over the world.
Mantra Choir performance of 'Mahaprabhu' involving over 400 musicians, singers and dancers from all around the World. Composed by Jayadeva John Ridhardson and arranged by Gareth Ryth Jones.
Milan Parmar, a member of ISKCON youth group Pandava Sena in the UK, has released an introspective hip-hop album that tracks the soul’s spiritual journey throughout one lifetime in the material world. Out on January 29th on Pandava Sena’s own label, “When a Soul Acknowledges” features smooth production by Deva Deva Das, uplifting melodic hooks by female vocalist Sobia Khan, and Parmar’s mesmerizing unbroken flow. It’s a professional effort that clearly has its finger on the pulse of current UK rap styles.
Around fifteen ISKCON devotees brought the sound of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and the taste of sanctified vegetarian food to a huge anti-nuclear march in London on February 27th. Thousands of campaigners gathered from all over the world to protest the renewal of the Trident nuclear weapons program. The money, they said, should be spent on education and the National Health Service instead.
It was July 1972. For one of the first events in his Hare Krishna Festivals UK program, organizer Tribhuvanath Das – then in his early twenties – had Srila Prabhupada himself as the VIP guest. Speaking to 500 people packed into Glasgow’s Woodside Hall in Scotland, Prabhupada delivered an incisive non-sectarian lecture. All bonafide religions, he said, teach us how to love and serve God, no matter what name they call Him by.
Is life on earth pointless? It seems we spend it working hard for “vanity” — for nothing better than vapour —KC SOC (UK) presents a special interview with Jayadavaita Swami based on the meaning of life and his new book, 'Vanity Karma'.
Of all the faiths in the UK, Hindus are the happiest, scoring well above the UK national average.
Dr. Dr Chetna Kang (Cit Shakti Dasi) interviewed and challenged Sivarama Swami on the authority of the Vedas and personal form of God at a Pandava Seni Alumni program in the UK.
This December Marathon, for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada on the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON, Bhaktivedanta Manor has a set a goal to distribute 100,000 of Srila Prabhupada's books all over the UK.
Upon realizing that this was George’s first contact with devotees, and that George had had been reading and chanting on his own for two years, it became obvious that Krishna had brought the devotees to meet George.
Those who recognise that the same God is being worshipped, despite the differences in names used by the worshippers, will acknowledge and appreciate the paths of everyone, giving them freedom to express their deepest feelings of faith.
Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple's President Srutidharma Das, Managing Director Gauri Das and Head of Communications Vinay Tanna were amongst the few leaders selected to meet the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by UK Prime Minister David Cameron, during his recent visit to the UK.
This December Marathon, for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada on the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON, Bhaktivedanta Manor has a set a goal to distribute 100,000 of Srila Prabhupada's books all over the UK.
Special guests of the evening, held in a large hall in central London, were three of the six pioneers of ISKCON in the UK: Gurudas das, Malati devi dasi, and Syamasundarda who spoke a little about the past of ISKCON, a little about the present, and most poignantly, to make a plea for commitment to the youth towards the future of the movement.
In the UK, an avalanche of major, inspirational events for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary are being planned throughout the year 2016.
ISKCON devotees in the United Kingdom recently got the chance to meet with both British Prime Minister David Cameron, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On November 10th, for the third year in a row, Bhaktivedanta Manor temple president Srutidharma Das was invited to chant prayers at an official Diwali function at Number 10 Downing Street.
The work of Avanti Schools Trust began in 2005 with the objective of establishing the first state-funded Hindu faith school in the UK. This pioneering project came to fruition in 2008 with the opening of Krishna Avanti Primary School in Harrow. Since then, this landmark school has deservedly benefited from national and international recognition as it journeys from strength to strength.
A unique way of inviting people to take part at the London Harinamas by Parasuram Das and Co.
ISKCON's flagship project the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium's International team will be touring the UK from the 18th to the 30th of November 2015. Jananivasa Das, Ambarisa Das and other senior devotees are touring the world sharing the opportunity to support this signature building of ISKCON.
In today’s fast paced world, where the use of technology is outweighing the quality of our interactions, it is easy to be physically in one place and mentally in another. Being present in every moment and every action empowers us with clarity of thought, enhances our creativity, and maximises our performance.
Written and Produced by Michael J Martin & Gareth Wakeham, Directed by Michael J Martin. Produced by Alfie Ambrose
On Thursday 13th August, ISKCON-London officially launched their year-and-a-half long celebrations across 2015 and 2016 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON by holding a festival to mark 50 years since Srila Prabhupada departed from India to the US aboard the Jaladuta.
