From January 27th through February 14th 2010, a special program of pilgrimage walks to the holy places of Vraja Dhama, India, will be held to commemorate the seven-year anniversary of ISKCON’s Vrinda Kunda temple.

Since the temple’s opening, Vrinda Kunda—situated in the quiet fields near Nandagram, where  Krishna and Balaram lived with Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yashoda—has become a favorite pilgrimage spot for devotees.

“Everyone is always impressed with the beauty of the carved sandstone temple, the exquisite deity of Vrinda Devi, and the wonderful trees and flowers growing there,” says pilgrimage guide Dina Bandhu Dasa. “Devotees also appreciate the peaceful, hassle-free atmosphere. Many have been pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality of our priest Bhagway Prasad and his wife, who have often served delicious lunches at Vrinda Kunda with practically no advance notice.” 

On almost every morning during the seven-year anniversary celebrations, Dina Bandhu will lead a group from ISKCON’s Krishna Balaram Mandir out to different pilgrimage places of the Vraja area. After listening to  lively narrations of Krishna’s different pastimes in each location, the group will then return to the temple at 3pm for a prasadam meal. 

The anniversary celebrations will culminate on Sunday February 14th, when a chanting procession around Nandagram will accompany the much-loved Kalash Yatra.

“Kalash means water pot,” explains Dina Bandhu. “The ladies, including both local Brijabasis and international ISKCON devotees, will carry 108 pots of water from the sacred Pavana Sarovara lake on their heads. The Brijabasis are so expert that they can balance the pots, topped with colorful cloth and coconuts, on their heads without using their hands, and dance simultaneously!”

He adds, “They will be training our participating ISKCON devotees, who tell me every year that the Kalash Yatra was the highlight of their Vrindavan experience.” 

The procession will end at Vrinda Kunda, where there will be more narration of Krishna’s pastimes, a butter churning festival, and an arati ceremony. Finally, all the devotees will tuck into a sumptuous feast, after which they will help feed the local Nandagram residents. 

“The Vrinda Kunda event fits into your schedule perfectly if you’re attending the other major festivals in India during January and February,” says Dina Bandhu. “Most of our pilgrimage tours are offered after other anniversary festivals at Tirupati, Ujjain, and Aravade, and before the annual Mayapur Festival. So come relish some wonderful Vaishnava association in holy Vrindavana Dhama!” 

Accommodation at ISKCON properties is available. To book accomodation in the Krishna Balaram Guesthouse, email ganapati.gkg@pamho.net or phone ++91 565 2540021. For the MVT, email MVT@pamho.net or phone ++91564 3207578.

For travel enquiries and other local accommodation, email Krishna Balarama Mandir’s Information Center at ISKCON.Vrindavan@pamho.net, or call Sanjay at ++91 9897020343.

To travel from Vrindavan to Mayapur, book your train reservations online here.