Our vision for our 50th Anniversary celebrations 1 Honouring the past
and establishing a future legacy and vision for bhakti yoga in London
2 Inspiring the
wider community to participate and building relationships
3 Presenting the culture
of bhakti in a relatable and integrated way
The presiding Deities at ISKCON-London
On 14th December 1969, Srila Prabhupada opened the first ISKCON temple in the UK, the Radha-Krishna Temple, in Bury Place, near the British Museum. On this auspicious day, Radha-Krishna Deities, whom Srila Prabhupada named Sri Sri-Radha-Londonisvara, were installed. They have a special place in ISKCON history as the movement’s first full-size Radha-Krishna Deities. For 50 years, Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara have overseen the spreading of Krishna consciousness across the UK, and have captured the hearts of many, with Their mesmerising beauty and charm. Srila Prabhupada named the Deities, Radha-Londonisvara, meaning “the Supreme Lord of London.” He regarded Them as his personal Deities, the first Deities of Radha and Krishna to accept his service. Radha-Londonisvara remained Swamiji’s favourite Deities for the rest of his life.” Shyamasundar dasa Prabhupada was looking at the Deities (Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara) with complete devotion. He loved those Deities. He had commented about Their exquisite beauty and how They complemented each other. How sometimes Radharani looked more beautiful but how Krishna’s moon-like face and eyes were shining.” Yamuna devi dasi 2
Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi
Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai
Sri Giri-Govardhana
Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi are worshipped alongside Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. They were carved by Shyamasundar dasa, one of the pioneers of ISKCON in the UK, under the instruction of Srila Prabhupada. They were first worshipped by devotees at a rent-free four-storey warehouse in Betterton Street in Covent Garden.
Small Gaura-Nitai Deities were installed in 1973. They are one of two sets of Gaura-Nitai Deities that were installed at Bhaktivedanta Manor. They were on the altar at the London RadhaKrishna Temple by the time Srila Prabhupada next visited London.
Sri Giri-Govardhana took His place on the altar in 1983. Giri-Govardhana acts as the functional Deity for Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, receiving the morning worship of 16 items (Sodasopacara Puja).
In July 1969, a few months prior to the installation of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, They had Their first Rathayatra in London. Since then, London Rathayatra has grown year-onyear and there are further Rathayatras that take place in cities and towns across the UK.
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Srila Prabhupada attended the 1973 London Rathayatra which he joyfully wrote about in Sri Caitanya-caritamrita. The London newspaper, the Guardian, published a front-page photo caption: “ISKCON Rathayatra is rival to the Nelson Column in Trafalgar Square.”
I am so happy to know that the activities in London centre are progressing with such great success. It is our desire that we shall always be engaged fully 24 hours in the service of Lord Krishna. In this way, our lives will become perfectly joyful simply by singing and dancing and taking prasadam. So if you carry on your service to Radha and Krishna according to the prescribed rules, your love of Krishna will increase more and more. This you are seeing practically by the grace of Krishna.” Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Yamuna devi dasi, 16th January 1970
Presenting an immersive nine-day recharge for the soul Each day will have a specific theme, which will be reflected in that day’s activities. We warmly invite you to immerse yourself whole-heartedly in everything that will take place, using it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn more about our history from those who were present at the time, gain greater appreciation for the gifts that Srila Prabhupada has given us, and deepen your spiritual practices in enlivening association.
SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER
Krishna Spectacular at the Apollo
MONDAY 25TH NOVEMBER
TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER
A Labour of Love: How it all began
London’s First Rathayatra and Lord Jagannatha’s Glories
Abhisheks
Bhajans
Maha Harinamas Prasadam feasts
Sankirtan
WEDNESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in London
Opening of the RadhaKrishna Temple and the Installation of Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara
FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER
London is Vrindavana
SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER
MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER
The Glorious Sankirtan Mission
Krishna’s Holy Names: The greatest treasure
The Golden Anniversary: Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara, the Lords of London
Darshans
Dramas Memories
Special classes
And more
The festival schedules on the following pages may be updated. Visit www.iskcon.london/goldenanniversaryweek for any updates.
