First Harinam in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

"So at the present moment no other yajna is possible. The only yajna, sankirtana-yajna, is possible. Yajnaih sankirtana-prayair yajanti hi su-medhasah [SB 11.5.32]. So if this Krsna consciousness movement is taken seriously all over the world and they perform sankirtana-yajna, everything will be adjusted immediately. Everything." [Srila Prabhupada lecture Bhagavad-gita 1.12 -- London, July 13, 1973]

Last Saturday, May 19th, 2012 the first harinam was held in Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. Eighty devotees participated. During the harinam 300 of Srila Prabhupada's books, 600pkts of caramelised peanut prasad and more than 300 ppamphlets/handbills were distributed. Great donations too.

The distributor and the receivers smile

People open these books immediately

Immediate interest

Smiling recipients and compassionate distributor



Hemavati Radhika Dasi approaches a shopper



Many devotees had left by the time someone suggested a group photo. These devotees just wanted to linger on forever!

HG Nrsimhananda Prabhu who organises and encourages these harinams to take place plays a red mrdanga while leading vibrant kirtan



People were very receptive




Young Madhava Caitanya played kartals too while his dad Lokanath Prabhu carried him along.

The event was published in the local newspapers too and can be viewed here: http://www.looklocal.co.za/looklocal/content/en/midrand/midrand-news-general?oid=5621609&sn=Detail&pid=490215&Hare-Krishna-spiritual-group-take-to-the-streets

More pictures can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.10150990226217049.482915.644957048&type=3

In the days following the harinam a devotee received this inspiring letter from his cousin who is actually a Christian and received a book from a devotee during the harinam. "...I have some books, that’s also why I asked you. I got on Saturday. The Harikrishna society was in Midrand. So someone gave me a book. I just read the pamphlet and I was surprised u know to do something so simple like chanting could help so I thought, I have nothing to lose, I should just try it and I thought you the only person who knows about it. I don’t want to waste your time. Let me first read the book I have, and if I need more, I will ask you. I don’t want to change my religion; I just want to understand things better. Plus I don’t want to be spoilt by material things. Put simply I want to be able to find a balance between being a good person and being happy and to do that I need information to understand life better. Regards/Groete..."



Shane Prabhu on whompers was very instrumental too in securing assistance from the police, who escorted us for the entire two hours as well as various other permissions. The police told Devan Prabhu at the end that they really liked it and will be happy to join us on the next harinam. This is amazing as previously permission was never granted for this to happen.

 HG Nrsimhananda Prabhu currently holds regular Bhagavad-gita classes on a Monday evening in the area and has more than sixty students from the co-operate world that are in attendance. Most of these students are new to Krishna consciousness. He is currently in the process of opening up a center in this area. On Nirjal Ekadasi the first Namahatta will be held in this area too. The enthusiasm of the leader and the team keep each other spiritually nourished. 

We pray that our humble endeavors may be pleasing to His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who introduced the western world to these sublime teachings and activities in Krishna consciousness. Our lives have no other purpose but to strive to serve his mission and his sincere followers.