Week Ahead 17-23 November 2023

Dear Friends

WhatsApp Migration

Why are we moving from WhatsApp Broadcast to WhatsApp Channels?
1. More protection of your personal information – you do not need to share your cell number and we do not need to save your number on a database.
2. You can respond to posts with emojis.
3. WhatsApp channels comply with local and international privacy laws. One follower cannot view or access another follower’s personal information.

Messages will be sent via the broadcast and the ISKCON Durban channel during migration. You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp ISKCON Durban News channel for darshan, news and event updates. Please use this link or the QR code on the side panel to subscribe. If you experience any issues, please check that your WhatsApp is updated. 

Week Ahead

Friday 17 November
Disappearance Anniversary of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Fast until midday
You are invited to bring flower garlands, bouquets, and food offerings for Srila Prabhupada. Food offerings must be handed in at the Amphitheatre by 11am. 

Midday Festival
10:30am Damodarastaka followed by offering of lamps
11:15am Srila Prabhupada Maha Abhishek
11:45am Class by His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami
12:30pm Rajbhoga Arati & Kirtan
1:00pm Puspanjali & Guru-puja to Srila Prabhupada
1:30pm: Prasad Feast

Evening Festival
6:00pm Damodarastaka followed by offering of lamps
6:30pm Kirtan
7:00pm Gaura Arati & Kirtan
7:15pm Devotees assemble at Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasasana
7:20pm Arati to Srila Prabhupada
7:35pm Bhajan: Swa Parsada Bhagavad Viraha Janita Vilapa
7:45pm Homages from His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami and His Grace Ramanujacarya Das
8:30pm Light Prasad

Saturday 18 November
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Balaram Das (PSDG)

Westville Nama-hatta @3pm
The Glories of Kartik 
with His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami
Venue: UKZN Westville Hindu Centre
Queries: Paramatma Das via WhatsApp 076 549 5474 

Kirtan Durban @5pm
Kirtan Immersion – A Guided Sacred Sound Meditation 
Eagles View Yoga Studio
4 Galloway Lane, Winston Park, Gilletts
Spaces are limited and booking is essential. Book here.

Sunday 19 November
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
with His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami

Love Feast @11am
The Art of Mind Control
with His Grace Jagadananda Pandit Das

Kartik Kids • 11am-1pm
Art & Craft Day

Monday 20 November
Gopastami
Krishna and Balaram started herding the cows on this day. Prior to this, They tended to the calves only. 

Bhishma Panchaka
23-27 November

Thursday 23 November
Ekadasi – Fast from grains, beans & legumes.
Srila Gaura Kisor Das Babaji’s Disappearance Anniversary
Fast until midday.
The Festival will begin at 11:30am

Friday 24 November
Ekadasi Break Fast 04:48 – 09:24

Reminders

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 10-17 November 2023

Dear Friends

 
Within the next seven days, we celebrate two of the most anticipated festivals in the Vaishnava calendar: Sri Govardhan Puja and the Disappearance Anniversary of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Please find the festival schedules in the Week Ahead. 
 
We wish you and your family a bhakti-filled Diwali. Note we will be hosting a special Diwali Love Feast on Sunday 12 November @11am. 
 
Govinda’s and Radhanath’s Gifts
Diwali Extended Trading Times
Govinda’s has a wide range of the finest quality Indian sweets and Radhanath’s Gifts has a beautiful range of 100% cotton outfits for girls and women, T-shirts for boys and men and so much more.
Friday 10 November 9 am – 6 pm
Saturday 11 November 9 am – 6 pm
Sunday 12 November 9 am – 2 pm
 
Week Ahead

Saturday 11 November
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Bhakta Nischay
 
Westville Nama-hatta @3pm
A Kartik Meditation: Who could be more merciful than Narada Muni?
with His Grace Jagadananda Pandit Das
Venue: UKZN Westville Hindu Centre
Queries: Paramatma Das via WhatsApp 076 549 5474 
 
Kartik Evening @5:30pm
with His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami 
Light prasad will be served.
 
Sunday 12 November
Diwali (Hindu)
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
with His Grace Jaisacinandana Das
 
Love Feast @11am
The Return of Lord Rama
with His Grace Smita Krishna Das
 
Kartik Kids • 11am-1pm
Krishna Storytelling & Drama
 
Monday 13 November 
Diwali (Vaishnava)
 
Tuesday 14 November 
Govardhan Puja
Festival Schedule
7:00am Srila Prabhupada’s guru-puja
7:15am Greeting the Deities in Their new outfit
7:20am Offering of lamps
7:45am Special Class by Her Grace Gaura Bhumi Devi Dasi
 
10:00am Damodarastaka followed by offering of lamps
10:30am Sri Giriraj Govardhan Maha Abhishek & kirtan
11:30am Festival Class by Her Grace Rukmini Devi Dasi
12:00pm Giriraj Arati & Kirtan 
12:15pm Circumambulation of Govardhan Hill & Kirtan
12:30pm Rajbhoga Arati & Kirtan
1:15pm Prasad Feast

Govardhan Puja – Deity Seva

Sponsor to help build Govardhan Hill – R508

(Note: there is a limited amount of spaces available for this service.)

