East London Bhakti Vriksha ISKCON London
Voice of East London Bhakti Vriksha · June - July 2026
Contents

Voice of East London Bhakti Vriksha

The East London Bhakti Vriksha – ISKCON London Newsletter

June - July 2026 · Inaugural Edition

Jagannāthah swāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me

Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra deities decorated with flowers and garlands

Dedication to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur (1838–1914)

With the blessings of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, we joyfully present the inaugural edition of Voice of East London Bhakti Vriksha (ELBV). Inspired by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's pioneering Sajjana Toṣaṇī launched in 1881, Voice of ELBV aims to connect, inspire, and unite our growing community across East London and Essex, by sharing devotional stories.

Marking his sacred disappearance month, we humbly dedicate this first edition to the lotus feet of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. May Gaura Vani uplift souls, preserve our shared memories, and deepen our devotion to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga.

"To serve a devotee, to chant the holy name … to worship the Deity … are the first out of sixty-four devotional activities for making progress in devotional service."

— His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda

Divine Guidance by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu

Written by Yogeshvara Gopinath das

"I am the only gardener. How many places can I go? How many fruits can I pick and distribute?"

— Chaitanya Charitamrita Ādi Lila 9.34

Devotees dancing in ecstatic kirtana, flower petals being showered

Purport by Srila Prabhupada: Here Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu indicates that the distribution of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra should be performed by combined forces. Although He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He laments, "How can I act alone? How can I alone pick the fruit and distribute it all over the world?" This indicates that all classes of devotees should combine to distribute the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra without consideration of the time, place or situation.

In this Edition: Celebrating the Community and Sevā

Welcome to this first edition of ELBV newsletter! Discover how our community is growing together. Inside, you'll find inspiring updates from Jagannātha Ratha Yātrās, Gopal Kids School, Toddlers Saṅgha, BhaktiLyfe, and Pandava Sena, alongside our triumphant Purushottama Month outreach results.

From vibrant home Ratha Yātrās and summer picnics to sector kīrtana evenings, explore how our Bhakti Vriksha devotees across all sectors are uniting in devotional service—plus check out upcoming festival schedules and exciting volunteering opportunities!

Contents