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Adani Group Joins ISKCON for Maha Prasad at Maha Kumbh 2025

January 9, 2025, 3:01 pm

In a significant collaboration, the Adani Group has joined hands with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to offer Maha Prasad Seva at the Maha Kumbh Mela currently underway in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aims to serve meals to around one lakh devotees every day, including 18,000 sanitation workers, during the event. Over 40 crore visitors are expected to attend the mega event. Which will make it the largest human gathering in the world.

Meals Prepared by Volunteers and Served with Care

Approximately 2,500 volunteers will prepare the Maha Prasad meals in two state-of-the-art kitchens. Advanced facilities equip these kitchens to ensure hygiene and quality. The meals, including roti, dal, rice, vegetables, and sweets, will be served on eco-friendly plates made from leaves. Devotees will receive their meals at 40 designated assembly points across the event grounds.

Accessibility and Community Support

In addition to providing meals, the Adani Group is also making special provisions for differently-abled individuals, the elderly, and children. Golf carts will be provided to assist them in navigating the vast grounds. This initiative reflects the Adani Group’s commitment to community service and ensuring accessibility for all attendees at the grand event.

ISKCON and Gita Press Collaboration to Distribute Aarti Sangrah

As part of their contribution, the Adani Group has partnered with Gita Press, based in Gorakhpur, to print and distribute around one crore copies of the Aarti Sangrah, a compilation of devotional hymns dedicated to various deities, including Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesha, Vishnu, and Durga. These devotional books will be distributed free of cost to devotees, enhancing the spiritual experience of the event.

Maha Kumbh Mela – A Landmark Event

The Maha Kumbh Mela, which takes place once every 144 years at Prayagraj, is a global religious spectacle that attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world. This year, the event will last from January 13 to February 26, 2025, with key bathing dates such as Paush Purnima Snan, Makar Sankranti Snan, and Maha Shivratri Snan. The organizers have estimated the Mela’s budget at ₹6,382 crore, showcasing its scale and significance.

Police File Murder Attempt Case Against Hindu Monk Chinmoy Krishna Das

December 9, 2024, 12:13 pm

Chittagong Police charged Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das with attempted murder while he remains in custody. This action aligns with the upcoming Foreign Office Consultation between India and Bangladesh. Previously, authorities filed a sedition case against Das and hundreds of his followers, escalating tensions.

Court Delays Bail Hearing

The Chattogram court postponed Chinmoy Krishna Das’s bail hearing to January 2. The prosecution requested more time, citing the absence of a defense lawyer. Supporters allege authorities falsely implicated nearly 70 Hindu lawyers to prevent them from representing Das in court.

ISKCON Clarifies Its Stance

ISKCON Bangladesh confirmed that Chinmoy Krishna Das was expelled in October due to disciplinary reasons. Despite this, ISKCON Kolkata’s Vice-President, Radharamn Das, criticized the judicial process. He expressed concern about the targeting of lawyers defending the monk.

Referring to an attack on lawyer Regan Acharya, Das wrote on X, “How can any lawyer appear for #ChinmoyKrishnaDas when they are being targeted?”

Violence Follows Bail Rejection

The court rejected Das’s first bail plea on November 26. This decision sparked violent clashes, resulting in the death of lawyer Saiful Islam Alif. The incident has intensified public unrest and drawn attention to the monk’s case.

Calls for International Intervention

The case has drawn international focus. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to seek United Nations peacekeeping forces in Bangladesh. She emphasized the need to protect “persecuted Indians.” ISKCON Kolkata appreciated Banerjee’s stance. “We are thankful to CM Mamata Banerjee for highlighting the need for global intervention,” said Radharamn Das.

Concerns Over Human Rights

Criticism over Bangladesh’s handling of the case has grown. Das accused authorities of compromising the human rights of minorities. He highlighted the attack on advocate Ramen Roy, who was severely injured while defending Chinmoy Krishna Das. Roy remains in critical condition, further fueling concerns over the safety of legal defenders in Bangladesh.

The situation remains tense, with growing calls for justice and protection for minorities.

ISKCON Dhaka Temple Fire: Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan Destroyed

December 7, 2024, 2:35 pm

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) reported on Saturday that its Dhaka district center in Bangladesh was set on fire earlier that day.