Like a River is the title track from the debut album of Jahnavi Harrison, 'Like a River to the Sea', released on July 24th 2015.
The track features a refrain from the Govinda Damodara Stotram by medieval saint-poet, Srila Bilvamangala Thakur and is a meditation on protecting sacred environments internally and externally.
Written, composed and arranged by Jahnavi Harrison and Gauravani Buchwald.
The eight hour kirtan event brought together top kirtaneers from all over country.
We’re in a golden age of kirtan albums. The offerings are diverse: In May, Ananda Monet’s Inevitable Time told us the story of the Mahabharat in theatrical, epic style; and Madi’s Bhakti Without Borders stuck in our heads with its catchy pop sensibilities. Now, Jahnavi Harrison’s Like A River to the Sea (July 24th, Mantralogy) takes us on a journey.
After 30 glorious years of performance, including almost 20 international tours, UK's Bhaktivedanta Players marked their outstanding contribution to devotional art with a gala performance of The Mahabharata. This was a brand new production conceived and directed by Jaya Krishna das, and acted by a cast of more than 20.
Credits for album trailer: Video production by Sasha Cherkasov. Music by Jahnavi Harrison. Come Chant with Us! www.callandresponsefoundation.org
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Bhaktivedanta Manor’s main drama group. It has been led chiefly by Jaya Krishna Das and Dwarka Puri das but over the years a great many other devotees of all ages and backgrounds have participated and given much of their time.
A celebration to mark the launch of a year of events to commemorate 50 years of ISKCON was hosted on Saturday 20th June by ISKCON UK.
In the Hertfordshire countryside just north of London, UK, Bhaktivedanta Manor, complete with its farmlands, beautiful gardens and temple is a real sanctuary for the soul. Open all year round to visitors and students of ancient wisdom, the temple offers a great experience with tours of the shrine, gardens and compassionate farm.
On the 19th June 2015, Sivarama Swami had a debate on the existence of God at the Pandava Sena Alumni program in the UK. Bhuta Bhavana Das played the role of an aggressive atheistic interviewer (Jeremy Paxman style).
The Daily Telegraph newspaper, one of the top papers in London, covered the event the day after; putting a ½ page photo of the famous dressed up sister couple of Radha-Krishna for its audience of more than 500,000 people. The MP of Hendon Matthew Offord was in attendance, arriving back from Paris just before, but making it in time for viewing Lords on Their cart at Trafalgar Square.
ISKCON devotee-run company Radha-Krishna Records made Krishna consciousness accessible to a wider audience with its professionally-produced “Contemporary Krishna Culture Showcase” at the Camden Centre in Central London on May 28th. Around 400 people poured in to see the show, which ran from 7:00 to 10:00pm with an intermission at 8:30.
It is quite common to see a 60/40 women/men split of attendance to religious services. Sometimes women outnumber men by 2-1. It makes sense that women play whatever role is needed within a religious body whose membership is disproportionately women.
On the auspicious occasion of ISKCON London’s Rathayatra festival, the team at both the Bhaktivedanta Manor and Radha Krishna Temple’s would like to invite everyone to join in the festivities this Sunday, June 14th, 2015.
Aerial video of Bhaktivedanta Manor Home of the Hare Krsna Movement. This was donated by the late George Harrison.
Shot using a Dji Phantom. Audio sound track "He Gopinath" by Cakrini from her album Songs of the Soul.
One of many miraculous encounters UK devotees had whilst out touring the country distributing Srila Prabhupada's Books. James Bird, who is from the sunny south coast of England explains to us how his entire life changed just from reading a chant and be happy.
Every day we experience a small miracle. Last week, on our way to Torquay, the driver lost his bearings and we accidently parked up in Paignton, a small neighbouring town. As we got onto the high street, we realised we were in the wrong place!
In the Hertfordshire countryside just north of London, Bhaktivedanta Manor, complete with its farmlands, beautiful gardens and temple is a real sanctuary for the soul. Open all year round to visitors and students of ancient wisdom, the temple offers a great experience with tours of the shrine, gardens and compassionate farm.
On 27th of April 2015, Radhanath Swami spoke at a Civitatis Forum Policy Seminar for the Ambassadors to the Court of St. James’s at Goodenough College, in the United Kingdom. Ambassadors and diplomats from many nations around the world came to listen to his unique insights into spirituality and peace.
