ISKCON

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is also known as the Hare Krishna movement. It was established by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada) in 1966.

ISKCON is a monotheistic, non-sectarian movement. It aims at promoting the well-being of society. In order to fulfill its mission, ISKCON teaches the science of Krishna consciousness according to the ancient scriptures including the Bhagavad Gita, and Srimad Bhagavatam.

ISKCON has developed into a universal association of 250,000 congregational devotees, and 10,000 temple devotees. It has more than 50 schools, 60 rural communities, 350 centers, and 80 restaurants across 71 countries. ISKCON has its headquarters at Mayapur in West Bengal (India).

The Krishna consciousness movement is not only a religious movement, but also a cultural movement. Festivals are a part and parcel of ISKCON as they act as reminders on the path to Krishna consciousness, bringing together devotees across the world, while bringing them closer to Krishna.

The aim of ISKCON is to establish a firm, loving relationship with the Supreme Godhead through chanting of the Maha-mantra as promoted by Sri Chaitanya, as mentioned in the Vedas :

Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare Hare
Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

The above mantra is a prayer to serve at the lotus feet of the Lord. Chanting thus, devotees attain self-realization. They transcend mundane humdrum existence, and enter a pure realm of Krishna consciousness, seeing and feeling Krishna in one and all.

ISKCON follows the Indian tradition of 'prasadam' or 'offering'. Devotees offer food to God before they consume it, as the idea is to surrender everything to Lord Krishna before having it. In the process, anything offered to the Lord becomes pure in nature, and helps the devotee transcend from the material, to the spiritual.

All Indian festivals of religious significance are incomplete without feasts. Vegetarian food in ISKCON is prepared in extremely hygienic conditions with a pure mind, accompanied by peaceful music or chanting in the background. Interestingly, Krishna consciousness is also known as the 'kitchen religion'. It is well known for its pure, delicious vegetarian food.

ISKCON also has a wide range of devotional products. Religious books written by Srila Prabhupad (founder of ISKCON), journals, framed photographs, japa malas, bead bags, Krishna consciousness tapes and CDs, incense sticks etc. are available to bring devotees closer to Godhead through purity of thought, word, and deed.