Contact Ishara via WhatsApp 063 297 4398

Govardhan Maha Abhishek – R508
Book here

Contact Bhakti Katha via WhatsApp 061 464 5327
 
Wednesday 15 November
Lotus Park Nama-hatta @7pm
Govardhan Rediscovered
with His Grace Smita Krishna Das
Supper will be served
Queries: Dayal Caitanya Das 083 557 1062
 
Friday 17 November 
Disappearance Anniversary of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Fast until midday
Festival Schedule
7:00am Guru-puja to Srila Prabhupada
7:15am Greeting the Deities
7:20am Offering of lamps
7:45am Class on Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance by His Grace Radhika Jivana Das
 
10:30am Damodarastaka followed by offering of lamps
11:15am Srila Prabhupada Maha Abhishek
11:45am Homages to His Divine Grace and talks
12:30pm Rajbhoga Arati & Kirtan
1:00pm Puspanjali & Guru-puja to Srila Prabhupada
1:30pm: Prasad Feast
 
6:00pm Damodarastaka followed by offering of lamps
6:30pm Kirtan
7:00pm Gaura Arati & Kirtan
7:15pm Devotees assemble at Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasasana
7:20pm Arati to Srila Prabhupada 
7:40pm Homages
8:30pm Light Prasad
 
Reminders

Kartik Sponsorships

Daily Offerings

Ghee lamps R508

Evening Prasad R758

Vaishnava Seva

Devotee breakfast (standard R1008)

Devotee lunch (R2008)

Contact Ishara via WhatsApp 063 297 4398
 
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 3-9 November 2023

 Dear Friends 

 

Kartik Truck Schedule (Week 2)

Saturday 4 November: Clare State & Reservoir Hills

Sunday 5 November: Park Rynie, Umkomaas & Illovo

Monday 6 November: Woodhurst (Unit 10), Chatsworth  

Tuesday 7 November: Woodhurst (Unit 10), Chatsworth

Wednesday 8 November: Croftdene (Unit 5), Chatsworth

Thursday 9 November: Croftdene (Unit 5), Chatsworth

Friday 10 November: Arena Park (Unit 6), Chatsworth

 

Daily Kartik Sponsorships

Daily Offerings

Ghee lamps R508

Evening Prasad R758

 

Vaishnava Seva

Devotee breakfast (standard R1008)

Devotee lunch (R2008)

Contact Ishara via WhatsApp 063 297 4398

 

Govardhan Puja – Deity Seva

14 November

Help build Govardhan Hill

Sponsorship – R508

(Note: there is a limited amount of spaces available for this service.)

Contact Ishara via WhatsApp 063 297 4398

 

Govardhan Maha Abhishek – R508

Contact Bhakti Katha via WhatsApp 061 464 5327

 

Week Ahead

Saturday 4 November

Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am

By His Grace Bhakta Nashvin

 

Kartik Sankirtan Festival • 10am-12:30pm

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Prasad Marquee

Book packs, teams and spots to be provided

Lunch prasad will be served. Contact: sankirtanoffice@iskcondurban.net or Radha Raman Das 076 587 9558

 

Kartik Festival @3pm

with His Grace Smita Krishna Das

Venue: Salligram Hall, 346 Clare Road, Clare Hills

Queries: Sarvanga Sundri Devi Dasi 071 381 8886

 

Kartik Evening @5:30pm

with His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami 

5:30pm Kirtan

6:00pm Class by Maharaja

7:00pm Gaura Arati & Kirtan

7:20pm Singing of Damodarastaka followed by offering of lamps

7:45pm Altar closes

Light prasad will be served.

 

Sunday 5 November

Krishna Book Class @7:30am

with Her Grace Ranga Devi Dasi

 

Love Feast @11am

Jiva – Our Connection with the Supreme Jiva

with Her Grace Champakalata Devi Dasi

 

Kartik Kids • 11am-1pm

Bhajan & Kirtan Workshop

 

Thursday 9 November

Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes.

