ISKCON Midrand celebrates 125 birthday anniversary of its founder
MIDRAND – ISKCON or the Hare Krishna movement and its Midrand branch are excited about the upcoming celebrations of Sri Krishna Janmasthami, on August 30, and the 125th birthday anniversary of its founder on August 31.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the Hare Krishna movement, and its Midrand branch are excited for the upcoming celebrations of Sri Krishna Janmasthami, on August 30, and the 125th birthday anniversary of its founder, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada on August 31.
Midrand’s temple president RadheShyam Das explained that Janmasthami was usually celebrated in more than 75 countries as well as many Hindu residences across the globe.
He said it was the celebration of the appearance of Krishna on earth. “ISKCON traces its spiritual lineage directly to the speaker of the sacred Bhagavad-Gita, Lord Krishna, who is revered across the world by millions of Hindus.”
Das added that this year was very special for ISKCON across the world as it is celebrating the 125th birthday of its founder Swami Srila Prabhupada. “In 1965, at the age of 70, Swami Srila Prabhupada journeyed alone from India to America, with no material possessions, to bring the teachings of Krishna to the west.
On July 11, 1966, Srila Prabhupada officially registered ISKCON in New York City, and thus began the Hare Krishna movement in America, and which has spread across the globe today. Srila Prabhupada passed away in 1977.
“The birthday of Swami Prabhupada is a day where ISKCON followers observe services to express their gratitude and appreciation to him, who crossed the ocean at the age of 69 to spread knowledge of Krishna throughout the world.”
He added that a great achievement by Swami Srila Prabhupada was his focus on writing, reading and understanding spiritual literature. He said that within the final 20 years of his life, Swami Srila Prabhupada translated over 60 volumes of classic Vedic scriptures into the English language.
For their authority, depth, and clarity, his books have won praise from professors at universities like Harvard and Oxford, and his Bhagavad-Gita ‘As It Is’ was published by Macmillan Publishers in 1968, and the unabridged edition in 1972, and is now available in over 60 languages.
”Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we will not be hosting huge festivities and celebrations as we normally do. However, there are several programmes being held online with the various ISKCON branches across the country and the world.
“In Midrand, we are also hosting a special online programme from August 23–29 for Gita week, which is honoured and celebrated by Hindus across the world.”
Details: For more information, email RadheShyam Das at brindaveni@iskconmidrand.org and visit the ISKCON Midrand Facebook page for live streaming and updates: @ISKCON.MIDRAND
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