ISKCON Kolkata vice president Radharamn Das told PTI that the targeted attack on the Vaishnavite community is going on, as “vandals set ablaze idols inside the temple at the Namhatta property.” Das posted on X saying, “ISKCON Namhatta Centre burned down in Bangladesh. The deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and all items inside the temple were burned down completely. The centre is located in Dhaka. Early morning today, between 2-3 AM, miscreants set fire to the Shri Shri Radha Krishna Temple and the Shri Shri Mahabhagya Lakshmi Narayan Temple, which fall under the Hare Krishna Namhatta Sangha, located in Dhour village, under the jurisdiction of Turag Police Station, Dhaka district.

This temple was being managed by ISKCON Namahatta Mandir. Last night, the temple was attacked, vandalized, and the deities set on fire in Dhaka. Brazen Hindumisia on display and free run for rabid Islamists. So called Human Rights Watchers and keepers of Religious Freedom seem… pic.twitter.com/4DiWVkQlga

— Anand Narasimhan?? (@AnchorAnandN) December 7, 2024

It added that the fire was ignited by lifting the tin roof at the back of the temple and using petrol or octane, giving the address: H-02, R-05, Ward-54.

Das also said that despite ISKCON’s efforts to alert Bangladesh’s interim government, the police and administration have done little to address their concerns. “Iskcon India has expressed concern about the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh and urged its monks and followers from Bangladesh not to wear ’tilaks’ and practice their faith discreetly. The targeted attacks continue,” he said.

Moreover, Das expressed his worry regarding the safety of the leading Hindu community figure Chinmoy Krishna Das who is detained and refused bail. He condemned the ongoing violent attacks, targeting ISKCON properties in Bangladesh over four months since the installation of an interim government and the departure of the Awami League.

BJP leader and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar condemned the attack on ISKCON Namhatta Centre through X: “Strongly condemn the horrific arson attack on the #ISKCON Namhatta Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which destroyed the Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and sacred temple items.” Majumdar termed the occurrence as “an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship” while demanding action against the aggressors and ensuring security for religious minority groups.

Strongly condemn the horrific arson attack on the #ISKCON Namhatta Centre in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which destroyed the Deities of Sri Sri Laxmi Narayan and sacred temple items. This is an unforgivable act of hatred against a place of worship. Immediate action must be taken to bring… pic.twitter.com/DXtetKnmBZ

— Dr. Sukanta Majumdar (@DrSukantaBJP) December 7, 2024

“We are deeply concerned about situation of our devotees in Bangladesh”: ISKCON Raises Concerns Over Safety

December 1, 2024, 8:32 pm

ISKCON Bhubaneswar Vice President Tukaram Das expressed deep concern for the safety of minorities and ISKCON devotees in Bangladesh during a prayer meeting held on Sunday. He stated, “Today, we organized a prayer meeting. The ISKCON Governing Body Commission has instructed our centers worldwide to hold such prayer meetings. We will recite prayers for the peace and prosperity of the world. We are deeply concerned about the situation of our devotees and other minorities in Bangladesh,” as reported by ANI.

Tukaram Das urged global governments to engage with the Bangladeshi authorities to resolve the ongoing issues peacefully. He highlighted the extensive presence of ISKCON in Odisha, mentioning that the organization has over 100 centers across the state, all of which conducted prayer sessions in solidarity.

The concerns come in the wake of allegations from ISKCON Kolkata that Bangladeshi authorities arrested two monks, Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari, along with Chinmoy Krishna Das, the organization’s secretary. This incident has sparked protests and gatherings among ISKCON devotees, including a demonstration at the Hare Krishna Temple in Bhadaj, Gujarat, where Shyam Charan Das stated, “Given the incidents against Hindus and ISKCON devotees in Bangladesh, we have gathered here today at the Hare Krishna Temple in Bhadaj to express our solidarity. We urge the Bangladeshi government to allow Sanatan devotees the freedom to practice their religion.”

ISKCON’s teachings of peace, compassion, and love

ISKCON’s teachings of peace, compassion, and love were emphasized during the gathering, with participants engaging in Harinam Sankirtan. Shyam Charan Das called for the Indian central government to intervene, asserting that Hindus and minorities in Bangladesh must be protected.