 

Friday 10 November 

Ekadasi Break Fast 04:55 - 09:07

  

Reminders

 

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 27 October – 2 November 2023

Dear Friends

It’s that time of year again –the Month of Damodar, Kartik (28 October – 27 November) – our chance to bind Lord Krishna with our love. One can perform various devotions during this sacred time, including the much-cherished offering of a lamp to Mother Yashoda and Sri Krishna and the singing of the beautiful Damodarastaka. Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple encourages as many people to offer lamps as possible – either at the Temple or in your area. Here is the schedule (week 1) for the Kartik Truck:
Saturday 28 October Avoca
Sunday 29 October Mobeni
Monday 30 October Havenside
Tuesday 31 October Bayview
Wednesday 1 November Bayview
Thursday 2 November Westcliff
Friday 3 November Westcliff

Sharad Purnima – 1st Night of Kartik – See Week Ahead for details.

Radhanath’s Gifts
New stock just unpacked. Men’s and boys’ cotton kurtas, t-shirts, stretch sari blouses, dots, gopi outfits, kurtis, and everyday wear punjabis for just R220.
Radhanath’s Gifts will be open until 6pm on Saturday 28 October.

Kartik Sankirtan Festival
Every Kartik Saturday • 10am-12:30pm
28th October; 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th November
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Prasad Marquee
Book packs, teams and spots to be provided
Lunch prasad will be served. Contact: sankirtanoffice@iskcondurban.net or Radha Raman Das 076 587 9558

ISKCON Durban WhatsApp Book Store
We have just launched our WhatsApp Book Store. Browse through the full catalogue, read reviews and/or synopsis, and select and place your order. The Book Office admin will get in touch with you once your order has been placed. Note: we deliver anywhere in South Africa (delivery is charged separately).
Save the contact: 079 378 9762

Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture presents
Kartik Kids
Every Kartik Sunday • 11am-1pm
An Intro to Kartik • 29 October
Bhajan & Kirtan Workshop • 5 November
Krishna Lila Storytelling & Drama • 12 November
Devotional Arts & Crafts • 19 November
Sharing Your Kartik Experience • 26 November
For children between 6 – 16 years old. Certificates will be awarded to all who participate in at least four classes. Make your child’s Kartik memorable by enrolling them in this class designed especially for them. Register here. Queries Balaram Das 082 877 0753

Daily Kartik Sponsorships
Clay lamps (R508 per day)
Evening prasad (R758 per day)
For all sponsorships and festival offerings contact Ishara via WhatsApp 063 297 4398

Week Ahead

Saturday 28 October
Kartik begins – Sharad Purnima
Sri Krsna Saradiya Rasayatra
4th Month of Chaturmasya – Fast from urad dal for one month.
Note: Lamp offerings will begin on Saturday night and after that be available throughout the day during the month of Kartik.

Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Virabhadra Das

Sharad Purnima Festival – 1st Night of Kartik
5:30pm Kirtan
6:00pm Class by His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami
7:00pm Darshan of the Deities in Their new outfit. Arati & Kirtan
7:25pm Singing of the Damodarastaka followed by the first offering of lamps to Lord Damodar and Mother Yashoda
7:45pm Prasad
8:30pm Arati & offering of lamps

Sunday 29 October
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
with Her Grace Gangamata Goswamini Devi Dasi

Love Feast @11am
Isvara – One of the Five Truths in Bhagavad-Gita
with His Grace Jaisacinandana Das

Reminders

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 20-26 October 2023

Dear Friends

Kartik 2023
28 October – 27 November

Your Kartik Seva Guide
We didn’t want you to miss out on this extraordinary time of year and have therefore arranged numerous events, classes, and service opportunities for you. 

Kartik Sankirtan Festival: Share bhakti during the Month of Damodar
Every Kartik Saturday • 10am-12:30pm
28th October; 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th November
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Prasad Marquee
Book packs, teams and spots to be provided
Lunch prasad will be served.
Contact: sankirtanoffice@iskcondurban.net or Radha Raman Das 076 587 9558

Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture presents 
Kartik Kids
Every Kartik Sunday • 11am-1pm
An Intro to Kartik • 29 October
Bhajan & Kirtan Workshop • 5 November
Krishna Lila Storytelling & Drama • 12 November
Devotional Arts & Crafts • 19 November
Sharing Your Kartik Experience • 26 November
For children between 6 – 16 years old. Certificates will be awarded to all who participate in at least four classes. Make your child’s Kartik memorable by enrolling them in this class designed especially for them. Register here Queries Balaram Das 082 877 0753

Kartik Sponsorships
Daily Kartik Sponsorships
Clay lamps (R508 per day)
Evening prasad (R758 per day) 

