Week Ahead 25 April – 1 May 2025

Dear Friends

Sri Nrsimha Chaturdasi
Appearance Anniversary of Lord Nrsimha
Sunday 11 May 
Fast until dusk (5:39pm)
We are offering two options for active participation in the upcoming Nrsimha Festival. You may take advantage of either or both:
Sri Nrsimha Yagna @3:45pm
The sastra states no yagna is complete without daan (or giving). We therefore invite you to offer a minimum donation of R108 per person. Booking is essential and limited. Please book here.
Maha Abhishek @5:10pm
You are invited to sponsor Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Maha Abhishek.
The cost is R508. Please book here.
Contact Bhakti Katha via WhatsApp 061 464 5327

Call for Written Offerings to Śrīla Prabhupāda
BBT Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā Book 2025
The Vyāsa-pūjā of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda takes place on Sunday, 17 August 2025. You are invited to share your heartfelt appreciation, service reports, and realisations. Offerings for the Pan-African Vyāsa-pūjā book may be submitted anytime from now until Sunday, 1 June. All offerings must be submitted here. Once submitted, a confirmation will be displayed on the webpage.

The Gita Code – Access Your Higher Self
with His Holiness SB Kesava Swami
Saturday 10 May • 12pm-2pm
Venue: Milkwood Theatre
Danville Girls Highschool
21 Middlebrook Avenue, Virginia, Durban North

This dynamic, soul-stirring seminar will empower you to:
• Discover your deeper purpose
• Rise above life’s chaos with spiritual clarity
• Make powerful, aligned decisions
• Connect with the divine force behind it all

Led by SB Keshava Swami—a world-traveling monk, social media sensation, and spiritual mentor with roots in centuries-old wisdom—you’ll uncover why the Bhagavad Gita is the timeless guidebook for modern living.

What to Expect:
• A soulful opening act by Bhakti Theatre
• A 10-minute mantra sound immersion to elevate your vibe
• Live audience giveaways & interactive surprises

Whether you’re a curious seeker, a stressed student, a busy professional, or simply craving something real—this experience speaks to you. Book here

Week Ahead

Saturday 26 April
Transcendental Dairies Class @7:30am
by His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami

Sri Vyasa-Puja of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami @2:30pm
New Jagannath Puri Temple

Sunday 27 April
Krishna Book Class @7:30am 
by His Grace Jaisacinandana Das

Love Feast @11am
The Importance of a Spiritual Community
With His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami 

Gaura Hari Prema Nama-hatta (Clare Estate) @3pm
Danger At Every Step
with His Grace Madhumangal Das
Venue: Kampara Conference Centre
Kampara Business Park, 490 Clare Road, Clare Estate
Queries: Paramatma Das on +27765495474 via WhatsApp 

Monday 28 April
Krishna Prema Nama-hatta (Unit 6/7) @7pm
Bhagavad-gita Discussion
Shantik Foundation – corner of road 729/741, Montford, Chatsworth

Wednesday 30 April
Akshaya Tritiya

Nitai Gaura Prema Nama-hatta (Saptah Mandir) @6:30pm
Mahatmas
with His Grace Shyamadyuti Das
Venue: Saptah Mandir
5 Whittaker Avenue, Reservoir Hills
Queries: Paramatma Das on +27765495474 via WhatsApp 

Save the Date

His Holiness SB Kesava Swami Visits
Friday 9 May – Tuesday 13 May
Maharaja will be giving morning classes and celebrating Sri Nrsimha Chaturdasi with us.

Reminders

ISKCON Durban Guesthouse
Call/WhatsApp +27 (0)65 678 9654
guesthouse@iskcondurban.net

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

2025 Durban Festival of Chariots Complete Guide

Dear Friends

2025 Durban Festival of Chariots is this weekend!
18-21 April • Bay of Plenty
We cannot wait to see you! Please click here for the comprehensive festival guide. You may also visit our social media pages for festival highlights.

We look forward to seeing you at the festival. 

You can connect with us at the festival at the ISKCON Durban • Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Connect Tent
Daily • 12pm-9pm
Connect, Collaborate, Cultivate
If you love the energy, the devotion, and the vibrant atmosphere of the festival and want to carry that spirit beyond, then the ISKCON Durban Connect Tent is your gateway to making lasting heart-to-heart connections and becoming a part of our growing community.

At ISKCON Durban, we offer 19 unique avenues for you to stay engaged and connected throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for spiritual growth, service opportunities, or simply want to connect with like-minded souls, we’ve got something for you.

