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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
Simply quoting verses, like parrot, will not be very much beneficial. One must apply, jnanam vijnana-sahitam

Lectures

Nectar of Devotion Lectures

The Nectar of Devotion -- Bombay, January 8, 1973:

In order to understand the transcendental loving affairs of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa, one has to go through the teachings of the Gosvāmīs, rūpa raghunātha-pade hoibe ākuti. This is the way. So Rūpa Gosvāmī and Sanātana Gosvāmī and all the Six Gosvāmīs, they developed this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement by sitting together in Vṛndāvana. And not only in Vṛndāvana, in that very particular place, Rādhā-Dāmodara temple, where we have got a little space. That you have seen, Rūpa Gosvāmī's tomb, that space. All the Six Gosvāmīs, they used to sit down and discuss Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī was reading, and all the other Gosvāmīs, Rūpa, Sanātana, they were hearing, and Jīva Gosvāmī was writing comment. That is the comment of Kṛṣṇa-sandarbha. So that place in Vṛndāvana, Rādhā Dāmodara Temple, is very sacred place. So they were practicing this Kṛṣṇa consciousness,

kṛṣṇot-kīrtana-gāna-nartana-parau premāmṛtāmbho-nidhī
dhīrādhīra-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pūjitau
śrī-caitanya-kṛpā-bharau bhuvi bhuvo bhārāvahantārakau
vande rūpa-sanātanau raghu-yugau śrī-jīva-gopālakau

They were practicing to teach us, āpani ācari' prabhu jīvere śikhāya. Simply teaching will not do unless we practice. That is very important thing, practice, practical life. Simply quoting verses, like parrot, will not be very much beneficial. One must apply, jñānam vijñāna-sahitam. Jñāna means to know the thing, and vijñāna means to apply the things in practical life. Jñānaṁ vijñāna-sahitam. So we must know the vijñāna, how practically. That is taught by the Gosvāmīs, kṛṣṇot-kīrtana-gāna-nartana, always chanting the glories of Kṛṣṇa. Kīrtana, gāna, nartana, nartana means dancing. Dancing is very good. The more you dance, the more you become light; means the burden of material contamination becomes reduced. Dancing is so nice. Even if you don't feel ecstasy, if you dance by force, that will also help us. Kṛṣṇot-kīrtana-gāna-nartanau-parau premāmṛtāmbho-nidhī. By dancing dancing, we shall develop our dormant Kṛṣṇa consciousness, love for Kṛṣṇa. This is a nice process. Kṛṣṇot-kīrtana-gāna-nartana-parau premāmṛtāmbho-nidhī. Then you will merge into the ocean of love for Kṛṣṇa. So this is the highest stage of ecstasy for Kṛṣṇa consciousness, always chanting Kṛṣṇa's name, dancing in ecstasy, and to be merged in the ocean of love for Kṛṣṇa. These are the perfection.

 

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

ISKCON Pune BCEC Hosts Annual Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah Event
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As part of a sacred yearly tradition, the ISKCON Bhakti Center for Education and Culture (BCEC) in Vishal Nagar organized its annual Shrimad Bhagwat Saptah from January 1st to 7th, 2025. The week-long spiritual festival brought together thousands of residents from across the Pune metropolitan area for a deep immersion into the teachings of the holy scriptures.

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ISKCON Philippines Establishes Vaishnavi Ministry Following Historic National Retreat
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ISKCON Philippines has marked a significant milestone with the successful hosting of its first national Vaishnavi Retreat, held from December 6-8th, 2025, culminating in the formal establishment of the Vaishnavi Ministry Philippines. The three-day retreat brought together Vaishnavis from across the country for a carefully structured program focused on sisterhood, healing, leadership development, and spiritual empowerment. The initiative reflects the visionary leadership of the ISKCON Philippines National Council, whose foresight and commitment brought this landmark event to life.

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ISKCON Dwarka Partners with IRCTC’s Vision for “Branded Meals”
ISKCON Dwarka Partners with IRCTC’s Vision for “Branded Meals”

In a historic development at the intersection of spirituality and public infrastructure, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has selected ISKCON Dwarka as an official partner to enhance the quality, purity, and consistency of food served on Indian Railways.

