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

Week Ahead 29 September – 2 October 2023

Dear Friends

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

ISKCON Durban Youth Group
We are happy to announce the formation of the ISKCON Durban Youth Group. The membership age is from 10 years to 25 years. 

Your ticket back to Godhead!
Bhadra Purnima ends tonight. Reserve your ticket back to Godhead by either purchasing, gifting, or contributing towards a set of Srimad Bhagavatam. “If on the full moon day of the month of Bhadra, one places Srimad-Bhagavatam on a golden throne and gives it as a gift, he will attain the supreme transcendental destination.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.13.13
A Srimad Bhagavatam set costs R3800. We also offer payment plans: R1267 over three months or R634 over six months.
Queries: 082 806 1646 • 076 587 9558 • sankirtanoffice@iskcondurban.net
You may also purchase your set online here

Week Ahead

Friday 29 September
Bhadra Purnima
3rd Month of Chaturmasya begins.
Fast from milk for one month.
Acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada. 

Saturday 30 September
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Tamal Krishna Das

Monthly Sankirtan Festival @9:30am
Meet at the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Prasad Marquee to collect your book pack and join a team on book distribution. We will meet at the temple at 1pm for realisations and a prasad feast.

Westville Nama-hatta @3pm
Japa Workshop
With His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das
Venue: University Hindu Centre, UKZN Westville Campus
Queries: Paramatma Das 0765495474 (WhatsApp)

Sunday 1 October
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
By His Grace Jaisacinandana Das

Love Feast @11am
Serve With Purpose
with His Holiness Indradyumna Swami

Monday 2 October
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Thursday 5 October
Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA.

Saturday 7 October
Sri Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami @5pm
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

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

Sri Radhastami 2023 Festival Guide

 Dear Friends

 

We are looking forward to celebrating Srimati Radharani, the divine goddess of bhakti, with you this weekend. Please take advantage of the various services available. Remember you can also bring birthday cards, gifts, and cooking ingredients for Sri Sri Radha Radhanath.

 

Serve Sri Radha on Sri Radhastami

 

Birthday Cards for Srimati Radharani
You are invited to offer a birthday card to Srimati Radharani on Sri Radhastami. Cards will be offered on Sri Radhastami from 10am-10:30am and then again from 4:30pm-5pm.

 

Flowers, Gifts & Bhoga Offerings
You can also bring flowers, gifts, and cooking ingredients for Sri Sri Radha Radhanath. Offerings will be accepted throughout the day and may be placed in front of the altar.

 

Cake Offering
Would you like to bake a cake as a personal offering to Srimati Radharani? The cake darshan will be on Saturday at 10:30am. Booking essential.
Contact Nitya Manjari 073 023 3761 via WhatsApp.
Note: No offerings will be accepted without a confirmed booking. Bookings close today at midday.

Maha Abhishek

“Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī takes Her first bath in the shower of the nectar of compassion, and She takes Her second bath in the nectar of youth. After Her midday bath, Rādhārāṇī takes another bath in the nectar of bodily luster.” Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya 8.167-168
You are invited to assist with Srimati Radharani's abhishek ceremony. Sponsorship is R1008.
Contact Bhakti Katha 061 464 5327 or psdgbhakti@gmail.com. Bookings close today at midday. 

 

Radhanath's Gifts Sri Radhastami Sale

10% off EVERYTHING!

Valid on Radhastami only, Saturday 23 September 2023. 

  

Week Ahead

 

Saturday 23 September

Sri Radhastami

Fast until Midday

 

Morning Festival

4:30am Mangal Arati

7:00am Srila Prabhupada’s Guru-puja

7:15am Greeting of the Deities in Their 1st new outfit

7:30am Class & Initiation Ceremony by His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami

 

Midday Festival

9:30am Offering of Birthday Cards to Srimati Radharani

10:00am Special Cake Offering

10:30am Maha Abhishek

11:30am Class by His Grace Medhavi Prabhu

12:30pm Arati & Kirtan

1:30pm Prasad Feast

 

Evening Festival

4:15pm Darshan of Deities in Their 2nd new outfit • Arati & Kirtan

4:30pm Kirtan Festival & Offering of Birthday Cards to Srimati Radharani

5:30pm Classes by His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami, His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami & His Grace Medhavi Das

7:00pm Gaura Arati & Kirtan

7:30pm Prasad

 

Sunday 24 September

The Glories of Srimati Radharani @7:30am
By Her Grace Priya Kishori Devi Dasi

 

Sri Radhastami Boat Festival

11:00am Srila Prabhupada’s Guru-puja

11:15am Sri Sri Radha Radhanath’s Boat Festival

12:00pm Class

12:30pm Arati & Kirtan

1:30pm Prasad Feast

Note: The Boat Festival is weather-dependent. 