As we celebrate 40 years of the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple in Durban, we reflect on how our temple has become a pillar of service and support for the local community. Come learn about our rich history, exciting anniversary celebrations, and how YOU can get involved in making the next 40 years even more impactful.

But that’s not all—exclusive ISKCON Durban merchandise, unique maha jewellery, and other special items will be available for you to take home as a cherished reminder of this transformative experience.

So why wait? Connect, collaborate, and cultivate the bonds that will nurture your spiritual journey—visit us at the ISKCON Durban Connect Tent! Let’s make a difference together, one connection at a time.

Note: There will be no Love Feast on Sunday, 20 April. 

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

The Countdown to the Durban Festival of Chariots Begins!

Dear Friends

2025 Durban Festival of Chariots News
The latest issue of Hare Krishna News highlights some aspects of the festival, offers a craft for young ones to make and use at the parade, and more. Please view/download here.

Bus Service from Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
Friday 18 April
The bus leaves the temple at 8:30am and the site at 9:30pm. (Applicable to New Jagannath Puri Temple on this day as well.)
Saturday 19 April
The bus leaves the temple at 10:30am, and leaves the site at 10pm.
Sunday 20 April
The bus leaves the temple at 10:30am, and leaves the site at 9:30pm.
Monday 21 April 
The bus leaves the temple at 10:30am, and leaves the site at 9pm.

Week Ahead

Saturday 12 April
Appearance Anniversary of Radha Kund
Hanuman Jayanti
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
by His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami

Westville UKZN Campus Nama-hatta @3pm
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4
Discussion with His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami
UKZN Westville Hindu Centre
RSVP: Gaura Premi Devi Dasi via WhatsApp 084 623 9164

Florida Road Harinam @7pm
Starting point: Car of Florida & Curry Roads

Sunday 13 April
Krishna Book Class @7:30am 
by His Grace Ranga Devi Dasi

Snana Yatra at New Jagannath Puri Temple @9am
Bus Service to Attend Snana Yatra
A bus will leave Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple at 8:30am and return from New Jagannath Puri Temple at 2pm. Note: there is no reserved seating and subject to a first come first served basis.

Love Feast @11am
Pastimes of Lord Jagannath
with His Grace Medhavi Das (ACBSP)

Maha Harinama @4:30pm
In honour of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami
with His Grace Savyasaci Das, His Grace Harinamananda Das and His Grace Nitai Pada Kamala Das
Starting at Mini Town Carpark
114 Snell Parade 

Monday 14 April
Krishna Prema Nama-hatta (Unit 6/7) @7pm
Shantik Foundation – corner of road 729/741, Montford, Chatsworth

Wednesday 16 April
Nitai Gaura Prema Nama-hatta (Saptah Mandir) @6:30pm
Pastimes & History of Jagannath in Rajapur
with His Grace Jagannath Priya Das
Venue: Saptah Mandir
5 Whittaker Avenue, Reservoir Hills (Entrance through Mountbatten Drive)
Queries: Paramatma Das on +27765495474 via WhatsApp 

Save the Date

Saturday 26 April @2:30pm
Sri Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami
New Jagannatha Puri Temple 

Reminders

ISKCON Durban Guesthouse
Call/WhatsApp +27 (0)65 678 9654
guesthouse@iskcondurban.net

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

Week Ahead 4-13 April 2025

Dear Friends

Sri Rama Naumi Festival Guide
Appearance Anniversary of Lord Ramachandra
Sunday 6 April
Fast until noon.

In Temple
4:30am Mangal Arati & Kirtan
5:15am Japa
7:15am Srila Prabhupada’s Guru-puja
7:30am Greeting Sri Sri Radha Radhanath in Their new outfit
7:45am Special Class: The Glories of Lord Ramachandra Part 2
by His Grace Smita Krishna Das
9:00am Fruit, Flower & Lamp Offerings
12:30pm Arati & Kirtan by His Grace Isvara Puri Das

Lotus Market 9am-3pm
Browse through the array of stalls offering vegan & vegetarian snacks, Eastern and Western clothing, skincare, perfumes, crystal and gemstone items, jewellery, crafts, gopi dots & face painting, bakery, fresh fruit, veg & nuts, and more. There will also be a kids' activity area.

