Dear Devotees, friends and Well-wishers,
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I hope you are all keeping well and safe.
The president has recently announced that the country will move to level one lockdown. This is good news, as this means temples can gradually open up for programs. Of course, all this will have to be done under stringent COVID safety protocols.
Two weeks ago we began offering sit-down dining in Govinda’s. The response has been encouraging. We were sold out a couple of times.
The SANC has given us special permission to operate, under certain strict conditions. Some of these conditions are that the Govinda’s staff keep separate from temple residents. We had teething problems, but have now gotten into an effective routine. The results are promising.
This past Friday 19th, the SANC met to discuss the way forward with respect to the easing of restrictions. It was decided that, we should wait another two weeks before officially opening up for programs. This is to observe trends and prepare ourselves. This is particularly important as borders will be opened and there may be an increased risk.
In the meantime, darshan will remain on Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00 -13:00.
The Deity department has now also officially opened its doors for devotees to perform their service. Please contact Radha Sharan prabhu for more info.
This month, Purushottama Maas is a very auspicious one. It comes every three years and is considered Lord Krishna’s favourite month. So I encourage all of you to take advantage of this most auspicious time. Many programs are planned for this special month, including the World Holy Name festival (WHNF). You can visit kirtanministry.com and iskconcape.org.za for more info. There has been a special request from the ministry for families, Bhakti Vriksha groups etc to record 15-30 minute Kirtans and send them through to Lokanatha prabhu who is the Kirtan representative for SA. Please send you videos to whnf202kirtan@gmail.com. You can also visit the WHNF Facebook page.
We are hopeful that in a few weeks, we will meet again in the temple room and celebrate this most auspicious month together again. In the meantime please take care of yourselves and your families and join us for our regular Sunday Online Class.
If you have any suggestions, queries or complaints, please don’t hesitate to contact me at vrajababa@gmail.com
Thank you very much.
Hare Krishna,
Yours in Srila Prabhupada Service,
Vrajabasi Dasa