On Saturday, Radha Raman, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, detailed the circumstances surrounding the arrests, stating that the monks were detained by police while returning home after visiting Chinmoy Krishna Das, who had been arrested on sedition charges on November 25. “On November 29, while Adipurush Shyam Das and Ranganath Das Brahmachari were returning after meeting Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, they were arrested by the police. We have also received information that Chinmoy Krishna Das’s secretary has been detained as well,” he said in a self-recorded video.

The situation has drawn attention from the Indian government, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressing concern over the rise of “extremist rhetoric, increasing incidents of violence, and provocation” in Bangladesh. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India has consistently raised the issue of targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities with the Bangladeshi government. He urged the interim government of Bangladesh to ensure the protection of minorities, saying, “We are deeply concerned about the surge in extremist rhetoric, the increasing incidents of violence, and provocation. These developments cannot simply be dismissed as media exaggerations. We once again urge Bangladesh to take all necessary steps to protect minorities and safeguard their interests.”

Bangladesh Arrests Second ISKCON Hindu Priest Amid Protests

November 30, 2024, 5:39 pm

Another spiritual leader was detained by police in Chattogram on Saturday in a series of shocking arrests targeting Hindu priests in Bangladesh. He is identified as Shyam Das Prabhu, comes days after the controversial detention of another Hindu monk, Chinmoy KrishnaDas.

Arrest Without Warrant

Sources confirmed that Shyam Das Prabhu was arrested without an official warrant, provoking an uproar among the local religious community. It was reported that he was going to meet Chinmoy Krishna Das in jail when he was detained by Chattogram Police.

ISKCON Condemns Arrests

The International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has voiced strong condemnation following the arrests. Radharamn Das, Vice-President and Spokesperson for ISKCON Kolkata, shared an update on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming the arrest of Shyam Das Prabhu. “Another Brahmachari, Sri Shyam Das Prabhu, was arrested by Chattogram Police today,” Radharamn Das posted, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding the issue.

Chinmoy Krishna Das’ Ongoing Detention

The arrest of Shyam Das Prabhu follows the detention of Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former ISKCON member, who was taken into custody earlier this week. He was accused in a sedition case and denied bail shortly after his arrest on Monday. His arrest has sparked further concerns about the safety and treatment of Hindu leaders in the region.

Growing Concerns Among Religious Leaders

The arrests of these Hindu monks come amidst rising concerns about religious freedom and the treatment of minority groups in Bangladesh. The detentions have raised alarms about the safety of religious figures, particularly those associated with Hindu spiritual organizations.

As the situation continues to unfold, many are calling for a clearer understanding of the charges against these religious leaders and whether their arrests are politically motivated. The incidents in Chattogram have drawn widespread attention, especially from the international Hindu community, demanding justice and transparency.

Kim And Khloe Kardashian Serve Food To Children At ISKCON Temple | See Here

July 16, 2024, 2:07 pm

Kim Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian had a bustling weekend in Mumbai, attending the wedding and blessing ceremonies of Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant at the Jio World Convention Centre. They also filmed an episode of their reality TV show “The Kardashians” during the festivities. Amid their busy schedule, they made time to visit the ISKCON temple in Juhu, where they participated in serving food to children.

Kim And Khloe Visit to ISKCON Temple

Pictures circulating on social media show Kim and Khloe wearing vibrant dupattas as they engage with schoolchildren at the ISKCON temple. Kim, seated on her knees, is seen smiling and interacting warmly with the kids, draped in an orange and pink dupatta over her attire, adorned with a floral bun.

Khloe, in a white gown, is also pictured with a navy blue and white stole around her neck. The sisters were also captured chatting with Jay Shetty, a British life coach and ISKCON follower.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UrbanAsian (@urbanasian)

Highlights from the Ambani Wedding:

At the Ambani wedding, Kim shared glimpses on Instagram, posing in front of elegant backdrops and capturing moments with Isha Ambani, Anant’s sister, and the newlyweds, Anant and Radhika. In her Instagram posts, Kim expressed her affection for India, stating, “India has my heart.”

Kim, 40, and Khloe arrived in India on Friday, documenting their journey on Instagram, including a rickshaw ride around the city before the main event. Kim’s attire at the wedding, featuring a red outfit with a matching veil, emerald headband, and bracelet, garnered attention.