Free Vegetarian Meals will be served from 10am

Sri Rama Naumi Cultural Festival
(Marquee next to the free meals tent.)
10:15am Venkateswara Raam Bhajan Society from car park to marquee
11:30am Rama Katha by His Grace Jagadananda Pundit Das
12:15pm Traditional Hindi Rama Bhajans by Kanhaiya Das Singh
12.50pm Solo Dance by Rivati Laldeo from Nidhivan Dance Academy
1:00pm Ram Bhajans by Rossburgh Shree Raam Bhajan Group
2:05pm Dance by Nidhivan Dance Academy
2:10pm Bhojpuri Rama Bhajans by His Grace Krishnastami Das
3:15pm Dance by Radhe Shyam Dance Academy
3:30pm San Productions till close 

2025 Durban Festival of Chariots News
Snana Yatra at New Jagannath Puri Temple
Sunday 13 April @9am
Snana Yatra is celebrated as the day when Krishna first assumed His Lord Jagannath form. In this form, Krishna becomes ecstatic from hearing His own glories told by Mother Rohini to the Queens of Dwarka. Due to His ecstatic emotions, Krishna’s hands and legs became short and withdrew into his body. His eyes grew wide and He had a huge smile. His brother, Balaram and sister, Subhadra were also hearing these pastimes and their limbs also withdrew into their bodies. 

The Srimad Bhagavatam 11.27.16 states: “In worshiping the temple Deity, my dear Uddhava, bathing and decoration are the most pleasing offerings.” Devotees get special mercy by bathing Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. Generally, only brahmanas are allowed to bathe the Deities but on Snana Yatra, everyone is allowed to bathe the Deities. Jagannath showers His mercy on everyone!

Bus Service to Attend Snana Yatra
A bus will leave Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple at 8:30am and return from New Jagannath Puri Temple at 2pm. Note: there is no reserved seating and it is subject to a first come first served basis. 

Week Ahead

Saturday 5 April
Special Class @7:30am
The Glories of Lord Ramachandra Part 1
by His Grace Raghava Caitanya Das

North Beach Harinama @5:30pm
Starting point: Mini Town Carpark

Sunday 6 April
Sri Rama Naumi
The Appearance Anniversary of Lord Ramachandra
Fast until noon.
Please see festival details at the beginning of this email. 

Monday 7 April
Krishna Prema Nama-hatta (Unit 6/7) @7pm
Shantik Foundation – corner of road 729/741, Montford, Chatsworth

Tuesday 8 April
Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes.

Gaura Hari Prema Nama-hatta (Clare Estate) @6:30pm
Looking for Pieces of Broken Glass
with His Grace Madhumangal Das
Venue: Kampara Conference Centre
Kampara Business Park, 490 Clare Road, Clare Estate
Queries: Paramatma Das on +27765495474 via WhatsApp 

Wednesday 9 April 
Ekadasi Break Fast 06:11 – 10:01

Nitai Gaura Prema Nama-hatta (Saptah Mandir) @6:30pm
Sri Rama’s Exile
with His Grace Anantadeva Das
Venue: Saptah Mandir
5 Whittaker Avenue, Reservoir Hills
Queries: Paramatma Das on +27765495474 via WhatsApp 

Saturday 12 April
Appearance Anniversary of Radha Kund
Hanuman Jayanti

Save the Date

Sunday 13 April @4:30pm
Maha Harinama in honour of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami
with His Grace Savyasaci Das, His Grace Harinamananda Das and His Grace Nitai Pada Kamala Das
Starting at Mini Town Carpark
114 Snell Parade 

Saturday 26 April @2:30pm
Sri Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami 
New Jagannatha Puri Temple 

Reminders

ISKCON Durban Guesthouse
Call/WhatsApp +27 (0)65 678 9654
guesthouse@iskcondurban.net

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

Sri Rama Naumi 2025 Festival Guide

Dear Friends

2025 Durban Festival of Chariots News
Sunshine Parade
Friday 18 April @11am
Route: Starting at the car park opposite Tropicana Hotel, proceeding north on Upper Marine Parade, at Mini Town turning left into Lower Marine Parade, and finishing at the North Beach Bay of Plenty Amphitheatre. This route is 2km. Duration: Approximately 3 hours.
Shuttle Service to the Parade Start Point
Take advantage of the shuttle service from the festival parking to the start of the Parade. This service will be operational from 8am onwards.

