August to October 2021 ISKCON-London Community Newsletter

COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ISKCON ISKCON -- LONDON LONDON

HIGHLIGHTS AUGUST TO OCTOBER 2021 Communications Festivals ISKCON Educational Services London Ratha Yatra

Outreach Regional

DEPARTMENTAL CONTACTS

DAYAL MORA DASA

MURLI MANOHARA DASA

DARRYL BIGGS

RADHA RAMAN DASA

ROBERT GUPTA

RUPANUGA BHAKTI DASA

THIRUPATI GAURANGA DASA

ACUTYA CHARAN DASA

ADILBEK SARSENOV

ANANTA KRIPA DASA

DEVAKI DEVI DASI

DOYAL CAITANYA DASA

Temple President Member of Temple Leaders Council Charity Trustee Men’s Ashram Leader Mentor

Charity Trustee Mentor

Govinda’s Restaurant Manager Kitchen Manager

Sankirtan Co-Leader

Head Pujari Mentor

Charity Trustee

Food for Life Coordinator

Volunteers Coordinator

Community Development Coordinator Member of Temple Leaders Council

Temple Commander Member of Temple Leaders Council

Russian Vedic Society Coordinator

Festivals Coordinator Volunteers Coordinator

JHULAN LILA DEVI DASI Ladies Ashram Leader

KAPILA MONET

Radha Krishna Records Manager

KRISHNA KANTA DEVI DASI

Food for Life Coordinator

MICHELLE TCHOUKOV Financial Controller

NATASHA MENON

Communications Secretary

PADMANABHA NITYANANDA DASA

London College of Vedic Studies Coordinator

PRITESH PANDYA

PRIYA KUNDA DASA

SHYAM GOVINDA DASA

SYAMA GAURI DEVI DASI

SYAMA KISORA DASA

TITIKSU DASA

Child Protection Officer

Atma Lounge Manager

Atma Lounge Manager

Sankirtan Co-Leader

Outreach Coordinator

UK Rathayatra Coordinator

TABLE OF CONTENTS 06.

TEMPLE PRESIDENT’S ACTIVITIES

07.

COMMUNICATIONS

08.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

10.

DEITY DEPARTMENT

11.

FESTIVALS

15.

GOVINDAS RESTAURANT

16.

HARINAMA

18.

ISKCON EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

19.

LONDON RATHAYATRA

20.

OUTREACH

21.

RADHA KRISHNA RECORDS

22.

REGIONAL

24.

RUSSIAN VEDIC SOCIETY

25.

SANKIRTAN

26.

SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SYSTEM

27.

VOLUNTEERING

Editors: Devaki devi dasi, Padmanabha Nityananda dasa Designer: Krishna Lila dasa Proofreader: Darryl Biggs Photographers: Bhakta Sunny, Chris Caswell, David Crick, Harsh Sharma Louise Guthrie, Pitambhara Govinda dasa Thank you to everyone who contributed content.

For any comments or queries on this publication, please email newsletter@iskcon.london

“

“

“I know that if you maintain the association of devotees your life will be happy and perfect. That is the version of the sastra (scriptures) that the most important thing for spiritual realization is the company of realized souls or pure devotees of the Lord.”

Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Tribhuvanatha dasa, 18th July 1970

TEMPLE PRESIDENT’S ACTIVITIES Commemorating Change in ISKCON-London’s Temple President On Sunday 1st August, ISKCON-London held an official ceremony in the Temple Room commemorating a change in the temple president role.

Long standing Temple President Jai Nitai dasa sadly stepped down from the temple president role, which he had carried out for the last 14 years, and men’s ashram leader Dayal Mora dasa was officially appointed the new Temple President.

Kripamoya dasa was the MC for the event. UK GBC Secretary Praghosa dasa also joined the ceremony online to give his best wishes to Jai Nitai dasa, Bhava Bhakti devi dasi and to Dayal Mora dasa. Pre-recorded messages of support were also shared by Radhanatha Swami and Maha Vishnu Swami.