KRISHNA SPECTACULAR AT THE APOLLO
CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF HARE KRISHNA CULTURE IN THE UK
SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER 4.00 PM
BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW www.eventim.co.uk/krishnaspectacular
DAY 1 SUNDAY 24TH NOVEMBER
Krishna Spectacular at the Apollo
A
signature event in celebration of 50 years of Hare Krishna culture in the UK. This is a grand international production about Bhaktivedanta Swami’s journey, the Hare Krishna’s London Story and the Bhagavad Gita’s glory! It will be an artistic expression of timeless wisdom, beautiful culture, and philosophy of bhakti yoga as brought to the west by Bhaktivedanta Swami. It will be a multimedia, theatrical production with Indian classical and contemporary dance and music, acrobatics, and a medley of live music and song, against the backdrop of spoken word, spectacular visual and lighting effects, and immersive 3D visual mapping. We want to bring something that noone has ever seen before. This is a onetime only production with an amazing team of collaborators including Natya
Nectar Dance Company, Samadhi Dance Company, Bali Rico from The Mayapuris, Jahnavi Harrison, Jayadeva’s Mantra Choir, Kal Key, and Sri Kala, who have all come together for this ground-breaking vision. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s Journey Bhaktivedanta Swami’s birth name, Abhay Charan, means one who is fearless at the lotus feet of the Lord. We present his mood of fearlessness, how that mood is at the centre of the pioneering spirit that every generation can imbibe. This will include a classical and contemporary dance, musical and spoken word medley, brought to life by Samadhi Dance Company from the Netherlands. The Hare Krishna’s London Story A Legacy Begins with the Hare Krishna’s London Story. Capturing moving memories through drama, vintage photography and videography, words from ISKCON UK pioneers,
Gurudas dasa, Shyamasundar dasa and Malati devi dasi who are flying in specially from the USA, and soulstirring songs performed by Grammynominated Jahnavi Harrison. The finale will be Jayadeva’s Mantra Choir and a 3,000+ audience singing the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra together. The Bhagavad Gita’s Glory Brought to life through a beautifully sculpted, creative, cultural yet contemporary presentation of a soul’s journey to this world, the joys and sorrows he experiences, and the search for genuine timeless wisdom through modern relevance. Culminating in finding the jewel of bhakti yoga, as brought to the west by Bhaktivedanta Swami. We are bringing something that has never been seen before, a world debut of enchanting, theatrical dance and music deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita As It Is. 6
DAY 2 MONDAY 25TH NOVEMBER
A Labour of Love: How it all began 4.30AM Mangal Arati 7.00AM Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans 8.00AM Deity Greetings 8.10AM Sri Vraja Dhama Mahimamrta bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings 8.30AM Special class: A Labour of Love: How it all began 9.30AM Launch of “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” 9.45AM Breakfast 11.00AM Kirtans 12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati 1.00PM Special class 1.45PM Feast 3.00PM Maha Harinama (special places of significance) 4.15PM Dhupa Arati 4.30PM Kirtans 5.30PM Special class 7.00PM Sandhya Arati 7.30PM Sri Vraja Dhama Mahimamrta bhajan 7.45PM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 8.00PM Arts and cultural offering by ISKCON-London community members 9.00PM Shayana Arati 7
The ISKCON UK pioneers (from left to right): Yamuna devi dasi, Mukunda dasa, Janaki devi dasi, Shyamasundar dasa, Gurudas dasa, and Malati devi dasi with daughter Sarasvati
A
dedication to the labour of love by Srila Prabhupada and his ardent desire to establish Krishna consciousness in London and open a temple in order to fulfil the desire of the previous acharyas, the pioneers who made it happen, and the devotees who have grown the Krishna consciousness movement in the UK over the last 50 years. Learn about how it all started in the UK. How three young couples and a baby came to London from America, determined to fulfil their spiritual master Srila Prabhupada’s desire. Hear about the challenges they faced, their adventures, the encouragement they received from Srila Prabhupada, the daily harinamas they organised, locating a property in Bury Place for ISKCON’s first temple in the UK, and more.