 

Tuesday, 26 September 

Ekadasi – Fast from grains, beans & legumes. 

Appearance Anniversary of Lord Vamana

Fast until noon for Lord Vamana and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur

 

Wednesday 27 September

Ekadasi break fast 05:39 - 09:44

Appearance of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur

Festival begins at 11:30am

 

Friday 29 September 

3rd Month of Chaturmasya begins
Fast from milk for one month.

Bhadra Purnima

“If on the full moon day of the month of Bhadra one places Srimad-Bhagavatam on a golden throne and gives it as a gift, he will attain the supreme transcendental destination.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 12.13.13

A Srimad Bhagavatam set costs R3800.

If you already have a set of Bhagavatam, you can gift them. We also offer payment plans: R1267 over three months or R634 over six months. 

Queries: 082 806 1646 • 076 587 9558 • sankirtanoffice@iskcondurban.net

 

Reminders

 

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts

Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
Note: Govinda's is now open on Wednesdays.

 

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

Week Ahead 17-21 September 2023

 

Dear Friends

Sri Radhastami Festival is almost upon us. Srila Prabhupada explains: “Srimati Radharani is a tenderhearted feminine counterpart of the supreme whole, resembling the perfectional stage of the worldly feminine nature. Therefore, the mercy of Radharani is available very readily by the sincere devotees, and once She recommends such a devotee to Lord Krishna, the Lord at once accepts the devotee’s admittance in His association.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.23, purport) 

Clear you calendar next weekend as we planned a two-day celebration for Srimati Radharani. Festival details will be shared in the next Week Ahead.

Serve Sri Radha on Sri Radhastami

Cake Offering
Would you like to bake a cake as a personal offering to Srimati Radharani? The cake darshan will be on Saturday @10:30am. Booking essential.
Contact Nitya Manjari 073 023 3761 via WhatsApp.
Note: No offerings will be accepted without a confirmed booking.

Maha Abhishek
Your opportunity to assist the pujaris of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath to bathe the Deities on the holy occasion of Sri Radhastami. Book here or contact Bhakti Katha 061 464 5327 (WhatsApp only) or psdgbhakti@gmail.com for queries. Sponsorship is R1008. 

Birthday Cards for Srimati Radharani
Sunday 17 September @11am
The Bhaktivedanta College invite all 5-year-olds and up for a card-making workshop. Grown-ups are also welcome as everyone can offer a card to Srimati Radharani. This is a bring-and-share event. The college will provide cards and devotional pictures. You may bring fancy pens/pencils, glitter, stickers, glue sticks, scissors, etc. You will be able to personally hand your card to the pujari to offer to Srimati Radharani. Cards will be offered on Sri Radhastami from 10am-10:30am and then again from 4:30pm-5pm.

Week Ahead

Friday 15 September
Kendra Nama-hatta @7pm
Celebrating Srimati Radharani
With His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Venue: Kendra Hall, 5 John Zikhali Rd, Greyville
Queries: Shravan Bhana 083 453 3026

Saturday 16 September
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das

Darshan will be Closed
8:30am – 11:30am
Kindly note the there will be no darshan as the altar will be closed for maha cleaning. 

Sri Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Giriraj Swami @4pm
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Sunday 17 September
Krishna Book Class @7:30am
By His Grace Raghava Caitanya Das

Sri Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami @9am
New Jagannath Puri Temple

Love Feast @11am
Who is that Girl with Krishna
with Her Grace Vaishnavi Priya Dasi
Jhulana Yatra @1pm

Monday 18 September
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Queries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Reminders

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
Note: Govinda’s is now open on Wednesdays.

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