ISKCON has been invited to be part of the Gauteng Social Cohesion Carnival! Endorsed by the Deputy President, Mr Cyril Ramaphosa, the Parliamentary Portfolio Committees on Tourism and Arts and Culture, as well as the Department of Communications, the Department of Traditional Affairs, and City of Tshwane, the carnival will include a vibrant parade with a procession of floats, costumed dancers, actors and musicians. Designated spectator zones along the route will offer a diverse mix of local entertainment and cultural activities, culminating in a magnificent outdoor festival representing the rich cultural heritage South Africa boasts.
The Gauteng Carnival calls for Nations’ diverse communities to proudly display their own cultural heritage on the day as South Africans; from the African communities and clans, to South Africans of European and Asian descent. The concept of the Gauteng Carnival is to celebrate our elaborate cultural heritage and to demonstrate and promote our unity in diversity.
Our offering to this momentous occasion for South Africa
In celebrating 40 years of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in South Africa we, ISKCON Gauteng, will be coming together to put on a grand Gauteng Ratha Yatra Carnival, where Lord Jagannatha’s magnificent chariot will once again be taken through the streets of Pretoria. There is an opportunity for the nation to be captured by the Lord of the Universe and to chant the Holy Names at the procession as well as through national television broadcasts. Prizes will be awarded by the Premier and the MEC for various categories including, best float, outstanding community, best costume and dance coordination to name a few. In order to do this, we are calling together our entire congregation to join us on Thursday, 24 September to be part of this Carnival. With national coverage by the SABC for the Carnival, the stage is ours to showcase Krishna Consciousness and spread the Holy Name as ISKCON also has 10 minutes on the main stage program. Let’s represent ISKCON, together by displaying our society which stands for conscious living, compassion to all souls, thinking beyond the bodily concept, and open our hearts to include all in Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON.
Estimated 10,000 participants in the parade and 20,000 spectators | Food for Life producing 6,400 plates of Prasad | Temples catering for 10,000 at the food stalls at the Union Buildings
How can you get involved ?
• Chariot procession – get your kids involved, make banners and flags, show your love for SA, dress up, show up…chant and dance!
• Vegetarian food stalls – get in touch with your closest temple to see how you can assist
• 5, 000 books sponsored by BBT, Join a book distribution team to grab the mercy
• Assistance required for Food for Life preps
