By Romapada das
The global celebrations for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary will be flagged off by mega-events in India and America that will track Srila Prabhupada’s epic journey on the Jaladuta from Kolkata to Boston in 1965.
On August 13th, the day that Prabhupada boarded the Jalduta, devotees have planned a VIP event at Khidirpur Dock, where several Government ministers, politicians, businessmen, civil servants and celebrities are expected to attend.
“A programme on August 14th at the Ravindra Sarovar auditorium is being planned for several key supporters, senior disciples of Prabhupada and thousands of congregation members,” explained Sankarshan Nita Das, one of the main organisers of the Kolkata festival. “This will be followed by a national youth festival with delegates travelling from all over India on August 15th at the prestigious Science City Auditorium. The culmination of the grand celebrations will see 25000 people attending a satsang and kirtan programme at the Netaji Indoor Stadium.”
The Kolkata events will be followed by a programme organized by Bhaktivinode Swami in Cochin, South India. Prabhupada’s ship, the Jaladuta stopped at Cochin to load Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavatam set before leaving for America.
“There is a great sense of unity amongst devotees in this celebration,” concluded Ananga Mohan Das, communications director for Eastern India’s events. “We can’t wait to let the whole world know what Srila Prabhupada achieved in such a short time.”
In the meantime, Nandasuta Das, North American Regional Coordinator for the International 50th Anniversary Celebrations of ISKCON revealed that the festivities in North America will being with a large remembrance event in Houston, which will be attended by hundreds of devotees who will share their reminiscences from the early days.
“This will be followed by an event from September 17 to 19th hosted by the Boston temple to commemorate the actual arrival of Srila Prabhupada in 1965 at Boston,” he continued. “The Boston event is planned to be held at the famous Fanniel Hall and will be attended by VVIPs, celebrities, senior ISKCON devotees and hundreds of other community members.”
Other events being planned for the weekend celebrations include a boat ride around Boston harbour and a kirtan procession at Boston pier.
“Bhakti Marg Swami has also confirmed that he will walk from Boston to Butler, the original city where Prabhupada stayed with an Indian family for a few months after he arrived here,” continued Nandasuta Das.
The Global Office for the 50th Anniversary Celebrations has asked for volunteers to offer services in various fields including marketing, branding, website development and maintenance, communications, content management, writing, and general administration. Those interested in offering their servicescan contact:
50th Anniversary Global Office: info@iskcon50.org
International Coordinator: romapada@iskcon50.org