Festival of Chariots Dedicated to Nelson Mandela

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement will host a wonderful festival for the people of Cape Town on Sunday, 15 December at the Greenpoint Urban Park in celebration of the life and legacy of South Africa’s most famous son, Nelson Mandela. Details of the event are as follows:

Date: 15 December 2013
Time: 12:00 - 18:30
Venue: Greenpoint Urban Park

The Festival of Chariots, a festival with roots in ancient India is a global phenomenon, but Sunday’s event will have extra significance with the recent passing of Mr. Mandela.  Condolences, prayer and celebration in tribute to Nelson Mandela will be the themes echoed throughout the event.

Having considered cancelling the whole celebration in respect to Madiba and the state funeral to be held in Qunu on the day, festival organisers have decided to go ahead and appropriately celebrate the statesman’s life. 

Nelson Mandela's presence will be a key feature of the festival with members wearing black ribbons in his honour, posters bearing his smiling face prominently displayed, a special sanctuary where flowers and candles can be offered, a book of condolences, keynote speakers echoing the legacy of Mr. Mandela and free food distribution which Mr. Mandela was such a strong supporter of. Most of all it will be the spirit of former President Nelson Mandela, which we hope to capture through the camaraderie of hundreds of festival-goers.

Much like Mr. Mandela, ISKCON’s Founder-Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami desired for our world to be united and free from sectarian discrimination and prejudices based on race, creed, colour or other artificial designations. This common vision was the basis for a special relationship between ISKCON and Mr. Mandela. Mr. Mandela visited the Hare Krishna temple in Chatsworth, Durban in 1992 and again in 1994 (as State President) where he offered his appreciation of Srila Prabhupada’s contribution to South Africa and the world.

Mr. Mandela was much more than a champion of human rights, State President or Nobel Peace Prize recipient.  He touched the lives of every single South African and made them feel safe and genuinely cared for. He was indeed the father of the nation, in the true sense of the term, genuinely striving for a better future for all his people.  He was a leader, teacher and example for the whole world. He is, and will continue to be, a symbol of hope, faith and forbearance.

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) joins the world in mourning and paying tribute to the foremost human rights icon of current times, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. We offer our condolences to the Mandela family and to the entire South African nation.

May the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna bless this great soul.

For more details contact Atma 072 210 3859