Mahaprabhu Dasa, Temple President of ISKCON Soweto with Bhakti Narasimha Swami.

On September 28th, 2024, the vibrant streets of Soweto came alive with the joyous sounds of Hare Krishna chanting as devotees and members of the local community gathered to celebrate the 17th annual ISKCON Soweto Rathayatra Festival.

This year’s event was a spiritual spectacle and a heartfelt commemoration of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami, a central figure in the festival’s creation and an inspiration to the community.

Mahaprabhu Dasa, the Temple President of ISKCON Soweto and one of the original organizers of the festival, sat down to reflect on the journey that has brought ISKCON Soweto from humble beginnings in 1985 to hosting one of South Africa’s most anticipated spiritual festivals. “This festival is a culmination of years of perseverance, community-building, and above all, Krishna’s mercy,” Mahaprabhu shared during the interview.

ISKCON’s journey in Soweto began in 1985, a time when the socio-political climate of South Africa was particularly tense. Amid these challenges, a small group of dedicated devotees, including Mahaprabhu, sought to spread Krishna consciousness in the townships, laying the foundation for what would later become a vibrant community. “We were preaching in people’s homes, organizing small gatherings—anything to share Krishna’s teachings,” Mahaprabhu recalled.

In 2007, ISKCON Soweto made history by hosting its first Rathayatra Festival, a large-scale spectacle that invited the local community to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath through the streets, a tradition rooted in the ancient world. “The first festival was small, but it was the start of something transformative. Kadamba Kanana Swami was there from the very beginning, supporting us with his presence and his love for kirtan,” Mahaprabhu shared.

Kadamba Kanana Swami’s influence on the festival is undeniable. He played a pivotal role in its establishment and continued to be a source of inspiration for both organizers and participants. Known for his deep devotion and musical talents, his presence infused the Rathayatra with an infectious energy. Even after his passing, his legacy continues through The Kadamba Foundation, which assists the ISKCON Soweto RYF fundraising effort through the sale of his books and musical recordings. “His memory is alive every time we pull the chariot. He taught us that kirtan is the heartbeat of the festival,” Mahaprabhu reflected.

This year’s Rathayatra paid tribute to Kadamba Kanana Swami’s enduring impact, with many devotees recalling his contributions and spiritual guidance. As Mahaprabhu noted, “Even though he’s no longer physically with us, his spirit guides this festival. We feel his blessings in every step we take.”

The festival has evolved since its inception. Initially, with the aim of inclusion and local representation, Kadamba Kanana Swami arranged for students to be brought from Durban and invited cultural groups to participate alongside local devotees. Over the years, it has grown into a major spiritual gathering, attracting participants from across South Africa and beyond. The 17th-anniversary celebration was a testament to this growth, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and featuring a procession through Soweto’s streets, where the community came together to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath.

“The atmosphere was electric,” Mahaprabhu said, describing this year’s celebration. “It’s a day when Soweto can witness and participate in the joy of devotion. The kids love it, the elders feel blessed, and there’s such a sense of unity.”

Notable dignitaries graced this year’s event, adding to its spiritual significance. Govardhan Dasa, the CO-GBC of Southern Africa, was in attendance, alongside Jayadvaita Swami, who is currently traveling and preaching in South Africa, and Bhakti Narasimha Swami, the first African devotee to receive sannyasa initiation in South Africa. Their presence was a powerful reminder of the festival’s far-reaching impact on ISKCON and the broader spiritual community.

Jagannatha-Priya Das, the Coordinator of Team ARYA, which helped organize the event, expressed gratitude for the festival’s success. “We were blessed with good weather and an awesome crowd. We take this opportunity to thank our donors, supporters, and well-wishers for your commitment and contribution, which all helped make this festival a great success.”

Looking ahead, Mahaprabhu sees even greater potential for the ISKCON Soweto Rathayatra Festival. “We want to expand our outreach, especially to the youth. Soweto is full of young people who are searching for meaning. We want this festival to be an open invitation to explore Krishna consciousness,” he explained.

However, the festival’s growth has come with challenges. Funding remains a significant hurdle, with organizers relying on donations and support from the community. “Every year, we have to find ways to match the Kadamba Foundation’s assistance and make the festival happen. It’s not easy, but Krishna provides,” Mahaprabhu said with a smile.

The festival also serves as a platform for ISKCON Soweto’s broader initiatives, including the Food for Life program, which distributes prasadam to those in need. “The festival is more than just a celebration; it’s about giving back to the community, whether through food distribution or spiritual education,” Mahaprabhu emphasized.

As the sun set on the 17th ISKCON Soweto Rathayatra Festival, the echoes of kirtan filled the air, a fitting end to a day marked by devotion, community, and the legacy of Kadamba Kanana Swami in service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, and Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan Movement. For Mahaprabhu and the entire ISKCON Soweto community, the festival stands as a testament to the power of faith and the unifying force of Lord Jagannath.

“We’ve come a long way since 2007,” Mahaprabhu said, “and by Krishna’s grace, we’ll continue to grow, serving both Soweto and the world through this beautiful festival of devotion.”

For those inspired to get involved, ISKCON Soweto warmly welcomes devotees from all walks of life to join their efforts. The community invites everyone to follow them on Instagram and Facebook, where they can connect with the project, stay updated on their activities, and participate in future events. With open doors and hearts, ISKCON Soweto continues to serve both the local and global community through devotion and unity. To follow their events and outreach, please visit their Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Photos courtesy of Jagannath-Priya Das