Week Ahead

Saturday 29 March
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
by Her Grace Gaura Premi Devi Dasi

Monthly Sankirtan Festival @9am
Meet at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Book Office. Book packs, teams, and spots will be provided. Return at 2:00pm for realizations and the special feast.
Contact: Radha Raman Das 076 587 9558

FFL Durban South at Bangladesh Market @10am
If you would like to get involved or contribute to this feeding, please call Ramananda Priya Das at 082 698 3089.

Westville UKZN Campus Nama-hatta @3pm
Super Saturday – Souls Who Met Srila Prabhupada in SA
We will hear from Her Grace Karuna-sakti Dasi who was at Luxmi Narayan Hall in Mobeni Heights and Bhaktin Rookmin Sewbhajan at the University of Durban-Westville.
UKZN Westville Hindu Centre
RSVP: Gaura Premi Devi Dasi via WhatsApp 084 623 9164

Florida Road Harinama @7pm
Starting point: Car of Florida and Curry Roads.

Sunday 30 March
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
by Her Grace Ranga Devi Dasi

Love Feast @11am
Pastimes of Lord Jagannath 
by His Grace Ramanujacharya Das (ACBSP)

Monday 31 March
Krishna Prema Nama-hatta (Unit 6/7) @7pm
Srila Prabhupada Video
Shantik Foundation – corner of road 729/741, Montford, Chatsworth

Tuesday 1 April
Gaura Hari Prema Nama-hatta (Clare Estate) @6:30pm
The Mercy of Lord Caitanya
with His Grace Doyal Caitanya Das
Venue: Kampara Conference Centre
Kampara Business Park, 490 Clare Road, Clare Estate
Queries: Paramatma Das on +27765495474 via WhatsApp 

Wednesday 2 April
Nitai Gaura Prema Nama-hatta (Saptah Mandir) @6:30pm
The Cup of Life
with His Grace Doyal Caitanya Das
Venue: Saptah Mandir
5 Whittaker Avenue, Reservoir Hills
Queries: Paramatma Das on +27765495474 via WhatsApp 

Sri Rama Naumi Festival Guide
Appearance Anniversary of Lord Ramachandra
Sunday 6 April
Fast until noon.

In Temple 
Fruit, Flower & Lamp Offerings from 9am
12:30pm Arati & Kirtan by His Grace Isvara Puri Das 

Lotus Market 9am-3pm
Browse through the array of stalls offering vegan & vegetarian snacks, Eastern and Western clothing, skincare, perfumes, crystal and gemstone items, jewellery, crafts, gopi dots & face painting, bakery, fresh fruit, veg & nuts, and more. There will also be a kids' activity area. 

Free Vegetarian Meals will be served from 10am

Sri Rama Naumi Cultural Festival 
(Marquee next to the free meals tent.) 
10:15am Venkateswara Raam Bhajan Society from car park to marquee
11:30am Rama Katha by His Grace Jagadananda Pundit Das
12:15pm Traditional Hindi Rama Bhajans by Kanhaiya Das Singh
12.50pm Solo Dance by Rivati Laldeo from Nidhivan Dance Academy
1:00pm Ram Bhajans by Rossburgh Shree Raam Bhajan Group
2:05pm Dance by Nidhivan Dance Academy
2:10pm Bhojpuri Rama Bhajans by His Grace Krishnastami Das
3:15pm Dance by Radhe Shyam Dance Academy
3:30pm San Productions till close 

Save the Date

Snana Yatra
Sunday 13 April @9am
New Jagannath Puri Temple 

Reminders

ISKCON Durban Guesthouse
Call/WhatsApp +27 (0)65 678 9654
guesthouse@iskcondurban.net

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

Week Ahead 20-27 March 2025

Dear Friends

2025 Durban Festival of Chariots News
Easter Weekend (18-21 April)
Bay of Plenty Lawns & Amphitheatre
You can help spread festival news, highlights, and events from the palm of your hand. Follow, like, and share the festival's social media posts on your Facebook, Instagram and TikTok pages. You can also share highlights on your WhatsApp status and WhatsApp community groups. Remember to tag us when you post.

Become part of this festival by volunteering your time, energy, and skills to make it a grand success. Simply complete the service form here or connect with Balaram Das on 082 881 4521.

We will be sharing highlights in the coming weeks. 

Radhanath’s Gifts Canvas Prints Restock!
Our range of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath canvas prints is back in stock. From A5 to A0 – these frames make wonderful gifts, update your altar, or beautify your home with the Lord. Prices range from R100 to R890.