A number of local Srila Prabhupada disciples also joined the ceremony in person to offer their appreciation to Jai Nitai dasa for his years of dedicated service and to give blessings to Dayal Mora dasa in his new role.

Due to capacity and COVID restrictions this was an invite only event and the event was broadcast live online for the community members.

An in person meet and greet was held outside the Temple for community members to give their best wishes and a Maha Harinama took place after the ceremony.

6

Temple President’s Activities

COMMUNICATIONS The Times ‘News in Pictures’ features London Rathayatra Photo

On Monday 9th August London Rathayatra was featured in the ‘News in Pictures’ photography section of The Times newspaper with a festival photo (pictured) of two children dressed up as Radha and Krishna. The photo caption read ‘Young devotees at the procession in London for Rathayatra, when Jagannath, the lord of the universe, Balarama, his brother, and Subhadra, his sister, are brought out of the temple on chariots to bless people in the streets.’ Photo credit: Paul Quezada-Naiman Alamy.

See link: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/newsin-pictures-monday-august-9-2021-rcxf2kc7s

OBE Awarded to Food for All’s Parasuram dasa

In September, Food for All’s (FFA) Parasurama dasa was awarded an OBE from the Queen for his dedicated service of providing nutritious free meals of prasadam to thousands of people. FFA daily provides hundreds of people including homeless people and students, free prasadam at several distribution points in London. These services continued during the pandemic thanks to a team of dedicated FFA volunteers and they were a lifeline for hundreds of people who would not have otherwise had that support. FFA works closely with Food for Life and supported their food distribution efforts during the pandemic.

Official Release of a Commemorative Srila Prabhupada Coin by Narendra Modi

On Wednesday 1st September India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially released a 125 Indian Rupees commemorative coin in honour of Srila Prabhupada’s 125th birth anniversary.

In line with COVID restrictions the virtual event had ISKCON devotees participating from over 60 countries. ISKCON-London organised a live broadcast of the event in the Temple Room for temple residents and they were joined by Manmeet Singh, Minister of Coordination, High Commission of India.

“A special tribute shall be paid to Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupadaji, who made pioneering contributions to popularise the teachings of Bhagwan Shri Krishna through ISKCON. To mark his 125th jayanti, a special commemorative coin would be released.”

Narendra Modi.

7

Communications

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT New Scan My Back T-shirts

Yarok supermarket in Edgware which supplies most of the bhoga for both ISKCON-London and Bhaktivedanta Manor, have now gone one step further with issuing their staff with ‘scan my back’ t-shirts.

Visitors to the shop can scan the QR code on the back of the shirts to donate to ISKCON-London via My Temple App. This collaboration has been made possible by the owners of Yarok, and Pritesh Jani, creator of My Temple App and sponsor of the bhoga for our festivals.

Pritesh was very encouraged how the local community is helping to drive Krishna engagement and support Temple donations.

London Mellows - Annual Kirtan Weekend

On Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th October ISKCON-London held its annual London Mellows kirtan weekend. Over the two days, from 10.00am to 10.00pm there was non-stop live kirtan in the Temple Room with a range of kirtaners.

8

Temple President’s Activities

DEITY DEPARTMENT Change of Head Pujari

On 21st October, on the auspicious day of Sharada Purnima, long standing Head Pujari Murli Manohara dasa stepped down after serving in this role for 21 years. Head Pujari Assistant Vamsivata dasa has been appointed the new Head Pujari. A new Pujari Committee has also been formed consisting of senior devotees, including Murli Manohara dasa, Vamsivata dasa and others, to ensure the smooth running of the Deity Department during this transition period.

“

“It has been 21 years that I have acted in this role and after taking advice from senior devotees I feel it is time to step down and allow for the next generation of devotees to head up the pujari dept.

As requested by my seniors I will be focusing more on training devotees in deity worship and also the teaching of Bhakti Sastri, Bhakti Vaibhava and other seminars. I will also continue to be based here in London and oversee the worship of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara in my role as representative of the ‘ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry’.

