National, 23rd January 2025: Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and the Hare Krishna Movement are currently participating in the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the World’s largest spiritual gathering, held in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Millions of devotees, visitors, sadhus and saints of different sects will converge at the sacred confluence of the three rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.
In this 45-day grand event, Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir aspires to enrich the spiritual and cultural experience of everyone visiting Kumbh Mela. Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and Hare Krishna Movement are actively contributing to this once-in-12-year festival of faith and culture through various devotional, spiritual and social initiatives on the sacred land of Prayagraj.
Talking about the Maha Kumbh Mela, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, President – Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and Vice Chairman & Co-Mentor- Hare Krishna Movement said, “Kumbh Mela this year is called Maha Kumbh Mela. Once in 12 years comes a Purna Kumbh Mela and 12 such cycles later, Kumbh Mela that comes is called Maha Kumbh Mela. So. this Maha Kumbh Mela is coming after 144 years. Hence, it is a very special Kumbh Mela.“
He added, ”In 1971, Srila Prabhupada (Founder – Acharya of the Worldwide Hare Krishna Movement) personally participated in the Kumbh Mela and invited devotees worldwide to join him. He considered it a wonderful opportunity in distributing Krishna consciousness. So, this year too, we are having Bhagavat Katha, Harinaam Sankirtan, Distribution of books like Bhagavad Gita and very importantly – Profuse Prasadam Distribution. You will be able to participate in all these festivities. Do come and join us.”
Key Initiatives and Services by Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir
- Annadan Seva: One of the significant services, through Annadan Seva, we aim to provide over 20,000 nutritious and fresh meals daily to all the pilgrims and sadhus.
- Blanket Distribution: Free blankets will be distributed to the pilgrims, saints and visitors to protect them from freezing cold weather.
- Book Distribution: Distribution of Vedic literatures like Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and others to spread the spiritual wisdom to all the visitors and pilgrims.
- Pravachan / Spiritual Discourses: Daily discourses on the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam will be conducted by the senior devotees on a daily basis to inspire and encourage the visitors towards spiritual enlightenment and knowledge.
- Nagar Sankirtan and Shobha Yatra: Daily processions will be organised where the Deities will be taken around on a palanquin accompanied by sankirtan and devotional prayers.
Facilities at Mahakumbh Mela by Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir
- Katha Hall: A spacious Katha hall where spiritual discourses are held will be facilitated, which can accommodate 1000 people at a time.
- Temple Hall: A temple where Deities will be worshipped with Sankirtana, arati and other pujas.
- Mega Kitchen: The well-equipped mega kitchen with trained staff, who will prepare and serve more than 20,000 meals everyday.
- Food Distribution Hall: The Food Distribution or Feeding Hall is planned to accommodate 1,000 people per batch with clean water and sitting facility.
The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir and Hare Krishna Movement Camp is located at Sector 6, Near Nag Vasuki Temple, Maha Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj.
Important Dates
- 13 January, 2025: Paush Poornima
- 14 January, 2025: Makar Sankranti
- 29 January, 2025: Mauni Amavasya
- 03 February, 2025: Basant Panchami
- 04 February, 2025: Achala Saptami
- 12 February, 2025: Maghi Purnima
- 26 February, 2025: Maha Shivratri