Report of ISKCON Russian speaking Yatra for the month of July

We are thrilled to share with you the wonderful achievements and activities of ISKCON Russian speaking Yatra in London for the month of July:

• Snana Yatra & Wedding Anniversary:

This month many Yatra members gathered in Bhaktivedanta Manor for Snana Yatra and we also celebrated the wedding anniversary of Jayanti Radhika Mataji and Maksim Prabhu. Both celebrations were wonderful and joyful occasions.

We wish the couple all the best in Krishna Consciousness! May Lord Krishna always dance in the centre of their family, guiding them through life hand in hand for His satisfaction and the joy of the devotees.

• Garden Party: Damodar Govinda Prabhu and Amrita Madhavi Mataji hosted a beautiful garden party, that attended over 30 devotees. We spent the entire day outdoors, singing kirtan, enjoying the sun, relishing delicious prasadam cooked on an open fire and we shared realizations about Krishna consciousness.

• Namahatta for Prabhus: Daudji Nitai Prabhu organized an exclusive Namahatta for Prabhus. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn from each other and deepen the relationships between prabhus.

• Bhakti Steps Project: The new project from the Soho temple, “Bhakti Steps,” continues to grow. We welcomed a new participant, Tatyana Mataji. It is always exciting to welcome new members to our sanga. This month the group enjoyed kirtans, readings from The Science of Self-Realization, Śrī Nāmāmrṭa, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and lectures of Srila Prabhupada, concluding each session with the group chanting.

• Mentorship Group: Jayanti Radhika Mataji’s mentorship group continues their uplifting online weekly gatherings. The discussions this month were about the glories of the holy name, the role of suffering in spiritual life, lessons from the Ramayana, and the 64 qualities of Krishna. These discussions elevate the devotees’ spirits throughout the week.

• Baby Shower: This month, Matajis organized a joyous baby shower for Mataji Anna. We sang kirtan and blessed the mother and baby with special activities and rituals. We enjoyed a delicious prasadam feast. Dear Anna, may you have a blessed and healthy child who will be completely in love with Kirshna!

• Vaishnava Festivals on Sundays: Our dear Shyama Sangati Mataji and Sarvatma Prabhu have taken on the service of organising Vaishnava festivals on Sundays for the devotees. We all appreciate Sarvatma Prabhu’s deep Krishna-katha and Shyama Sangati Mataji’s culinary mastery. Thank you for your invaluable service!

• Yatra Head meetings: Our dearest Victoria mataji has stepped out from the role of one of the Yatra leaders and we welcomed Nikita prabhu as the fourth member. The weekly Yatra leaders meetings continued with reading and enriching discussions on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Canto 1, Introduction. Devotees shared realizations about the pastimes of Jagai and Madhai, Lord Nityananda Prabhu, and Lord Chaitanya’s acceptance of Sannyasa.

• New Yoga Studio: We are delighted to announce the opening of the new yoga studio on Fleet Street where Leona Mataji and Nandarani Mataji teach yoga. We invite everyone to join us for yoga and other programs at this wonderful studio in the heart of London.

• Mentorship Meeting: A mentorship meeting with the Prabhus took place, concluding discussions on the role of a mentor/counsellor.

• Joint Yajna: Chaitanya Charanani Mataji initiated a mini-marathon of joint reading of all verses of the Bhagavad-gita without commentary. The reading started at 4 am with many devotes joining and after sharing their realisations. Joint reading of scriptures is the best way to connect our hearts!

• Ratha Yatra 2024: We participated in a glorious festival with our wonderful Matajis who prepared special outfits and dance movements specifically for this procession to please Lord Jagannatha. It was a joy to be part of this grand event and witness the Lord’s procession through the streets of London.

• Harinama and Picnic: We enjoyed a Harinama and picnic in Richmond, taking advantage of the rare sunny weather to preach and celebrate together. Thank you Nikita prabhu for encouraging the devotees to spread the holy names.

These activities collectively contribute to the spiritual growth and cohesion of our Russian-speaking yatra in London, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for all devotees involved.

We thank everyone for their contribution and support.

These activities reflect our commitment to fostering spiritual growth, community unity, and dedication to Krishna consciousness. We are grateful for your continued support and guidance.

Kindly see attached tbelow the bookkeeper’s monthly report for our yatra, providing a clear view of spendings.

Attached you will also see photos from the namahatas and other seva.

Kind Regards,

Daya Hladini dd and Yogapaty das

On behalf of the ISKCON Russian Speaking Yatra in London