1970s Hare Krishnas perform in downtown Toronto.
Cynthia Reason (insidetoronto.com): This week’s “ThrowbackThursday” documents an early 1970s performance by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) – more commonly known as the Hare Krishnas – in downtown Toronto.
Taken sometime between 1970 and 1972, the photo was captured in front of the Bank of Montreal on the north-east corner of Yonge and Queen streets.
In 1976, ISKCON Toronto opened its own Hare Krishna Temple in a circa-1896 church at 243 Avenue Rd. Still in operation today, the temple opens its doors every Sunday evening to the “spiritually seasoned and the somewhat curious” for a weekly Love Feast, featuring kirtan musical mantra meditation, chanting, drumming, spiritual discourse and a free vegetarian feast served to all.
“ThrowbackThursday” is a weekly feature from Metroland Media Toronto showcasing fascinating photos from this city’s olden days, courtesy of the Toronto Archives.