Festivities at ISKCON Manipur

By Bhakta Bhusan - 24.9 2016

A month of festivities at ISKCON Manipur

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Gaikhangam inaugurated Sri Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebration 2016 at ISKCON Manipur Sri Sri Radhakrishnachandra Manimandir as Chief Guest, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Social welfare and cooperation Minister, Kumari A.K. Mirabai and His Holiness Bhaktivyasa Tirtha Swami as president. After the ministers had ‘darshan’ of Sri Sri Radhakrishnachandra, they were explained the posters given in iskcon50.org by His Grace Barnamali Das and His grace Radhamohan Das. A four day Achintya youth festival was organised in commemoration of 50 years of ISKCON and Sri Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebration 2016 from 21st to 24th August. The inaugural function was presided by Dr. I.Ibohalbi Singh, member of Legislative Assembly and leader of opposition. As a prelude to the commemoration of the 50 years of ISKCON, Rath yatra Photography contest was organised during rath Yatra 2016 along with Manipur Photography Club. Nandotsava and Srila Prabhupada Vyasa puja was also observed and about 1100 devotees were served sumptuous Prasad of 9 different dishes.

The chronology:

Rath yatra Photography contest (6th to 15th July, 2016):

In commemoration of 50 years of ISKCON and Sri Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebration 2016, Rath Yatra Photography contest was organised along with Manipur Photography Club from 6th to 15th July. The contest was organised under two themes viz. Spiritual Message of Rath Yatra and Bliss experience in participating Rath Yatra. Special jury prize was sponsored by shri Okram Indrakumar Singh, direct partner for cannon. Altogether 11 prizes were awarded.

State level open Essay competition and state level painting competition for class VI to XII (14th Aug. 2016):

A week before the Achintya Youth festival state level open Essay competition on the topic “Spirituality is the only solution for all material problems” was organised. A state level painting competition for class VI to XII was also organised on the theme “Krishna leela.”

Achintya Youth Festival (21st to 24th Aug. 2016):

Achintya Youth Festival was also organised from 21st to 24th Aug. 2016. The inaugural function was presided by Dr. I. Ibohalbi Singh, Member of Legislative Assembly and leader of opposition as Chief Guest, A. Mobi Singh President, Editors’ Guild Manipur as guest of honour and His Holiness Bhaktivyasa Tirtha Swami as president. Opening program was a state level open debate on the topic “Communal harmony in Manipur is possible on through interfaith dialogue.” The four day festival includes cultural program, martial arts, seminars on “Role of women in uplifting the Manipur Society” and “The science of happiness”. The resource person were Dr. Ch Jamini Devi, former chairperson, Manipur state women commission and Dr. Sudipto Ghosh of IIT, Kharagpur respectively. The students and visitors were enthralled by the presence and interaction with popular film star G. Bonny Sharma and Soma Laishram. A Photo exhibition of the photos of the Rath Yatra Photography competition was also an added feature. Film Star G. Bonny Sharma visited the exhibition and promise to participate next year. A stall exhibiting the contribution of His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami viz. Bhaktivedanta Institute, University of Bhagavata Culture, ISKCON nature Cure and Yogic Ashram, Bhaktivedanta Institute Mission Higher Secondary School and Ranganiketan was also exhibited. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Gaikhangam visited both the exhibition stall and was very much impressed and purchased two books written by His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami which was exhibited. The festival also feature a craft and handloom expo featuring 15 stalls. Smt. Vrindasabi Devi, well known in field of culture presented Gaura leela. Niti Leela by smt. Memcha Devi, Kamsa Bodh Leela by Ojha Amutombi were also presented.

Sri Sri Krishna Janmastami (25th August 2016):

Sri Sri Krishna Janmastami celebration commences with mangal arati at 4:00 am. ISKCON Women Forum offered Sankritan led by Smt. Sanatombi Devi. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Gaikhangam inaugurated Sri Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebration as Chief Guest, Govindas Konthoujam, Minister, Commerce and Industries, Kumari A.K. Mirabai, Minister, Social welfare and cooperation and His Holiness Bhaktivyasa Tirtha Swami as president. After the ministers had ‘darshan’ of Sri Sri Radhakrishnachandra, they were explained the posters given in iskcon50.org printed in flex by His Grace Barnamali Das and His grace Radhamohan Das. Deputy Chief Minister in his speech said that the rise of irreligion will not bring peace in the state and appreciate ISKCON endeavour in inculcating religious value. He also seeks Lord Krishna’s Blessing for peace and development in the state. Video of 50 years of iskcon was display to visitors. Prizes for various competition were distributed. Fancy dress competition for children on the theme ‘characters of mahabharat’ was an interesting feature. ISKCON 50 years video was also shown during the celebration. Abhishekam, mahaarati and janmastami prasadam completed the celebration.

120th Sri Vyasa Puja of Srila Prabhupada and nandotsava (26th August 2016):

ISKCON founder acharya A.C Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada was glorified by senior devotees, puspanjali was offered to him by a huge number of devotees. Sumptuous mahaprasadam of many different dishes for nandotsava were offered to about 1100 devotees. Krishna leela was also presented for the pleasure Sri Sri Radhakrishnachandra. The entire celebration was covered by newspapers, local cables and National Television Doordarshan.

Sri Radhastami (26th August 2016):

Sri Radhastami was celebrated with sankritan by ISKCON Women Forum. Discourse on Radha tattva, abhisekam, pushpanjali, aarati and mahaprasadam was a part of the celebration. Nupa pala and diva raslila was offer for the pleasure of Sri Radhakrishnachandra.

10th All India Students' Conference on Science and Spiritual Quest (AISSQ-2016) 8th, October, 2016 to 9thOctober, 2016

The conference is being organised as a continuation of the work done by His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami. He was instructed by His divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to work on Science and Spirituality. The conference is to be held at Hindustan College of Science and Technology, Mathura (Near Agra, City of Taj), Uttar Pradesh, India on 8-9 October 2016 aims at bringing together a number of leading experts from all over the world on a common platform to present and outline their vision for the benefit of the humanity in search for deeper questions of the life, its origin and purpose. 

More than 800 leading social, scientific and spiritual thinkers and students from leading academic and R&D institutions from India and abroad will participate in the conference. Plenary and keynote lectures covering major areas of science and spirituality will be delivered by eminent speakers. 

Inauguration of Samadhi of His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami, 11 October, 2016 at Radhakund, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Samadhi of His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami will be inaugurated by Shri O.Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur on 11 October, 2016 at Gopalji Mandir, Radhakund, Uttar Pradesh, India. Glorification of Maharaj and Cultural program will complete the program.