Govardhan Puja Festival Sponsorships (14 November)
Sponsorships available for
Hill Setup (R508)

Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day Sponsorships (17 November)

For all sponsorships and festival offerings contact Ishara via WhatsApp 063 297 4398

Week Ahead

Saturday 21 October
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Vishvarupa Das

Westville Nama-hatta @3pm
Significance of the Holy Month of Kartik
With His Grace Jaisacinandana Das
University Hindu Centre
UKZN Westville Campus
Queries: Paramatma Das 076 549 5474

Sunday 22 October
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath’s 38th Installation Anniversary
4:30am Mangal Arati
7:00am Greeting of the Deities in Their flower outfit
7:15am Srila Prabhupada’s Guru-puja
7:30am Krishna Book Class with Her Grace Surabhi Kunje Devi Dasi

Anniversary Celebration
Note: the boat festival has been cancelled due to inclement weather. You are invited to bring gifts of ghee, flowers and anniversary cards.
11:00am Srila Prabhupada’s Guru-puja
11:30am A beacon of hope 38 years on: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple by Her Grace Krsangi Radhe Dasi
12:30pm Arati & Kirtan
1:00pm Prasad Feast

Monday 23 October
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Wednesday 25 October
Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes.

Thursday 26 October
Ekadasi Break fast 05:07 – 06:16
Srila Raghunath Das Gosvami’s Disappearance Anniversary
Srila Raghunath Bhatta Gosvami’s Disappearance Anniversary
Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami’s Disappearance Anniversary

Saturday 28 October
Kartik begins – Sharad Purnima
Sri Krsna Saradiya Rasayatra
4th Month of Chaturmasya – Fast from urad dal for one month.
Note: Lamp offerings will begin on Saturday night and thereafter be available throughout the day during the month of Kartik. 

Reminders

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 13-19 October 2023

Dear Friends 

Why are we moving from WhatsApp Broadcast to WhatsApp Channels?
1. More protection of your personal information – you do not need to share you cell number and we do not need to save your number on a database.
2. You can respond to posts with emojis.
3. WhatsApp channels comply with local and international privacy laws. One follower cannot view or access another follower’s personal information.

We aim to complete this migration by Thursday 30 November 2023. Messages will be sent via the broadcast as well as the ISKCON Durban channel during the migration period. You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp ISKCON Durban News channel for darshan, news and event updates. Please subscribe here.

Bhakti Theatre performs The Divine Song at the 2023 Community Arts Festival at The Playhouse 
Friday 27 October @3pm
Saturday 28 October @3pm
The show is free however booking is essential. Please email temple@iskcondurban.net with your name and surname.
About The Divine Song
Written and Directed by Rukmini Devi Dasi and Girisha Naicker
The Divine Song is an adaptation of “The Gita,” written and directed by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami.
Thembi, a teenager raised in a rural village by her Gogo, receives a scholarship from a prominent high school in the city. She encounters the city’s allures and cold reception. Wanting to fit in and belong, she sacrifices the values she was raised with. Her world collapses when she learns that her Gogo suffered a heart attack, and in that very moment of grief she receives a book, The Bhagavad Gita – The Divine Song. While reading The Divine Song on her journey back to village, Thembi relates to Arjuna the protagonist, who is a warrior perplexed by the impending death of his beloved family. Arjuna approaches Krishna, the Supreme Wise Mystic, who is the main character in the book and through their conversation, Thembi questions the eternality of spirit, explores the nature of the mind, and finds solace for her grieving heart.

Week Ahead

Saturday 14 October
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Bhagavata-dharma Das

Westville Nama-hatta @3pm
An afternoon of services by the Youth
University Hindu Centre
UKZN Westville Campus
Queries: Paramatma Das 076 549 5474

Sunday 15 October
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
By His Grace Harinamananda Das

Love Feast @11am
Gifts of Lord Caitanya besides The Holy Hame
with His Grace Bhagavata-dharma Das

Monday 16 October
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Reminders

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 6-12 October 2023

Dear Friends

Week Ahead

Saturday 7 October
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das

Sri Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami @5:30pm
Special guests: His Holiness Indradyumna Swami and His Grace Ramanujacharya Das 

Sunday 8 October
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
By Her Grace Gaura Premi Devi Dasi

Love Feast @11am
Serve With Purpose – Appreciation Celebration
with His Grace Swarup Damodar Das

Monday 9 October
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Tuesday 10 October
Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes. 

Wednesday 11 October 
Ekadasi Break Fast
05:23 – 09:36

Reminders

ISKCON Durban WhatsApp Channel
You can now subscribe to our WhatsApp ISKCON Durban Channel for darshan, news and event updates here.

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