I humbly request that you all give your full support and encouragement to Vamsivata Prabhu who will be stepping up as our next Head Pujari. He has been shadowing me for the last three years and is fully dedicated to the care and worship of our beloved deities.

“

I will continue to work closely with Vamsivata Prabhu to ensure the smooth transition of the management of the Pujari Dept. I also pray for your blessings as I enter into another phase of my spiritual life.”

Murli Manohara dasa, former Head Pujari

Kartik Extra Offerings

During the auspicious month of Kartik, the Deity Department made arrangements for extra flower offerings for decorating Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara.

10

Deity Department

FESTIVALS Jhulan Yatra - Wednesday 18th August to Sunday 22nd August

11

Festivals

Balarama Purnima - Sunday 22nd August

12

Festivals

Janmastami - Monday 30th August

13

Festivals

Radhastami - Tuesday 14th September

14

Festivals

GOVINDAS RESTAURANT Some feedback from our happy customers who visited Govinda’s Restaurant between August and October.

“

“

“Had the veggie thali and was delicious; lentil soup, brown rice, salad, vegetable curry and poppadom. Great for families too.”

Tripadvisor Feedback

“

Tripadvisor Feedback

Govindas Restaurant

“

“

Tripadvisor Feedback

“On a recent visit to London we passed Govinda’s and gave it a go. Family of four was very reasonably priced and all of us loved the food. The thali offered a range of choices and all of the food was lovely. Even meateaters like us were blown away with the taste.

Authentic Indian food, just off Oxford Street / Soho Square, friendly staff, what’s not to like?”

15

“

“As someone who is allergic to onion and garlic, this was a fantastic find. We went for Govinda’s 12 piece thali which was amazing.

Each dish had its own delicious flavour and the rice and chapati cooked perfectly. I tried the mint lemonade. Then I had a second one.

So refreshing and I may be trying this at home (likely to not have the same result though).

Desserts were also spot on. Staff were lovely and friendly.”

HARINAMA

16

Harinama

17

Harinama

ISKCON EDUCATIONAL SERVICES University of East London Students visit ISKCONLondon

On Thursday 30th September, Ladies Ashram Leader Jhulan Lila devi dasi welcomed students from the University of East London to ISKCONLondon for a visit and tour. These students had taken part in an online outreach programme a week earlier with Jai Nitai dasa and were inspired to visit the Temple. The visit involved observing the aarti ceremony in the Temple Room and a talk on Bhakti yoga. There were lots of questions by the students. One of the students was very inspired to see the Deities and the aarti ceremony. Head Pujari, Murli Manohara dasa, also spoke to the students and answered questions. The students left with a Bhagavad-Gita, Maha prasadam sweets and flyers.

St. Albans Primary School Visit to ISKCON-London

During October, St. Albans Primary School visited ISKCON-London. The Year 5 children were keen to learn more about the Temple, culture, Hinduism and Vaishnavism. Ladies Ashram Leader Jhulan Lila devi dasi explained to them all about the meaning of chanting Hare Krishna, the arati ceremony, how to play instruments like the mrdanga, how to wear a sari and even how to blow a conch shell! The children were very impressed with their visit and they all left with Maha prasadam sweets.

If you are interested in organising a student visit to ISKCON-London or would like a visit made to your educational institution, please contact jhulanlila@iskcon.london

18

ISKCON Educational Services

LONDON RATHAYATRA

19

London Rathayatra

OUTREACH Ladies Ashram Sanga

During August to October, the Ladies Ashram Sanga engaged in the following outreach programmes: They organised a programme and a picnic in St. James Park. While there, they also took part in a video recording for a new music video for Radha-Krishna Records.

They organised a house program at community member Saudamini Radhika devi dasi’s home. During the programme they had beautiful kirtans, shared realisations and talks about the holy name and an amazing delicious Ekadasi prasadam feast.

The Ladies Ashram were joined by a 15-year-old devotee lady who stayed in the ladies ashram for a few days with the permission of her parents. This young and fired up devotee came to ISKCON-London being inspired by viewing Bhava Bhakti devi dasi’s online weekly YouTube vlog ‘Bhakti Vision’. For the first time she distributed books with Jhulan Lila devi dasi at the Brighton Rathayatra.

During October, the Ladies Ashram team and the Studio108 Ladies team organised a retreat for a group of newcomers with a visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor.

They took part in a tour of the Manor, darshan of the Deities, milking the cows, heard from the Temple President Vishaka devi dasi, lovely kirtans, took part in innovative games and read books together. It was a wonderful experience for the new spiritual seekers and helped to expand their knowledge of Krishna consciousness.

Studio 108 Update

Studio 108 is a recently opened outreach centre located on Margaret Street, near Oxford Circus Station. At each programme newcomers are introduced to meditation, chanting Hare Krishna kirtan and a spiritual talk.

During August to October, the Outreach team focused on developing the preaching centre Studio 108. They worked on improving the facilities within the building and they established three programmes a week, namely Wisdom Wednesdays, Mantra Fridays, and Soulful Sundays.

They also had several guest speakers including Bhuta Bavana dasa and Bhaktivedanta Manor Temple President Visakha devi dasi and Radhadesh Temple President Syamananda dasa. The team organised a special party on the 24th September called ‘Joy Bliss Love’, sharing kirtan and prasadam, with more than 50 guests. A few Studio 108 regulars have now taken up the practice of Bhakti yoga seriously which is promising.

20

Outreach

RADHA KRISHNA RECORDS Release of Mantra Lounge Volume 4

October saw the release of the long awaited album Mantra Lounge Volume 4 which features an amazing lineup of artists including Ananda Monet, Aloka Collister, Asta Bria, Dhanya, Gaura Vani, Govinda Priya, Kal Key, Madhvi Mulji, Radha London Isvara dasa and Radhika dasa.

Available on all streaming platforms: Visit: rkr.hearnow.com or find it directly on Spotify, YouTube, iTunes and Apple Music.

21

Radha Krishna Records

REGIONAL The following regional areas have regular Krishna conscious programmes taking place which are supported by ISKCON-London. For further information, contact details for each centre can be found at the end of this section.

Atma Lounge

In September the Atma Lounge team, which is based in the seaside town of Folkestone, brought some spiritual music to the Folkestone Skabour festival. You can spot the team every Sunday on harinama around 3.15pm in Folkestone just before the Sunday Feast programme at 4.00pm at the Atma Lounge, which ends with a free delicious prasadam feast. They have a number of online reading programmes and meditation sessions.

Receive regular updates on all Atma Lounge’s programmes by joining the Atma Lounge WhatsApp Bulletin Board Group, using this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/ GR3OnSzpSeRHZCakgAIXc4

ISKCON Brighton

ISKCON Brighton held its annual Rathayatra festival on Saturday 18th September. The festival drew many devotees from far and wide.

The festival began at the British Airways i360 tower with book distribution, kirtan and prasadam.

Later the chariot carrying Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Subhadra devi, was pulled down the beach parade in a grand procession and glorious kirtan.

22

Regional

Margate

ISKCON Margate celebrated its first Rathayatra festival on Sunday 5th September, which included a procession from The Lido in Cliftonville to the seafront at Nayland. The festival included chanting Hare Krishna, dancing and free prasadam.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Margate, Cllr Mick Tomlinson and Mrs Shirley Tomlinson, both attended and were more than happy to get stuck in, helping to pull the chariot. Both expressed their appreciation for the festival and for what it offers the town, and have asked for it to return next year!

The Rathayatra festival was featured in the local newspaper, see the full article here:

ISKCON Canterbury

At the end of July, Mantra Caitanya dasa and wife Hema Mukhi devi dasi launched a new community project in Canterbury city centre called ‘The Big Drum’. Combining cafe culture with yoga, meditation, performing arts and amazing food, The Big Drum is a pioneering project that's redefining the high street. The pop-up cafe is serving up teas, coffees, delicious vegan cake, and handmade samosas every weekend.