DAY 3 TUESDAY 26TH NOVEMBER
London’s First Rathayatra and Lord Jagannatha’s Glories 4.30AM Mangal Arati 7.00AM Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans 8.00AM Deity Greetings 8.10AM Jagannathastakam bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings 8.30AM Special class: London’s First Rathayatra and Lord Jagannatha’s Glories 9.30AM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings
D
id you know Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi appeared before Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara, and therefore were the first ISKCON Deities in the UK? These most-merciful Deities were carved by Shyamasundar dasa. Hear about Their appearance, London’s first Rathayatra in July 1969, Srila Prabhupada’s attendance in the 1973 Rathayatra which he described as a “gorgeous Rathayatra festival in London” (Sri Caitanyacaritamrita Madhya-Lila 13.19), and more in a day dedicated to Lord Jagannatha’s glories and pastimes. The Maha Harinama will be a highlight!
9.45AM Breakfast
12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati 1.00PM Special class 1.45PM Feast 3.00PM Maha Harinama (mini Rathayatra procession) 4.15PM Dhupa Arati 4.30PM Kirtans 5.30PM Special class 7.00PM Sandhya Arati 7.30PM Jagannathastakam bhajan 7.45PM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 8.00PM Drama by ISKCON-London community members 9.00PM Shayana Arati
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The cart was going quite slowly. Prabhupada walked about twenty or thirty yards ahead of the cart, leading the procession. Meanwhile the kirtana was coming from the ratha cart through microphones. Prabhupada called them all down and he got them all around himself and they were chanting Hare Krishna. Every so often, he would turn around and raise both his arms very majestically in the air and say, “Jaya Jagannatha!” Rohininandana dasa, reflecting on 1973, when Srila Prabhupada attended Rathayatra in London for the first time
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11.00AM Kirtans
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DAY 4 WEDNESDAY 27TH NOVEMBER
Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in London 4.30AM Mangal Arati 7.00AM Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans 8.00AM Deity Greetings 8.10AM Markine Bhagavat Dharma bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings 8.30AM Special class: Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in London 9.30AM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 9.45AM Breakfast 11.00AM Kirtans 12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati 1.00PM Special class 1.45PM Feast 3.00PM Maha Harinama 4.15PM Dhupa Arati 4.30PM Kirtans 5.30PM Special class 7.00PM Sandhya Arati 7.30PM Markine Bhagavat Dharma bhajan 7.45PM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 8.00PM Musical medley by Wednesday Night Kirtan Team 9.00PM Shayana Arati 9
T
he devotees had sent Srila Prabhupada regular updates on activities in London and he became
keen to visit them. He arrived in London on 11th September 1969. Apple Records and Lufthansa
Airlines helped the devotees arrange a reception for him at Heathrow Airport. As soon as Srila
Prabhupada arrived at the VIP lounge that had been set up for his reception, the many devotees who had
by now joined the original six pioneers ran out of the
terminal, offered obeisances, and joyfully surrounded Srila Prabhupada.
Inside, he attracted a mass of reporters and cameramen and several dozen friends of devotees. He led a
kirtana and fielded the reporters’ questions, and
then was escorted to Beatles-member John Lennon’s Tittenhurst Park estate. The building in Bury Place
was still a construction site, so John had invited Srila
Prabhupada and his disciples to live in his estate until the renovations at Bury Place were done (although
Srila Prabhupada was later keen to move there even whilst renovations were still taking place). This festival is dedicated to Srila Prabhupada’s pastimes in London. Hear from his disciples about his arrival in London, meeting him at the airport, his time at Tittenhurst, meeting with the Beatles, the public lectures he gave, the media attention he received, and the efforts he and his disciples made in getting the building in Bury Place ready for the opening of the RadhaKrishna Temple.