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New ISKCON Youth Bus Launches with North America Pilgrimage
New ISKCON Youth Bus Launches with North America Pilgrimage

ISKCON Youth Ministry’s new bus just completed its maiden voyage, transporting 24 teenage boys across the southern US, from Florida to California and back, for the Boys Winter Trip. The organizers, including Manorama Dasa and Jaya Sri Radhe Devi Dasi, would like to thank the more than 300 donors, as well as ISKCON North America temple presidents and leaders, who contributed generously towards the new bus fundraiser.

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10,000-Book Sankirtan Challenge Surpassed at Michigan Mall
10,000-Book Sankirtan Challenge Surpassed at Michigan Mall

After the successful Sankirtan Marathon in December 2024, Michigan devotees once again undertook a month-long book distribution marathon in December 2025 at Great Lakes Crossing Mall, one of the state’s largest outlet malls. With Michigan’s harsh winter of snow and freezing temperatures, an indoor shopping mall became a strategic space that allowed Sankirtan to continue uninterrupted throughout the season. This time, however, it was not approached as “just another marathon,” but as a challenge. If not double, then more.

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Youth From Six Countries Join Saranagati Retreat at Govardhan EcoVillage
Youth From Six Countries Join Saranagati Retreat at Govardhan EcoVillage

In December, the Second Annual Śaraṇāgati Youth Retreat was successfully held at Govardhan EcoVillage, bringing together 40 young devotees from six countries for a seven-day immersive global bhakti experience.

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ISKCON Mayapur, UEM University, and BRC Sign MoU for Academic Collaboration
ISKCON Mayapur, UEM University, and BRC Sign MoU for Academic Collaboration

On September 19th, 2025, a milestone in academic collaboration was achieved with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Engineering & Management (IEM/UEM University), ISKCON Mayapur, and the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre (BRC).

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The Dream That Came True: Reflecting on Srila Prabhupada’s Historic Visit to South Africa
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In 1975, a small band of determined devotees in apartheid South Africa faced a task that seemed almost impossible: bringing His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to their country. Fifty years later, as ISKCON South Africa celebrates the golden jubilee of that historic visit, one of the movement’s earliest pioneers, Riddha Das, reflects on the challenges, miracles, and mercy that shaped the beginning of Krishna consciousness in the nation.

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From Stillness to Service: The GOKRSNA Journey
From Stillness to Service: The GOKRSNA Journey

When life slowed in 2020, and routines stumbled, Dr Nivedita and her husband Prathap found themselves in a rare stillness. Dr Nivedita, with a PhD from Oxford and a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing, and Prathap, working across IT and fashion supply chains, had long followed the rhythm of modern enterprise. But when COVID-19 paused everything, the couple asked a different question: “What is the purpose of life?” she remembered. “We saw people losing their lives so easily.”

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NYC’s Matchless Gifts Announces 60th Anniversary Design Competition
NYC’s Matchless Gifts Announces 60th Anniversary Design Competition

Matchless Gifts has announced a design competition inviting artists and devotees to create the official artwork for the historic storefront’s merchandise during ISKCON’s 60th anniversary year. The sacred pilgrimage site at 26 2nd Avenue in the Bowery is where Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada first gathered followers to chant the Hare Krishna mantra and founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966.

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Six-Week Karuna Care Course Aims to Rewire Karmic Patterns in Relationships
Six-Week Karuna Care Course Aims to Rewire Karmic Patterns in Relationships

Karuna Care Association invites you into a six-week transformational journey in a course entitled Karmic Pattern Rewiring: Six Weeks to Better Relationships with Sri Radha Govinda Dasi. Many people try to improve their relationships by changing partners, circumstances, or surface behaviors. This course begins somewhere deeper—within the nervous system, karmic memory, and the inner relational capacity that quietly shapes who we attract, what we tolerate, and how we love.

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

California Dreaming: The State Highway 54 Mastodon Blues
California Dreaming: The State Highway 54 Mastodon Blues

By Drutakarma das

In 1992 and 1993, paleontologists of the San Diego Natural History Museum were monitoring the construction on State Highway 54 in San Diego County. In the road excavations they found some interesting fossils that raise the possibility that humans have existed in North America for far longer than most archeologists now think possible.