The Grand Ambani Wedding:

The wedding, held on July 12, attracted a host of notable personalities from various fields, including celebrities, athletes, politicians, and others. The event also featured performances by international artists. Anant Ambani, son of Mukesh Ambani, Asia’s richest man, married Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant.

‘Lord Jagannath Saved Trump’: ISKCON Spokesperson Recalls

July 15, 2024, 12:14 pm

ISKCON, the global Hindu spiritual society, said that former US President Donald Trump nearly avoided an assassination attempt during an election rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday because of Lord Jagannath’s intervention.

ISKCON spokesperson Radharamn Das related this to Donald Trump’s participation in the inaugural Rath Yatra in New York 48 years ago, when he reportedly helped devotees. He urged that Lord Jagannath returned the favor by protecting Trump.

“Yes, for sure it’s a divine intervention. Exactly 48 years ago, Donald Trump saved the Jagannath Rathayatra festival. Today, as the world celebrates the Jagannath Rathayatra festival again, Trump was attacked, and Jagannath returned the favour by saving him,” Das, wrote on X (Formally twitter).

“In July 1976, Donald Trump helped ISKCON devotees organise Rathayatra by providing his train yard for the construction of the raths for free. Today, as the world celebrates the 9-day Jagannath Rathayatra festival, this terrible attack on him and his narrow escape show Jagannath’s intervention”, he added.

Radharamn Das also added, “Nearly 48 years ago, when the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was planning to organize the first Rath Yatra in New York City, they faced numerous challenges. Obtaining a parade permit for Fifth Avenue was a miracle, and finding a large empty site to build the chariots seemed impossible. Despite knocking on many doors without success, it was then that former US President Donald Trump emerged as a ray of hope for the Krishna devotees.”

Yes, for sure it’s a divine intervention.

Exactly 48 years ago, Donald Trump saved the Jagannath Rathayatra festival. Today, as the world celebrates the Jagannath Rathayatra festival again, Trump was attacked, and Jagannath returned the favor by saving him.

In July 1976, Donald… https://t.co/RuTX3tHQnj

— Radharamn Das राधारमण दास (@RadharamnDas) July 14, 2024

Watch: ISKCON Monks Vote In Final Phase of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections In Kolkata

June 1, 2024, 2:09 pm

Monks from ISKCON Temple cast votes in the final phase of Lok Sabha Polls 2024 at a polling station in Kolkata, West Bengal.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Monks from ISKCON Temple in Kolkata cast their votes for the seventh phase of #LokSabhaElections2024 , at a polling station in Kolkata pic.twitter.com/8EwuZPiBJh

— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2024

How To Order ISKCON’s ‘Maha Prasad’ Online via ONDC?

May 22, 2024, 6:46 pm

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is linking customers to a wide range of products on the internet. In the most recent update, the ‘Maha Prasad‘ from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will now be accessible for online ordering through the government’s platform.

“ISKCON’s ‘Maha Prasad’ on the ONDC network is a testament to the evolving landscape of digital commerce where sacred traditions merge with modern convenience,” said T. As per the news, Koshy, MD and CEO, of ONDC, it is an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).

“In the realm of material perception, ‘Prasadam’ acts as both diet and medicine, silently guiding us towards inner peace and contentment,” said Gauranga Das from ISKCON.

ISKCON has teamed up with the domestic logistics platform Ship rocket to distribute the Prasad to devotees nationwide. Ship rocket said that it will “ensure a seamless and reliable delivery experience”, allowing devotees to receive Maha Prasad with the same reverence and sanctity as offered at ISKCON temples worldwide.

“To place an order for Maha Prasad, visit the Paytm and My store buyer apps on ONDC,” said the network.

ONDC was incorporated on December 31, 2021, and it has created a model to change digital commerce, giving greater thrust to the penetration of retail e-commerce in India. In April, ONDC facilitated 7.22 million transactions and onboarded over 5 lakh sellers.

On Rama Navami, ISKCON Delhi will commemorate its 25th anniversary

March 27, 2023, 12:18 pm

The ISKCON temple in East of Kailash, New Delhi, will host its 25th anniversary celebrations from March 26th to March 30th, 2023. More than 4000 people are expected to attend the events each day . A mega youth festival with nearly 4000 college students from Delhi-NCR will begin on March 26th with the theme of promoting and sharing India’s cultural values of peace and harmony, especially in light of its G20 Presidency.