Srila Prabhupada giving class at the Radha-Krishna Temple in Bury Place
Disciples meeting with Srila Prabhupada at the airport
Srila Prabhupada and disciples on a morning walk
Srila Prabhupada gave a series of lectures at Conway Hall
Srila Prabhupada singing kirtan at Bury Place the night before the Deity installation
Srila Prabhupada with devotees outside the RadhaKrishna Temple in Bury Place
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Opening of the Radha-Krishna Temple and the Installation of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara 4.30AM Mangal Arati
7.00AM Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans 8.00AM Deity Greetings 8.10AM Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvarastakam bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings 8.30AM
Special class: Opening of the Radha-Krishna Temple and the Installation of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara
9.30AM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 9.45AM Breakfast 11.00AM Kirtans 12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati 1.00PM Special class 1.45PM Feast 3.00PM Maha Harinama (special places of significance) 4.15PM Dhupa Arati 4.30PM Kirtans 5.30PM Special class 7.00PM Sandhya Arati 7.30PM Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvarastakam bhajan 7.45PM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 8.00PM Arts and cultural offering by ISKCON-London Spiritual Mentorship System 9.00PM Shayana Arati 11
“Prabhupada instructed us to install Radha-Krishna Deities when the temple opened in December, but we didn’t have any Deities, and he didn’t ask for any Deities to be made in India. How are you supposed to find Radha and Krishna in London?” Tamal Krishna Goswami 14th December 1969 was a date set by Srila Prabhupada for the temple opening and the installation of RadhaKrishna Deities, a date that was set without yet having any Radha-Krishna Deities.
In this festival, absorb yourself in the sweet story behind the appearance of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara. They are unique in that They seemingly appeared by Their own will less than two weeks before the temple opening, manifested by Srila Prabhupada’s strong desire for Radha-Krishna Deities in London.
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The arati ceremony progressed while Prabhupada stood with folded palms before his Lords. As the kirtan dipped and soared, he turned his face toward the crowd, and I could see by his broad smile that his spiritual master’s dream for a London temple was now fulfilled. Mukunda Goswami
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DAY 5 THURSDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
SRILA PRABHUPADA WAS VERY FOND OF SRI SRI RADHA-LONDONISVARA
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At Bury Place, at greeting of the Deities, Srila Prabhupada turned to the devotees and said, “They are the most beautiful.” Srutakirti dasa
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It was a very nice visit to the Bury Place temple. It is from there that we started our London activities and I am so glad to see that the Deities are being decorated there the best. You are all working very hard, and this will not go in vain. Whatever we do for Krishna, that is to our eternal credit. Thank you very much. Srila Prabhupada
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Vrindavanachandra is village beauty and He (Londonisvara) is London beauty. He is town beauty... Every one is beautiful but everyone praises our London Deity. Srila Prabhupada
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Thank you all for attending this most auspicious occasion. This is most wonderful day for all of London because Krishna is today appearing in this city. These Deities will be called RadhaLondonisvara, meaning “the controller of London.” Srila Prabhupada, on the day of the installation of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara
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DAY 6 FRIDAY 29TH NOVEMBER
London is Vrindavana 4.30AM Mangal Arati
7.00AM Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans 8.00AM Deity Greetings 8.10AM Sri Vraja Dhama Mahimamrta bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings Special class: London is Vrindavana – Establishing a mood of 8.30AM Vrindavana consciousness in the centre of London and principles of Deity worship taught by Srila Prabhupada 9.30AM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 9.45AM Breakfast 11.00AM Kirtans 12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati 1.00PM Special class 1.45PM Feast 3.00PM Maha Harinama (special places of significance) 4.15PM Dhupa Arati 4.30PM Abhishek 5.15PM Special class 6.30PM Classical dance 7.00PM Sandhya Arati 7.30PM “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 7.45PM Songs of the Vaishnava Acharyas 13
9.00PM Shayana Arati
I