...

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Mystic Experience and the Name of God
Mystic Experience and the Name of God

By Achyutananda Das

The Name of God can only be spoken through spiritual lips; in which case, in our Krishna Consciousness society, which preaches the group chanting of the Name of God, exactly what are we all doing? Why chant the 16-word mantra of Hare Krishna if God's Name is beyond our power to utter? This sensible question deserves a sensible answer, and to do justice to this common inquiry we can only go to the writings of those souls who actually have had spiritual bodies, senses...

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Varnashrama and Bhakti in Gaudiya Siddhanta

By Lokarama Dasa An Overview: Varṇāśṛama Supports Bhakti In his Śrī Caitanya-śikṣāmṛta, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura describes the general relationship between varṇāśrama-dharma and bhakti: “What is the relation of varṇāśrama, which was previously discussed, with vaidhi-bhakti? Should people take shelter of vaidhi-bhakti and give up the rules of varṇāśrama dharma, or should they practice vaidhi-bhakti for...

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Jayadeva Goswami Disappearance

Sri Jayadeva Goswami appeared in either the eleventh or twelfth century of the Shaka era. There is a difference of opinion about his place of birth. The majority opinion holds that he ailed from the village of Kendubilva, presently in the district of Birbhum. Others claim that he was born in either Orissa or South...

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This sacred verse appears in the divine pastime of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva and Prahlāda Mahārāja, revealing deep truths about pure devotion, surrender, and the Lord’s affection for His devotees. SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM | SB 7.10.12 | H.H. HANUMATPRESAKA SWAMI MAHARAJ | LIVE FROM ISKCON GEV...

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ISKCON Miami has first Ratha Yatra of 2026!

by Nartaka Gopala dasi On Sunday, January 4, 2026, the devotees and congregation of ISKCON Miami participated in the 41st Annual King Mango Strut Parade held in Coconut Grove, Miami. Dharmaraja Deva das and his wife Radha Kunda Rani devi brought the big Ratha Yatra chariot down from Alachua, Florida for the vibrant Ratha Yatra...

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Vaishnava Compassion and Srila Prabhupada
Vaishnava Compassion and Srila Prabhupada

By Giriraj Swami

An instructive incident that took place in Calcutta. The temple president there became very preoccupied in a business that he had started to raise funds for the temple, and meanwhile the temple had almost no money. Somehow, in the course of his absorption in the business, there was some neglect of the devotees in the temple. They were barely surviving. A strong-bodied devotee named Sudama Vipra, who had belonged to the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang, was so famished that he would take the remnants of the ghee wicks that had been burned in the arati...

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Slokas Why memorize them?
Slokas Why memorize them?

By Tarini Radha Devi Dasi

When we try to memorize a Shloka, it keeps reverberating in our minds, leaving no room for the devil. First it is a challenge to memorize it and when that is done, it becomes a pleasure to just keep repeating it. A mother, memorized verses and songs as she cooked, while another learnt from a sheet stuck on the tiles of the wall as she washed the utensils. And there was another devotee that would stick up the Shloka on the front part of his motor bike and learn ...

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The Story of Nueva Vraja Mandala
The Story of Nueva Vraja Mandala

By Krishna Dasi

It is a small farm community, complete with flower and vegetable gardens, a couple of small greenhouses, a beautiful goshala right across the road from the temple, and then a larger goshalla down the road

...

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HH Sacinandana Swami’s Kirtan | Kirtan Rasa 2025 | 4K | Dubai Kirtan Mela
HH Sacinandana Swami’s Kirtan | Kirtan Rasa 2025 | 4K | Dubai Kirtan Mela

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare HH Sacinandana Swami’s Kirtan | Day 1 | Kirtan Rasa 2025 | 4K | Dubai Kirtan Mela...

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Who Captured my Daughter?
Who Captured my Daughter?

“Who Captured my Daughter? Rose Forkash: I came because it was Lila Shakti that was there. I don’t think she was initiated yet. I wanted to hear the man that was responsible for the movement, and I wanted to see what was going on. Who captured my daughter? Not that she didn’t need capturing. But...

