The annual World Holy Name Festival (WHNF), organized by the ISKCON Kirtan Ministry, concluded its 2024 edition with great success, uniting temples and devotees from across the world. This festival, observed from September 17 to September 23, celebrates Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental journey to the West, which marked the beginning of ISKCON’s worldwide mission to spread the glories of the Holy Name.

The 2024 theme, “Srila Prabhupada Wants You to Chant for Love and Peace,” was more than a message; it was a call to action for devotees to come together and chant, embracing the transformative power of the Maha-Mantra amidst turbulent times. Through various creative initiatives such as the Fortunate People Campaign, Song Challenge, and Online Japathon, the Kirtan Ministry emphasized the joy of chanting and its potential to foster global harmony.

Inspiring Global Participation

This year’s WHNF saw unprecedented participation, with senior devotees, sannyasis, and temple leaders contributing through powerful video messages. The Ministry’s social media campaign featured captivating videos and posters, all aimed at inspiring everyone to embrace the practice of chanting the Holy Name.

The Song Challenge

The Song Challenge proved to be a highlight, engaging young devotees to create original compositions based on the theme “Srila Prabhupada Wants You.” The response was overwhelming, with youth from around the world pouring their hearts into these compositions. The winner was offered a unique opportunity to record a professional song at Lok Studio under the guidance of His Holiness Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaj, emphasizing ISKCON’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders and artists.

Temple Activities and Outreach

Sixty-two temples, including 39 in India and seven international centers, celebrated the festival with great fervor. Many hosted large-scale outdoor kirtans, transforming public spaces into vibrant arenas of spiritual joy. Japa marathons and temple-based kirtans filled the atmosphere with the divine sound of the Maha Mantra. At the same time, senior devotees shared insights into the power of the Holy Name through enlightening talks.

The festival concluded with a grand Online Japathon, where devotees around the world came together for a synchronized chanting session, generating a wave of spiritual energy that transcended geographical boundaries.

The Universal Call of the Holy Name

WHNF 2024 not only celebrated Srila Prabhupada’s mission but also rekindled the spirit of unity and devotion within ISKCON’s global community. In a world often fraught with conflict and division, the Holy Name remains a timeless source of love and peace. This year’s festival was a beautiful testament to the enduring legacy of Srila Prabhupada and the universal call of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra.

As devotees look forward to future festivals, WHNF 2024 will be remembered as a powerful reminder of the unifying and transformative power of the Holy Name—a spiritual gift that connects us all, beyond the limitations of time and place.

To view the full report, click here. To stay connected with ISKCON’s Kirtan Ministry, please visit their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.  Click here to sign up for the Daily Bhagavad-gita sessions.