Week Ahead

Saturday 22 March
Sri Srivas Pandit’s Appearance Anniversary
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
by His Grace Virabhadra Das

Westville UKZN Campus Nama-hatta @3pm
Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 4
Discussion with Her Grace Maha Lakshmi Dasi
UKZN Westville Hindu Centre
RSVP: Gaura Premi Devi Dasi via WhatsApp 084 623 9164

Harinama @5pm
Yellowwood Park
Starting point: Yellowwood Park Superspar Parking (Pelican Place)

Sunday 23 March
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
by Her Grace Ranga Devi Dasi 

Love Feast @11am
Who is Lord Jagannath? 
by His Grace Radhika Jivana Das 

Monday 24 March
Unit 6/7 Nama-hatta @7pm
Shantik Foundation – corner of road 729/741, Montford, Chatsworth

Tuesday 25 March
Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes.

Wednesday 26 March
Ekadasi Break Fast 06:03 – 10:01

Save the Date

Saturday 29 March
Monthly Sankirtan Festival @9am
Meet at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Book Office. Book packs, teams, and spots will be provided. Return at 2:00pm for realizations and the special feast.
Contact: Radha Raman Das 076 587 9558

FFL Durban South at Bangladesh Market @10am
If you would like to get involved or contribute towards this feeding, please contact Ramananda Priya Das on 082 698 3089. 

Sunday 6 April
Sri Rama Naumi

Reminders

ISKCON Durban Guesthouse
Call/WhatsApp +27 (0)65 678 9654
guesthouse@iskcondurban.net

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

Week Ahead 14-20 March 2025

Dear Friends

2025 Durban Festival of Chariots News
Easter Weekend (18-21 April)
Bay of Plenty Lawns & Amphitheatre
The Festival of Chariots offers connection beyond racial, cultural, and social borders that resonates universally. It will showcase the transformative power of bhakti – the yoga of love and devotion to the Lord and offer a joyous convergence of diversity.

Volunteer your time, energy, and skills to make this festival a grand success. Call or WhatsApp Balaram Das on 082 881 4521.

As a non-profit organisation, we rely on donations to keep the festival accessible and free for all. We need the support of individuals who believe in the transformative power of this event, to help raise funds. Contributions, no matter the size, become the fuel that propels the Festival forward. Please find below bank details to share with family, friends, colleagues, and contacts.
Bank Details:
Account Holder ISKCON
Bank Nedbank
Branch Chatsworth
Branch Code 132226
Account No. 1322113971
Reference 
Please send proof of payment to dfoc@iskcondurban.net

We will be sharing more information in the coming weeks. 

Week Ahead

Sri Gaura Purnima Festival Day 1
Sri Gaura Purnima – Appearance Anniversary of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Friday 14 March
Fast until moonrise (6:22pm)

6:15pm Prasad serve out begins.
7:00pm Gaura Arati & Kirtan
7:20pm Durban Festival of Chariots Update
7:30pm Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s Maha Abhisek
8:00pm Special Class by His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami
9:00pm Arati & Kirtan

Sri Gaura Purnima Festival Day 2
Sounding the Mrdanga & Brhat Mrdanga!
Jagannath Mishra Festival
Saturday 15 March

Festival of Jagannath Misra Class @7:30am
by Her Grace Rukmini Devi Dasi 

Sri Gaura Purnima Sankirtan Festival @9:30am
Meet at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Book Office. Book packs, teams, and spots will be provided. Return at 2:00pm for realizations and the special feast.
Contact: Radha Raman Das 076 587 9558

Jagannath Mishra Feast @2pm
Kindly register here. 

Sri Gaura Purnima Maha Harinama @3pm
Various Locations
Join a Harinam Party or venture out with family & friends or even go solo. We aim to host multiple harinams in and around Durban at the SAME time! Thus the sacred sound of the Holy Name will resound all over Durban – flooding our city with the treasure of divine love!
Virabhadra Das is ready to connect you to a Harinam Party or help you create your own! Contact him on 071 870 0588

Sri Gaura Purnima Festival Day 3
Sunday 16 March

Special Morning Class @7:30am
No Other Way, Now Other Way, No Other Way – Exploring the Siksatakam Part 2 
by Her Grace Vaishnava Priya Dasi 

Love Feast @11am
Temple Parikrama with Lord Caitanya 
Class: Lord Caitanya’s Glories
By His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das 

Reminders

ISKCON Durban Guesthouse
Call/WhatsApp +27 (0)65 678 9654
guesthouse@iskcondurban.net

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net