By Romapada Das, International Coordinator, ISKCON 50
ISKCON Baroda organised three major Harinama processions to celebrate the World Holy Name Week for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary, which drew thousands of devotees and passers-by into the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.
The first Harinama procession was held on 6th August at Padra Village, the second one on 7th August in Baroda, and the third one was at the holy pilgrimage town of Dakor near Baroda, which has the renowned temple of Ranchhodraiji, a form of Lord Krishna. The final celebrations included a 24-hour kirtan programme on 14th August that coincided with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s first Harinama procession in 1966 on the same day from 26 Second Avenue to Washington Square Park in New York.
The 3-hour long kirtan procession on 7th August began 2.5 kilometres away from the temple and passed through the areas of Akota and Vasna Road to culminate in the temple.
“It was raining during parts of the procession,” said Rasbihari Das, one of the organisers. “But even that did not deter the chanting parties. Some of us got wet and some of us held umbrellas, and yet the devotees continued to sing and dance enthusiastically. Many people on the roads joined us on the way and chanted and danced with us.”
Over 4000 people were present during the parikrama or the ceremonial circumambulation of the Dakor temple at the conclusion of the Harinama procession on 13th August.
“The temple was packed with devotees and the singing of the Mahamantra echoed through the holy town in all directions,” recollected Rasbihari Das. “The mood of fervent devotion must have been very infectious, because many of the local people joined us enthusiastically.”
On 14th August, devotees at the temple decorated the temple with rangoli designs, flower arrangements, a specially consecrated Tulsi altar made of terracotta, banners, wall-hangings and multi-coloured fabrics that were hung decoratively from the ceiling.
Over 2000 people joined the 24-hour kirtan programme and heard talks about the importance of chanting the holy name.
“The 50th anniversary is one of the most important milestones for ISKCON,” said Basu Ghosh Das, President of ISKCON Baroda. “And the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s first public Harinama procession led by Srila Prabhupada himself, is even more special. That is why we organised several programmes to coincide with the World Holy Name Week to celebrate the glories of the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. We are also planning other events over the next four months to the close of the 50th year in December 2016.”
For resources such as ISKCON 50 posters, banners, exhibition panels and PowerPoint slides, visit www.iskcon50.org
For more information, contact the International Coordinator, 50th Anniversary at: romapada@iskcon50.org