n a popular British TV talk show that Srila Prabhupada was invited to, when asked by the interviewer, “Do you have a concept of hell in your religion?“, Srila Prabhupada replied “London is hell.” His response became a newspaper headline the next day. But by Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, he then turned London into a spiritual abode by installing Their Most Beautiful Lordships, Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara, who he said are Radha and Krishna Themselves who have appeared in London. Our London temple provides many opportunities for rendering service to the Divine Couple, Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara. On this day, meditate on the beautiful forms of Their Lordships and experience how if our minds are simply focused on Them and Their service, then we are in Vrindavana, wherever we may be physically situated. Presently, the members of the Hare Krishna movement throughout the world live in materially opulent cities such as London... Because we live in the temples of Radha Krishna and continuously hold harinama sankirtana - the chanting of Hare Krishna - we consequently live in Vrindavana and nowhere else.” Srila Prabhupada
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he Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon 2019 takes place from Saturday 30th November to Tuesday 24th December. After attending an uplifting sankirtanthemed morning programme, make it a mission to go out on books, whether you have distributed books before or not. You can distribute books outside the temple or go to one of the specified locations. There are awards up for grabs also (have a look in the Temple Room)! A special treat awaits afterwards…bus harinama around the sights of London.
DAY 7 SATURDAY 30TH NOVEMBER
The Glorious Sankirtan Mission 4.30AM
Mangal Arati
7.00AM
Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans
8.00AM
Deity Greetings
8.10AM
Tava Kathamrta Tapta Jivanam bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings
8.30AM
Special class: The Glorious Sankirtan Mission – The early days of sankirtan in London
9.15AM
“Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings
9.30AM
Breakfast
10.00AM to 3.00PM
Book table and Kirtans (outside the Temple and other specified locations)
tava kathāmṛtaṁ tapta-jīvanaṁ kavibhir īḍitaṁ kalmaṣāpaham śravaṇa-maṅgalaṁ śrīmad ātataṁ bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūri-dā janāḥ
The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one’s sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent. Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 31, Verse 9
12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati 1.00PM
Special class
1.45PM
Feast
3.00PM
Bus Harinama
4.15PM
Dhupa Arati
4.30PM
Kirtans
7.00PM
Sandhya Arati
7.30PM
Maha Harinama Kirtans in Temple Room
êRúMAD BHìGAVATAM Second Canto Part One
êRúMAD BHìGAVATAM Second Canto Ò Part One
RœMAD BH“GAVATAM Second Canto Part One
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupÉda
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupƒda
A
Translated from the original Sanskrit and explained brilliantly by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupÉda, the most distinguished modern-day teacher
Special limited editions of Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 2 Volume 1 available in honour of the 50th Anniversary
ISKCON LONDON
50th
of India's spiritual culture and philosophy.
Anniversary
1969 2019
9.00PM
Shayana Arati
Includes DOWNLOAD code for complimentary ebook edition ISBN 978-91-7769-138-9
THE BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST
9 789177 691389
THE BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST
His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhupÉda Founder-ìcÉrya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
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DAY 8 SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER
Krishna’s Holy Names: The greatest treasure 4.30AM
Mangal Arati
7.00AM
Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans
8.00AM
Deity Greetings
8.10AM
Sri Nama Sankirtana bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings
8.30AM
Special class: Pioneers of the holy names
9.15AM
“Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings
9.30AM
Breakfast
10.00AM to 5.30PM
Book table (outside the Temple and other specified locations)
10.30AM to 12 Hour Kirtan (Temple Room) 10.30PM 12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati
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3.00PM
Maha Harinama (special places of significance)
4.15PM
Dhupa Arati
5.30PM
Feast
7.00PM
Sandhya Arati
7.30PM
Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvarastakam bhajan
9.00PM
Shayana Arati Kirtans until 10.30pm
A
special morning on memories of the early days of spreading the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra – interaction with George Harrison and the Beatles, recording with Apple Records, performing in places such as Top of the Pops and at a concert in Hammersmith Town Hall, and all the media attention received. Following this, fully absorb yourself in the holy names with a magical 12 Hour Kirtan, which includes special renditions of tracks recorded in 1969 and 1970.