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Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja on Fault Finding
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja on Fault Finding

By ISKCON Prison Ministry *In this world we spend hundreds of gallons of blood to bring a person out of the clutches of maya* Once some devotees were sent to establish a preaching center in Bengal. They worked day and night, equipping it as a beautiful temple. When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati arrived to install the...

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The Eternally Limitless and Me
The Eternally Limitless and Me

By Abhijit Tolley

At this point another question raises its hood, especially in the minds of the cynical. “So, after all,” they say, “all you want is your own happiness. You are not really as selfless as you want us to believe. You are serving God because it gives you happiness; that’s not really selfless.” We acknowledge the astute intelligence behind this question. And the answer to this question is what actually touches the heart of all sincere devotees of God. We inform those who are seeking happiness away from God that unlimited happiness is found only in serving God. By ren...

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Sage on the Stage or Guide by the Side?
Sage on the Stage or Guide by the Side?

By Sridama Dasa

It is very easy to become a "sage on the stage" but difficult to become a "guide by the side". We go in the "sage on the stage" mode when it comes to guiding our "humble junior" devotees who look up to us as an advanced Vaisnava, but many times these "humble junior" devotees, because of their strong previous lifetime advancement and sincerity, go past us and we find ourselves in the mesh and mess of our previous conditioning—but are still forced to act as "sage on the stage", putting up a Paundraka-like facade of advancement.

...

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The threefold miseries of material life (tapa-traya)
The threefold miseries of material life (tapa-traya)

In this class, HG Narayani Devi Dasi explores Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.29.32, the verse that explains the conditioned soul’s struggle in material existence. The verse describes how the living entity becomes trapped by the forces of time, karma, and repeated suffering, while remaining forgetful of the Supreme Lord. Building on this verse, the threefold miseries of...

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TOVP 2026 Calendar Now Available Online – Temple of the Vedic Planetarium
TOVP 2026 Calendar Now Available Online – Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

We are pleased to provide the free online TOVP 2026 calendar as a viewable, downloadable and shareable flipbook. This year’s theme is, The TOVP Story 1971-2025, From Kutir to Mandir. Monthly images showcase the progress of the TOVP from its initial inspiration by Srila Prabhupada into the heart of H.G. Ambarisa prabhu in 1976 to...

 

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Ramacandra Kaviraja Disappearance
Ramacandra Kaviraja Disappearance

Posted by Ramai Swami Srila Narottama dasa Thakura has sung: “daya koro sri acarya prabhu srinivasa, ramacandra sanga mage narottama dasa—O Srinivasa acarya Prabhu, kindly have mercy upon me; Narottama dasa always prays for the association of  Ramacandra Kaviraja.” Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja was one of the internal associates of Narottama Thakura. The two of them...

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Monologue
Monologue

By Shii and Nel

The only thing I knew about the Krishna religion was that it was Indian, duh, and that composers such as Ravi Shankar and George Harrison (being a fan of the Beatles, he was my main role model of my interest in Krishna) made beautiful music about Him. I even thought His name was spelled "Crishne" instead of Krishna. Day or two later, my aunt visited. We were discussing random topics and the conversation turned to George Harrison. I wondered if she knew what Krishna was, so I asked 'casually', "Yeah... he was even a part of India's culture, not just the music... What...

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Who Can Be Guru?
Who Can Be Guru?

By Lokarama Das The Essential Qualifications The Hari-bhakti-vilāsa establishes the essential qualifications of a spiritual master based on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 11.3.21 and 11.10.5: tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam “Therefore, one who is desirous of the ultimate good should turn to a guru who is immersed in scripture and in...

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No Newspapers! The Miners’ Mentality
No Newspapers! The Miners’ Mentality

By Karuna Dharini Devi Dasi

Srila Prabhupada a few times repeated a story he had heard from a friend about a preacher trying to persuade coalminers in Sheffield, England. “Do you know Jesus?” the preacher asked. All the miners wore a number on their shirt, so they asked the preacher, “What is Jesus’ number?” “I am referring to Jesus the Savior,” the preacher said. “He doesn’t wear a number.” “Then we don't know him,” they replied. “Well, if you don’t know Jesus, then you must go to hell.” ”What is hell?” asked the miners. “Hell is a very dark and damp place,” repli...

