ISKCON VIRAR — Mumbai

ISKCON Virar — Bringing the Holy Name Into Everyday Life

During the World Holy Name Festival, devotees of ISKCON Virar came together for daily morning Harinaam, youth programmes, congregational gatherings and outreach activities in different settings. The week also included a Harinaam session with PM CONA (corporate program) with around 70 participants, a Radha Ashtami celebration with 150+ participants in virar, and a Boat Festival in Andheri with 135+ participants, 64 rounds chanting on Ekadashi.

One especially meaningful experience was a Harinaam organised by ISKCON VIRAR on Monday. Around 10 congregation devotees joined, who came together wearing their everyday clothes. As many people encountered them while returning from their offices and daily work, the familiar appearance made the Harinaam feel more approachable, and several people stopped and joined the chanting. For the devotees, it was a valuable realisation that congregation members can become a natural bridge between the Holy Name and the wider community, showing that there can be different ways of presenting Harinaam while keeping its spiritual essence unchanged.

Throughout the week, the daily E temple sessions and other congregational programmes continued, giving devotees and young participants the opportunity to chant, hear and associate together. The festival became not only a celebration of the Holy Name, but also a learning experience in finding new and simple ways to take Harinaam into people’s everyday lives.