Iskcon hosts double celebration
The function also included rhythmic dances from the young devotees and a play, which was locally written and produced
A double celebration was held on Saturday at the Swami Sahajananda Community Hall. The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Estcourt celebrated Krishna Janmastami as well as the organisation’s 50th anniversary.
Dressed in Eastern finery, locals made their way to the hall at 2.30pm to be part of this celebration. The purpose of the day was explained by Sharmilla Ramthol who substantiated how the Iskcon movement was founded by AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who introduced the West to the movement 50 years ago.
Starting from humble beginnings in a New York shop front, the Hare Krishna movement grew to attract devotees from all over the world and temples on six continents were built. Janmastami is celebrated annually to mark the appearance day of Lord Krishna. Guest Speaker Swarup Damodar Das from the Iskcon Durban temple spoke about how Lord Krishna can manifest in our lives, simply by chanting His holy names and reading scripture.
He explained that due to outside and personal conflicts, a person is often ‘imprisoned’ and encouraged devotees to free themselves from this prison by inviting Lord Krishna into their hearts.
“Call out to Lord Krishna because without Him, we are in bondage. The only way to end suffering is a spiritual solution and this is to awaken the dormant Krishna consciousness inside us,” he said.
To conclude, he reminded everyone present that the main purpose of observing Krishna Janmastami was to come together and remember Krishna. Devotees who completed a spiritual course received certificates.
The function also included rhythmic dances from the young devotees and a play, which was locally written and produced. The play concentrated on how the choices we make in life impact on our future. Mr and Mrs Dhulam cut the cake to mark the Janmastami.
To conclude, a video about AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was shown and devotees were called on to make an offering to the life-sized deity that was placed on stage.
The day’s festivities ended with a sumptuous vegetarian supper.
