Srila Prabhupada’s greatest desire was to spread the chanting of the Holy Names all over the world. To fulfil this desire, the Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON established World Holy Name Day during Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial in 1996. In 2006, GBC resolved that the World Holy Name Day be made an annual program for all ISKCON centres. This was further extended to a week in 2008, given the success and potential of this event. The observance of the World Holy Name Festival was to be held in connection with the anniversary observances of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA Sept. 17, 1965. The period starts on the appearance day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and also includes the disappearance day of Srila Namacarya Haridas Thakura, Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava, acceptance of sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada and ends on the Vedic calendar date for the arrival of Srila Prabhupada, the greatest ambassador of the holy names, in Boston.
HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj who took over the reigns in 2006 has successfully embarked on innovative programs to encourage people of all faiths to participate and create auspiciousness globally.