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Arcanam – Deity Worship
Arcanam – Deity Worship

By Dvarakadhisa Devi Dasi

God is a person, and out of His infinite kindness He allows us even in our present condition to render Him personal service. In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the devotee Prahlada Maharaja, a great spiritual authority, says, "Hearing and chanting about the transcendental holy name, form, qualities, paraphernalia, and pastimes of Lord Visnu [Krsna], remembering them, serving the lotus feet of the Lord, offering the Lord respectful worship …, offering prayers to the Lord, becoming His servant, considering the Lord one's best friend, and surrendering everything unto Him (in...

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Stimulation for Ecstatic Love -- Part 160
Stimulation for Ecstatic Love -- Part 160


9 January 2026

HH Indradyumna Swami

Watch Now

 

 

 

 

TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

TOVP Yajna Shala Grand Opening Schedule – February 11, 2026
TOVP Yajna Shala Grand Opening Schedule – February 11, 2026

THE NEXT MILESTONE | THE ETERNAL FLAME

 On February 11, 2026 the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will reach another milestone: The Grand Opening of the amazing TOVP Yajna Shala in the TOVP Gardens. This huge Yajna Shala will replace the current location at the Gurukula and become the main focal point of all yajnas performed for the Supreme Personality of Godhead on a daily basis, in perpetuity, since they started in 1986 in the Lotus Park. See the schedule below:

View, Download and Share the Schedule

12 Reasons to Build the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium
12 Reasons to Build the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Sometimes we are asked why we are building the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. People say there are already so many temples in India, especially in ISKCON. What is the need for another? We have presented below twelve of the top reasons why we need to build this temple, and why every devotee and member of ISKCON should do their utmost to help.

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TOVP PRESENTS: Let the World Come T0 Mayapur
TOVP PRESENTS: Let the World Come T0 Mayapur

Experience the spiritual heart of Mayapur! Witness the majestic Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, the "Rising Moon of Mayapur," and discover a place of peace, devotion, and transcendental beauty. We invite you to join us and let the world come to Mayapur.

Watch Now

TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present
TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present

A lecture by Dr. Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa Dasa)

Vedic Brahman and Paramatma Concepts

Srimad Bhagavatam, Third Canto

Alachua, Florida
December 5, 1994

Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) uses his mathematical expertise to reveal the all-pervading nature of the Supreme Brahman to the western mind. Just as in the field of Topology, where all points in space are located in the direct neighborhood of all other points, so the Supersoul is said to be in direct contact with all aspects of the material universe.

Listen Now

 

 

 

 

Srila Prabhupada: 
founderacharya.com, vanipedia.org

The official ISKCON website: iskcon.org,

Find your nearest temple: centres.iskcon.org

ISKCON leadership: gbc.iskcon.org

Education such ar Bhakti-shastri, Bhaktivaibhava etc: Mayapur Institute, Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education, Bhaktivedanta College Europe

News: news.iskcon.org, dandavats.com,

BBT books: bbt.org, krishna.com, vanisource.org, vedabase.com, bbtmedia.com

World Sankirtan Newsletter: wsnl.net/wsnhome.htm

Temple of Vedic Planetarium: tovp.org

Deity Worship and courses: deityworship.com, Mayapur Academy 

Inspiration & Sadhana: 
mayapur.tv, iskcondesiretree.com

Vaishnava Calendars: 
ISKCON GBC Vaishnava Calendar Comitee, GCAL (Gaurabda Calendar, a program for calculation of the calendar for vaisnavas, according Gaudiya-Vaisnava tradition.)

These dates and timings are for Sri Mayapur Dhama. Find timings for your location at the Vaishnava Calendar links.

14 January, 2026 (Wednesday)
Fasting for Sat-tila Ekadasi

15 January, 2026 (Thursday)
Break fast 06:20 (sunrise) - 09:57 (Mayapur Local Time)
Ganga Sagara Mela

Address: ISKCON GBC Office
P.O. Sri Mayapur, Nadia, WB 741313, India

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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