An annual ceremony at ISKCON's Bhaktivedanta Manor, Watford, UK that takes place every Spring and is all about releasing Lord Krishna's cows onto the fields.
A primary school run by Avanti Schools Trust was among 49 new Department for Education approvals revealed on Monday.
Bhaktivedanta Manor is the largest UK centre of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Bhaktivedanta Manor propagates the teachings of the authentic Vedic scriptures.
Students will be awarded with a certificate by successfully completing the course. Attendees can experience devotional lifestyle at Bhaktivedanta Manor amongst devotees and likeminded students. They learn to build up a regular sadhana (devotional practice), attending daily morning and evening program at the temple.
This is “a completely new phase of our existence,” the Archbishop of Canterbury said.
ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor has just made a meditation app available on iTunes and Playstore. It has been designed for an unfamiliar audience and features Sandipani Muni, Ghanashyam Priya and Jahnavi. It's an honest and free app. After beginning with guided generic meditations it introduces our unique contribution in the section named heart.
KC Socs aim to make Krishna-consciousness relevant to the youth of the UK by having stimulating sessions based on topics such as: "What would you do if you had 24 hours to life?", "Why do bad things happen to good people?" and "Wasn't life much simpler when apples and blackberries were just fruits?", but with a spiritual twist.
A group of mothers based at Bhaktivedanta Manor near London are teaching their children the ancient scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam – from as young as four months old. “We began to develop a framework,” Sucirani says. “Then, when my son Madhav was just six months old, we thought, ‘Why wait until they can understand?"
Footage from the Summer Sankirtan Tour conducted by Manor Brahmacari ashram, teaming up with UK temples, Hare Krishna Festival Team and Food For All.
A video by Visvambara Caitanya Janssens.
The archbishop of Canterbury plans to force legislation through if the General Synod does not accept female bishops.
The 14th Anniversary of the Birmingham Rathayatra Festival 2014 promises to be a spectacular event with a City Centre procession and festival, incorporating all the exoticness, vitality and colour that is India.
On Saturday 31 May, the George Harrison Memorial Garden at Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK was brought to life with the enchanting melodies of his music, as a local community choir performed a special concert in celebration of their tenth anniversary.
Over thirty devotees from the UK and Ireland attended a special ISKCON National Communications Training Day at Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK.Taking part in a series of innovative and interactive workshops, the group learned about why engaging with the media matters, what makes a good news story and how compatible the worlds of spirituality and media really are.
UK's Pandava Sena - a dynamic youth organization - has been established twenty years ago, in 1994, with the aim to protect Bhaktivedanta Manor from being closed down by the government. On April 12th, the Pandava Sena members has spent an evening remembering the historic pastimes, hearing from the original members of Pandava Sena, the stalwarts that headed up the campaign to 'Save the Manor'.
Thousands sat on the road outside Parliament 20 years ago protesting about the closure of one of the most famous Temples outside of India. However 20 years later a celebration in Parliament recognised how it was possible for the Hindu, Jain and Sikhs communities to come together behind ISKCON and show what can be achieved with one voice.
Mr. Vara has helped ISKCON in a variety of campaigns with ISKCON Hungary and Moscow and with many projects for the Hindu community in the UK.
Hare Krishna festival back in the day featuring Sivarama Swami, Indradyunma Swami, Dhrystadyumna Swami and others...
“On New Year's Eve central London becomes one big party,” says organizer Parasuram Das, who serves prasadam meals to one thousand needy people daily as director of the Food For All charity. “Millions of people take to the streets, and no cars are allowed. The ground is set for the biggest Harinam ever.”
He might have lived thousands of miles away – but Nelson Mandela’s legacy will live on in Aldenham, UK, where he helped save a Hindu temple from closure. Bhaktivedanta Manor was on the brink of shutting down in 1995 – but the South African leader vowed to do all in his power to ensure it stayed open.
Film for the 42nd Anniversary of the installation of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. Released in November 2011.
The National Council of Hindu Temples UK presented Prince William with the Ramanayana, at the Ambassadors Royal Reception on December 3rd.
Every year, the British Prime Minister hosts a special Diwali event in his official residence of 10 Downing Street. This year the event fell on Wednesday 6th November and it carried with it an extra special charm: As part of the proceedings, children from the Krishna Avanti and Avanti Schools sang a number of traditional songs glorifying Lord Rama.
After many years, the Hare Krishna Festival team returned to the historic city of Cambridge, UK, to host a festival at Cambridge University, in the West Road Concert Hall.
Shaktyavesha Avatara Das, a London-based book distributor originally from Moscow, has devised a new way of following up with people he gives ISKCON Founder Srila Prabhupada’s books to on the street. His project, “Fortunate People,” uses modern technology and social networking through Facebook, one of the most popular websites in the world with over 1 billion users.
Message from UK Prime Minister David Cameron to mark Diwali on November 1st, 2013.
Kirtan London celebrated its first anniversary earlier this month on Saturday October 5th, drawing two hundred people for a special 6 Hour Kirtan from 3pm to 9pm. The organization, which is run by ISKCON devotees from Soho St. and Bhaktivedanta Manor, aims to make kirtan -- the ancient system of call and response prayer -- accessible to all.
Recently, the Pandava Sena youth group of Bhaktivedanta Manor put on a production for over 2000 people over the two days of 28th August and 1st September. It was specifically aimed to those youth between the ages of 15 and 25.
A Glimpse of Srila Prabhupada in the UK is not to be missed. It was created for the Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja 2013. It features lectures, kirtans, video, bhajans of Srila Prabhupada in the UK.
The festival was made possible by a team of 1,200 volunteers, the oldest of whom is 94.
The garden opens to the public at the grand Krishna festival held at Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK.
“For the first time in ISKCON-UK, a five-day Certificate Course for Clinical Chaplaincy was organized in Bhaktivedanta Manor by the Department of Spiritual Care of Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai, India. Now British devotees can provide spiritual care to sick devotees from the congregation at their homes and while being admitted in the hospital.
Early memories about the Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Eight hundred guests braved uncharacteristic snowy weather on Sunday March 24th to attend an Adivasa Puja ceremony at the UK’s flagship temple, Bhaktivedanta Manor, in honor of its 40th anniversary.
ISKCON Crawley will be hosting the grand opening of the Bhakti Yoga Centre on Saturday 23rd March, 2013. It’s been a long time coming for the community of devotees situated in a small town, in the South East of England.
The screening of the film "Leap", which explores the devotional world of ISKCON, with a particular focus on the lives of Radhanath Swami and his Finnish disciple Keshava Madhava das, was enthusiastically received by all who attended the event.
The Prabhupada Christmas Book Marathon is a special time of the year. Many ISKCON devotees make special endeavours to distribute Srila Prabhupada`s books, and many others made extra sacrifices to facilitate them. In the Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK, it was an especially wonderful team effort and exhibition of unity.
15,000 people will come together at Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple near Watford to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights on Sunday 23 October.
Production of the most expensive pint of milk in the UK will be expanded after Hare Krishna farmers in Aldenham agreed a deal with a Kent dairy.
Krishna Avanti, England’s first state-funded Hindu primary school, will kick off the next school year with a brand new sister school, and exciting future plans for more to join them.
When Mahatma Gandhi visited England for the “Round Table Discussions”, his British hosts gave him an impressive tour of London — Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, etc. At the end, they asked him “So, Gandhiji, what do you think of Western civilization?” Gandhi replied, “I think it would be a good idea!”
One of the only ISKCON schools to remain standing in Europe today is struggling, but continues to push on with new ideas for growth, full of faith in its ideals. A 2008 Ofsted Report says “Relationships between adults and pupils are exceptionally good and as a result, pupils behave very well and their attitudes to learning are good.”
Offering a whole host of weekly programs, activities and educational classes, the new ISKCON Center in Redbridge promises to be a spiritual haven for youth and for the rest of the local community.
Children as young as seven are more likely to own a mobile phone than a book, figures show, fueling fears over a decline in reading.
The I-Foundation—the leading Hindu charity behind the UK’s first and so far only Hindu state school—has already announced plans to build at least one secondary school within the next six years.
After what is promised to be a spectacular Diwali firework display on Sunday 18th October at Bhaktivedanta Manor near London, numerous community leaders will be releasing 1000 lanterns into the sky in a bid for world peace. On the Sunday, 15,000 people are expected to attend the Diwali celebrations at the Temple. Other highlights of the festival include colourful dances, plays and free vegetarian meals for everyone. The day will culminate at 7.15pm, in one of the most spectacular Diwali firework displays in the Greater London area. Everyone is welcome.
A painted pilgrim arrives at Bhaktivedanta Manor Krishna Temple north of London for the three-day Janmashtami festival celebrating Lord Krishna's birth.
Police have congratulated revellers after 70,000 people safely made their way to Bhaktivedanta Manor for the annual Janmashtami festival at the weekend. A team of 11 dedicated Hertsmere specials were tasked with the job of getting the estimated 70,000 visitors to the Hindu festival in and out of the Letchmore Heath temple.
