PRABHUPADA FEST

Bhaktimarga Swami
6 days ago
2 min read

Thursday, January 1st, 2025

Ramsden Park, Toronto

When our doors open at the temple/ashram on this first day of the year what is carried in is a wave of anticipation and optimism. Visitors, whether regular or just new pilgrims, have high hopes, and their few minutes or hours at this location (243 Avenue Road), will bring on some good fortune.

The question I raise, “Is it that we come to ask the temple, to give me something, or is it that I can give to the temple?” Similarly, another question arises regarding the restart “What can the New Year do for me as opposed to my contribution time to it?”

I imagine sincere pilgrims seek help and give help both simultaneously and truly, there is no harm in that culture of reciprocation. It is very much wanted.

In Toronto, this day, although known as New Year’s Day, those of us managing the ISKCON facility in Midtown, we arrange for a festival called The Prabhupada Festival. The idea or concept came way back in 1984 to start the year on the most positive note.

On this evening, one of Prabhupada’s students, Krishnadas, led a chant in honour of him while our godbrothers, Subha Vilas, led the ceremony called arati or puja, both meaning “an offering.” This was followed by a song, “I Am Missing You” in regard to a feeling of separation from Prabhupada, rendered by four members of our youth group. Sweet! Our drama, The Gita, was subsequent to this.

A roaring kirtan came after followed by take away prasad. What a nice way to set the tone!