“Srila Prabhupada instructed that the night before the installation we should have a special kirtan to invite the Lord to come… Srila Prabhupada sat down with his shoulder towards where the Deities would stand and began chanting the Vande Ham prayers. This was the first time he had chanted in the new temple. We all just listened and softly played instruments…He was so absorbed in the chanting that his eyes didn’t open at all. It was the most soothing, lilting, flowing, lyrical, transcendental kirtan I had ever heard. The kirtan flowed like liquid silk Ganges water. It was a deeply emotional moment for each of us.” Yamuna devi dasi, excerpted from “Yamuna Devi: A Life of Unalloyed Devotion”
The devotees recording “Hare Krishna Mantra” with George Harrison in July 1969
DAY 9 MONDAY 2ND DECEMBER
The Golden Anniversary: Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, the Lords of London Special Mangal Arati Darshan
7.00AM
Guru Puja and Extended Kirtans
8.00AM
Deity Greetings
8.10AM
Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvarastakam bhajan and Lotus Feet Blessings
8.30AM
Special class: The Golden Anniversary – Glorification of Their Most-Beautiful Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara
10.00AM Launch of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara’s Deity Worship Manual “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” selected readings 10.30AM Breakfast 11.00AM to 5.30PM
Book table and Kirtans (outside the Temple and other specified locations)
11.00AM Kirtans 12.30PM Raj Bhoga Arati 1.00PM
Special class
1.45PM
Feast
3.00PM
Maha Harinama
4.15PM
Dhupa Arati
4.30PM
Drama: The Appearance of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara
5.15PM
Reflections on Golden Anniversary Week
6.30PM
Mantra Choir
7.00PM
Pushpa Abhishek
9.00PM
Lila Kirtan
9.30PM
Special Shayana Arati Darshan, followed by kirtans until late
T
he finale of Golden Anniversary Week! Join us on the most special of days – the day where 50 years ago (on Odana Sashti, as per the Gaudiya Vaishnava calendar), Srila Prabhupada installed Their Most Beautiful Lordships Sri Sri RadhaLondonisvara. There will be three special darshans (with three new outfits offered to Their Lordships), the biggest of harinamas across Central London, drama, mantra choir, a glorious pushpa abhishek, lila kirtan, and more. One not-to-bemissed, well we can say that for all of the days…it’ll be a week to remember!
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The Deities in London are named Radha-Londonisvara. Krishna is the proprietor everywhere but especially London. Srila Prabhupada
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4.30AM
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Golden AnniversarySponsorship Merchandise
T
his is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to support the celebration of Their Lordships’ Golden Anniversary.
By becoming a Golden Anniversary Sponsor, your generosity supports the financing of the celebrations in such a monumental year.
Various 50th Anniversary branded-clothing and merchandise are available at Radha’s Boutique whilst stocks last. This includes hoodies, T-shirts, caps, woolie hats, badges, bead bags, and key rings.
Your contribution reaches many areas including Deity worship, decorations, marketing, prasadam distribution, the care of senior devotees and VIPs, venue hire and expenses (e.g. lighting and sound) etc.
This year, all Golden Anniversary sponsors of £51 and above will receive a beautiful gift as a small token of our gratitude. There are also opportunities to become a Golden Anniversary Friend, Half-Patron or Patron (see overleaf).
