The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) community is celebrating a historic milestone — 50 years since Srila Prabhupada, the revered spiritual leader and founder of ISKCON, first visited the country.
To mark the anniversary, a special edition of the Festival of Chariots, also known as Ratha Yatra, is taking place in East London, Durban, Cape Town, Soweto and other centres. The celebration features cultural performances, devotional music, spiritual gatherings, and the hallmark chariot procession accompanied by chanting, dance, and distribution of free sanctified meals.
Zethu Mtshemla, chair of the local organising committee, described Srila Prabhupada as an “ambassador of the love of God” whose teachings introduced bhakti yoga — loving devotional service to South Africans during a time of deep division.
“Srila Prabhupada preached true brotherhood beyond race by teaching that we are not the body, but spirit soul,” she said.
“When we understand that we are all children of God, our love for each other naturally grows, creating caring, peaceful communities.”
She explained that the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra in temples, homes, and now on the country’s streets, remains a symbol of unity rooted in the bhakti tradition.
One of this year’s highlights is a theatrical production depicting Srila Prabhupada’s life and legacy, performed by children aged 10 to 13. Rehearsals have mostly taken place remotely due to school exams, with final in-person preparations happening ahead of the festival.
“There’s even a documentary on Srila Prabhupada that’s freely available on YouTube,” Mtshemla added.
“But I don’t want to give away too much about the play. People must come experience it for themselves.”
The festival also embraces indigenous artistic expression. Xhosa performers will present song and dance honouring the divine, while Cambridge-based singer Thando,l who has released several CDs, will perform as part of the celebrations.
“We are in the Eastern Cape, after all. What better way to uplift and showcase our local talent in a festival that celebrates unity in diversity? Everyone understands the language of love, especially when communicated through art.”
The festival began in Durban in the 1980s and has since expanded to Sandton, Lenasia, Soweto, Cape Town, Mpumalanga and East London.
“Our East London festival now attracts more than 500 attendees, and we expect it to grow,” Mtshemla said.
“We want to help people reconnect with their true spiritual nature and remember that we all belong to a universal family.
To mark the 50-year milestone, organisers have added special features, including a diorama of Srila Prabhupada mounted on the chariot during the procession, along with guest talks from his disciples.
Mtshemla encouraged residents of all backgrounds to attend.
“This festival reminds us of eternal happiness found in God consciousness. Bhakti yoga offers solutions to the challenges of life by cultivating compassion, peace and unity.”
