Soldiers of Godhead

Image: Hari Priya Dasi

Honoring their Lordships with a local treat.

The weekend of May 29th to 30th saw 3,000 devotees converge upon the rural community of New Raman Reti in Alachua, Florida to see what is a rare event in ISKCON today—the installation of full-size deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama.

The community welcomed their Lordships with heartfelt devotion and open arms, seeing their eyes open for the first time and getting a once in a lifetime opportunity to bathe them.

Senior devotees infused the mood with inspiration and love, telling endless stories about Krishna Balarama and
leading an unprecedented 27 straight hours of bhajans along with first and second generation devotees. Radhanatha Swami, Lokanatha Swami, Indradyumna Swami, Devamrita Swami, B.B. Madhava Swami, Varshana Swami, and Deena Bandhu Dasa all contributed to the air of spiritual excitement and festivity.

Meanwhile a packed entertainment schedule and delicious prasadam kept visitors charged and busy.

“It was a wonderful festival,” said temple president Mukhya Dasi. “And we’re glad that now, all of our Deities—who have always been the heart of New Raman Reti—are home.”