We are delighted to offer limited edition (only 108 sets available) maha padukas (shoes) of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara to sponsors £251 and over, with the addition of an exclusive large canvas print of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara to sponsors £501 and above. Become a Golden Anniversary Sponsor and get the special mercy of Their Lordships: www.iskcon.london/golden-sponsor Our core sponsors (to date): Late Janaki devi dasi (Jak Raymen) Late Dr Joy Philippou Thank you to all our sponsors (and future sponsors) who are helping to make the celebrations a success and leaving a lasting legacy. 17
Deity Maha A special Deity maha stall will be available during the celebrations. Items include maha jewellery, maha outfits, maha shawls, items made from maha outfits such as bead bags, hand bags, cushions for home Deities, and more!
Special edition of Back to Godhead magazine Pick up a copy to find out more about the UK story.
B E C O M E A G O L D E N A N N I V E R S A R Y S P O N S O R Take Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara Home Large 24 x 30 inch canvas print of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara
50th FRIEND
£251
Receive maha padukas of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara.
50th HALF-PATRON
£501
Receive maha padukas and an exclusive large canvas print of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara.
50th PATRON
£1,008
Receive maha padukas, an exclusive large canvas print of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara, Deity maha jewellery, and an arati sponsored on the day of your choice.
Your sponsorship will support the 50 t h Anniversary celebrations. Become a Golden Anniversary Sponsor now!
Embossed golden padukas (shoes) with the lotus feet markings of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara
TO SPONSOR, VISIT: WWW.ISKCON.LONDON/ GOLDEN-SPONSOR
FOR ENQUIRIES, CONTACT: DONATIONS@ISKCON.LONDON
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS FOUNDER-ACHARYA HIS DIVINE GRACE A.C. BHAKTIVEDANTA SWAMI PRABHUPADA
The 1969 Story I n 1968, Srila Prabhupada, deeply inspired to fulfil his spiritual master’s desires, sent three American married couples – Gurudas dasa and Yamuna devi dasi, Mukunda dasa and Janaki devi dasi, and Shyamasundar dasa and Malati devi dasi (along with their baby daughter, Sarasvati) – to London to start a temple. Here are some highlights from 1969.
The core team Krishna Spectacular at the Apollo Ashika Patel, Event Manager Ananda Monet, Marketing Anantacarya dasa, Creative and Production Devaki devi dasi, VIP Management Hladini devi dasi, VIP Care Jenny Yue, Stalls Kajal Patel, Stage Management Kapila Monet, Event Strategy Krishna Kirtan dasa, Catering Madhvi Mulji, Stage Management Natasha Menon, Communications Pallika Raniga, Art Exhibition Prateek Saxena, Event Administration Prema Nrsimha dasa, VIP Care Radhika Rawat, Ticketing and Sales Sharmila Radhika devi dasi, Finance www.krishnaspectacular.com
Golden Anniversary Week
Devaki devi dasi, Event Manager Dhaval Dattani, Festival Management Champakalata Priya devi dasi, Temple Room Decorations Deity Department team, Darshans Natasha Menon, Communications Paramesvara dasa, Finance Prema Nrsimha dasa, VIP Management Thirupati Gauranga dasa, Prasadam Coordination
www.iskcon.london/goldenanniversaryweek
Overall Project Sponsor: Jai Nitai dasa, Temple President
Join us for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 22
Special thanks to all the volunteers who are dedicating their time to supporting the 50th Anniversary celebrations. If you would like to volunteer your services, then please email volunteers@iskcon.london
Prayers and Reflections TAKE A MOMENT TO WRITE YOUR REFLECTIONS DURING THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY WEEK.
During the celebrations, we will be reading from “Poems and Prayers to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara” – a collection of offerings from the community. You also have an opportunity to write a personal prayer to Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara which will be offered to Them on Their altar on Monday 2nd December. Drop it in the special post-box that will be in Temple Reception from Sunday 24th November. Editor: Devaki devi dasi Designer: Chandra Bellamy Proofreaders: Darryl Biggs, Jonathan Bearman Thank you to all the photographers whose photographs have captured our special history and to all contributors who have provided content for this publication.
Radha-Krishna Temple 10 Soho Street London W1D 3DL T: 020 7437 3662 E: events@iskcon.london W: www.iskcon.london HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE