Hundreds of thousands of Vaishnavas are gathering around the world today to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, with the largest gathering held in Sri Mayapur Dham (fuller coverage coming soon).

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the guru of Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, appeared in Sri Ksetra Dhama (Jagannatha Puri) on February 6, 1874, as the son of Srila Sacidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In his childhood, he quickly mastered the Vedas, memorized the Bhdgavad-gita, and relished his father’s philosophical works. He became known as “The Living Encyclopedia” for his vast knowledge (see a fuller biography here). 

Recently, ISKCON News reported that Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s birthday was officially recognized on UNESCO’s 2024 calendar. “This is perhaps the first time that a Vaishnava leader has been recognized by the UN,” said Yudhistir Govinda Das, ISKCON Communications Director for India, “[We] hope this will be one more addition to the ever-expanding garland of glories of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur and Srila Prabhupada.” Most recently, the Indian government released a commemorative coin and stamp honoring his extraordinary contributions. 

Temples around the world are hosting their own celebrations with seminars, kirtans, dramas, and other festivities. Many online articles, presentations, and programs are being posted to glorify Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.  

In his writings and presentations, Srila Prabhupada regularly emphasized our connection with his guru maharaja and how best to please him. He said, “So on this day, particular on the advent of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Ṭhakura, I’d especially request my disciples who are cooperating with me that try to publish books as many as possible and distribute throughout the whole world. That will satisfy Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as well as Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.”  In the Caitanya Caritamrita, Adi Lila 12.8 purport, Srila Prabhupada noted, “Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura wanted to print as many books as possible and distribute them all over the world. We have tried our best in this connection, and we are getting results beyond our expectations.”

Some additional resources for readers:

Mayapur.tv is posting LIVE broadcasts that can be viewed on their website, and a 4.5-hour video is already available on their YouTube channel. Additionally, they posted the inauguration of Bhaktisiddhanta’s Saraswati Thakur’s Memorial Exhibit at the TOVP created by the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (more to come on this amazing exhibition).

ISKCON Vrindavan released a one-hour video of their Anniversary celebrations.

Giriraj Swami’s presentation on the “Pastimes of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur” was offered at ISKCON Juhu.

Daivi Shakti’s presentation on the “Appearance Day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur” offered in Vrindavan.