ISKCON Halifax devotees gathered outside the newly acquired property.

ISKCON Halifax, Nova Scotia, has moved from dormancy to dynamism over the last seven years through committed leadership, spectacular public festivals, and engaging Sunday programs. With this explosive growth, the community has now acquired Atlantic Canada’s first temple, which is 7,700 square feet in size and sits on nine serene acres.

History of ISKCON Halifax

From 2007 to 2010, under the shelter of Bhaktimarga Swami, ISKCON Halifax flourished with brahmacharis Nitairama Dasa, Brihat Mridanga Dasa, Yogendra Dasa, Sundarilila Devi Dasi, and Dr. Sankar conducting programs downtown. In 2010, the brahmacharis relocated to Montreal for training, leaving the congregation to continue independently. Upon their return in 2012, they established a rural ashram with Dr. Jala’s support, providing ongoing support to Halifax devotees. After the ashram dissolved, ISKCON Halifax sadly became dormant, leaving a core of devotees and a registered charity.

In 2018, under the guidance of Bhaktimarga Swami,  Mangalananda Dasa, Ambarisa Dasa, Savyasaccin Dasa, Ramalila Dasa, Bhakta Dhiren, Bhaktin Anchal Gandhi, Sundari lila Devi Dasi, Chintamani Devi Dasi, Bkatin Ratri Saha, Bhaktin Mondira Saha, revived the community, leading to significant growth and re-establishing ISKCON Halifax as a vibrant spiritual hub.

ISKCON Halifax has witnessed a meteoric rise in recent years, culminating in spectacular Ratha Yatra celebrations. In 2022, their inaugural festival electrified the city with a vibrant parade featuring a towering 30-foot chariot. Over 600 ecstatic devotees pulled it as Lord Jagannatha joyfully surveyed his domain. The festivities culminated in a feast for the soul, with 1500 plates of prasadam shared with the community. The following year, the magic multiplied, drawing over 3,000 attendees, and in 2024, the fervor reached a crescendo with nearly 6,000 revelers joining the procession. This explosive growth has propelled ISKCON Halifax to the forefront of Zone 1, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing temples in the region.

ISKCON Halifax Now

With the blessings of Bhaktimarga Swami, ISKCON Halifax is now nestled on nine serene acres; this magnificent 7,700 sq ft temple complex, a testament to 23 years of devotion, stands as a beacon of spirituality in the heart of Atlantic Canada. The main temple hall, designed to accommodate 300 souls, provides a sacred space for collective worship, while the prasadam hall, with its capacity of 180, fosters a sense of shared community and divine nourishment. Situated within a 25-minute drive from all corners of the city, this temple offers easy accessibility for devotees from all walks of life, fostering a vibrant and inclusive spiritual community. This temple is poised to become the dynamic headquarters of the Atlantic region, inspiring, training, and nurturing smaller centers. It will work towards achieving ISKCON Canada’s inspiring 2035 goal, spreading the message of love and devotion across the region.

To follow the ongoing development of the community, please visit their website here and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Dedicated to Bhaktimarga Swami

“In nineteen ninety-six, a walking  monk did roam,

Through Halifax, where Atlantic tides had foam.

For healing sought, his spirit pure and bright,

He walked the streets, day and night.

A transcendental dream, a sacred plea,

To build a temple, for his master free.

A place of peace, where souls could find release,

And find their way to inner, tranquil peace.”