One of the largest Hindu gatherings outside India is expected to attract 70,000 people to Hertfordshire. Celebrations marking the 5,000-year-old festival of Janmashtami are taking place at the Bhaktivedanta Manor Hare Krishna temple in Watford.
A new environmentally-friendly farm complex will be the star attraction in Aldenham next weekend for a celebration of the Hindu festival of Janmashtami. More than 65,000 people are expected to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor in Hilfield Avenue to celebrate the birth of the Hindu god Lord Krishna.
Today’s world isn’t just hectic and stressful for adults. Youth must juggle school or college, home studying, exams, and part-time jobs while holding on to some semblance of a social life. No surprise that every so often, it’s time for a much needed break. But while some choose drinking, partying and dogged pursuit of casual sex, ISKCON’s Pandava Sena youth group are looking for a true break away from it all this summer: a sample of the simple life.
Devotees from the UK’s Bhaktivedanta Manor, headed by Ramanuja Dasa, have teamed up to produce a TV program called “Hare Krishna Culture,” for MATV, a free Sky satellite channel. The show features lectures by senior ISKCON devotees, kirtans from around the world, and archival footage of interviews with ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada.
Since the beginning of England's academic year, the University Outreach Team at the Bhaktivedanta Manor has been sharing the science of Krishna consciousness in universities in and around London, in conjunction with devotees from Soho Street Temple.
Hundreds of Hindu worshippers came together at their local Letchmore Heath temple to celebrate the full moon and colours of spring. The Holi and Gaura Purnima festivals at Bhaktivedanta Manor on Sunday included a bonfire, spring welcoming rituals and the throwing of coloured powders on revellers.
The Lib Dems have voted in favour of allowing state-funded faith schools to continue selecting pupils by faith. The party has also rejected calls to ban the setting up of new state-funded faith schools in a vote at its spring conference in Harrogate.
ISKCON devotee Kripamoya Dasa made history this December 12 when he spoke at the British Houses of Parliament wearing Vaishnava robes and sacred tilak markings.
His speech at the House of Commons launched Caring for Hindu Patients, a guide to assist health care professionals in caring for the religious and cultural needs of their patients. The book was conceived and compiled by ISKCON member Dr. Divyesh Thakrar, and contains editorial contributions from ISKCON priest Rasamandala Das and other devotees.
At 6.30 in the morning, six days a week, Parasurama Dasa and his Food For All team start cooking for 800 people. By 11am, the feast of rice, dahl, subji, salad, cake and juice is ready to be transported from Bhaktivedanta Manor to London. There, it’s loaded onto bicycle rickshaws and delivered to 600 students and 200 homeless people around the city. Parasurama then spends the rest of his afternoon picking up vegetables from local supermarkets and cleaning his van.
Pupils are due to start term at the UK's first state-funded Hindu school. The Krishna-Avanti Voluntary Aided Primary School is in Edgware, north London, an area where almost a third of people are Hindu. The school offers an education based on Hindu values and beliefs but lessons will follow the national curriculum.
IN BRITAIN, a largely secular country where churches retain their historic role in education, there is little agreement about the place of religion in schools. Some fret that schools for children of a particular faith foster segregation; others cite parents’ right to educate their offspring as they see fit, adding that religious schools outperform secular ones (though opponents say that is because richer children go to them). Such rows tend to entrench attitudes, rather than lead to resolution.
Yesterday, on 13th July 2008, Gauri Dasa stepped down from his position as Temple President of Bhaktivedanta Manor after a decision by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Central Office of Child Protection. The decision found Gauri Dasa responsible for "inappropriate and excessive corporal punishment" whilst a teacher at an ISKCON affiliated school in India during the 1990's.
More than 300 visitors enjoyed the sunshine at the fourth annual Strawberry Fair open day at Aldenham's Bhaktivedanta Manor last Saturday. The manor, in Hilfield Lane, is the largest Hindu temple estate in the United Kingdom.
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), Feb.13 (ANI): The ashes of Gangotri, the euthanised sacred cow of the Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple in the United Kingdom, were immersed in the River Ganges on Wednesday.
On Christmas Day, thousands of English people got a chance to see a little of Vrindavan Dhama in The Hidden Story of Jesus.
Channel 4 (UK) broadcast this extended documentary about the life of Jesus and how it's viewed by other faith traditions, including Vaishnavism.