By Sukanti Radha devi dasi
Damodar house programmes in South Africa commenced at the spiritual home of the Churran family in Northdene – Durban. The family has been in Krsna consciousness for over 35 years and are pioneering the Damodar 2012 programme in Durban.
75 people attended the house programme on the first day of Kartik with several new people and budding devotees who eagerly looked forward to this day. A very inspiring talk on the significance of kartik and how to observe the holy month was delivered by HG Swaroop Damodar – Temple President of ISKCON Sri Sri Radhanath Temple in Chatsworth. This gave a way to listeners to re-evaluate their Sadhana and paved the way for new budding devotees to follow an enchanting path. Lots of interesting and probing questions were answered. Those attended enthusiastically expressed how they look forward to everyday programmes for this month.
A kirtan was rendered followed by the Damodarstakam.
An opulent meal worthy of the lord was prepared by HG Prema Madhuriya devi dasi, eldest daughter of the Churran family, who is well known for her sumptuous meals and mouth watering sweets and savouries at all major temple events.
The Congregation left the event enlivened and inspired to keep this mood ongoing for the entire month.
ISKCON Durban pledges to visit 5000 homes for Damodar 2012.
ISKCON Durban has put together a Damodar kit including a booklet, CD, 2 clay lamps and a Damodar altar to assist all new members to participate in the programme. The pop-up altar is user friendly and can be easily stored away and used every year. For information on obtaining a Damodar altar or conducting a Damodar house programme please contact the Damodar Programme Leader Anil Churran on (+27) 0823209705
To all South African devotees, please send pictures and a brief report of your Damodar programme to the secretary of the Damodar programme in South Africa – Jamuna Singh on ashys16@gmail.com stating the number of homes the programme has been conducted in.
If you feel inspired by this article and would like to commence a Damodar programme in your country then please contact Congregational Development Ministry cdmofficeiskcon@gmail.com