Photos: https://bit.ly/33WgF24

They have a range of activities including a cinema corner, live music and kirtan performances, experience calming healing rooms, arts team, take a seat in the dedicated reading room and stick your nose in a life-changing book.

Stay up to date with the latest activities at The Big Drum by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/ thebigdrum

ATMA LOUNGE

BHAKTI YOGA CENTRE

www.atmalounge.com

www.facebook.com/iskconcrawley

info@atmalounge.com

info@iskconcrawley.co.uk

CANTERBURY

NORTH KENT

BRIGHTON www.harekrishnabrighton.com

WIMBLEDON

www.harekrishnacanterbury.com

www.iskconnorthkent.org

harekrishnacanterbury@gmail.com

northkentsanga@gmail.com

wimbledon@iskcon.london

www.facebook.com/canterburykrishna/

www.facebook.com/northkentsanga

www.instagram.com/iskcon.wimbledon

www.facebook.com/iskcon.wimbledon

RUSSIAN VEDIC SOCIETY From mid-August the Russian Vedic Society (RVS) started to do regular in-person Sunday programmes again in their new venue at the ISKCON-London Office on Charlotte Street, which was kindly provided by Dayal Mora dasa.

RVS organised celebrations for both Balarama Jayanti and Janmashtami there as well. They have also been regularly going out on harinama on weekends either in Uxbridge, where several devotees live, as well as in central London.

24

Russian Vedic Society

SANKIRTAN

AUGUST £17,000+ Laxmi Collected

3,266

Books Distributed

1

CC Sets Distributed

26

SB Sets Distributed

25

Sankirtan

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER £21,077 Laxmi Collected

2,573

Books Distributed

67

SB Sets Distributed

£9,662 Laxmi Collected

2,573

Books Distributed

1

CC Sets Distributed

5

SB Sets Distributed

SPIRITUAL MENTORSHIP SYSTEM Initiations

In August Bhakta Anubhava was initiated by Candramauli Swami and received the new name Anirudha dasa. He is in the mentee group of Satya Narayan dasa and Madhavi devi dasi.

In September Bhaktin Vrishnee was initiated online

by Bhakti Caitanya Swami and her new name is Vanamalini devi dasi. She is in the mentee group of Bhava Bhakti devi dasi.

26

Spiritual Mentorship System

VOLUNTEERING A wide range of services are carried out by volunteers at ISKCON-London. From cleaning, cooking, decorating the Temple Room during festivals, helping at London Rathayatra, making garlands, serving prasadam and lots more! Get involved to use your skills in the service of the Lord.

27

Volunteering

DAILY SCHEDULE ARATI TIMES 04:30 05:00 07:00 08:00 12:30 16:15 19:00 21:00

DARSHAN TIMES Although Their Lordships’ arati is taking place as normal as part of the Deity worship, please note ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple, at the time of publication, is closed and only open for darshan during select times on Wednesdays, Sundays and festival days.

Please visit www.iskcon.london for the latest information.

Mangal Arati Tulasi Arati Deity Greetings Dhoopa Arati Raj Bhoga Arati Dhoopa Arati Sundara Arati Sayana Arati

CLASS TIMES 07:30 Srimad-Bhagavatam / Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta At the time of publication, classes in the Temple Room are only taking place in the morning which are available to view via live broadcast. Please visit Bhakti Yoga London, ISKCON-London and London College of Vedic Studies Facebook pages for the latest information on additional online classes, programmes and courses.

These are times when items are offered for the pleasure of Their Lordships.

ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL

+44 (0)20 7437 3662

@iskconlondon

info@iskcon.london

/iskconlondon

www.iskcon.london

/iskconlondon

Download My Temple Connect app. Available on Android and Apple devices

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS FOUNDER-ACHARYA: HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA