The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has always placed special emphasis on the chanting of the Holy Names of the Lord. ISKCON’s founder, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, envisioned a world where people from all walks of life would unite in the collective chanting of the Holy Names. The Harinaam Sankirtan movement, initiated by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, aimed to make the transcendental sound vibration accessible to all and purify the heart. To realize Srila Prabhupada’s great desire of spreading the chanting of the Holy Names worldwide, ISKCON established the World Holy Name Festival—a celebration that continues to inspire millions.
The Origins and Evolution of the World Holy Name Festival
The World Holy Name Festival is not merely an annual event; it is a manifestation of Srila Prabhupada’s vision to bring spiritual transformation globally. In 1996, during the centennial celebrations of Srila Prabhupada’s birth, ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) introduced World Holy Name Day. His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja was initially responsible for overseeing the program. Under his guidance, World Holy Name Day became an integral part of ISKCON’s global outreach.
In 2006, after His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja’s departure from this world, His Holiness Lokanath Swami Maharaja took on the responsibility of perpetuating the program. That year, the GBC passed a resolution to institutionalize World Holy Name Day as an annual event in ISKCON centers worldwide. The event was scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the United States on September 17, 1965—a historic moment that marked the beginning of ISKCON’s global expansion.
Seeing the potential for further growth, the GBC in 2008 expanded World Holy Name Day into World Holy Name Week. The week begins on the appearance day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and includes significant Vaishnava events like the disappearance day of Srila Namacharya Haridas Thakura, Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava, and the anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s acceptance of sannyasa. The week culminates with the commemoration of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in Boston, where he first set foot in the Western world as the greatest ambassador of the Holy Names.
The Importance of the Holy Name
The chanting of the Holy Names (Harinaam Sankirtan) is considered the most potent form of spiritual practice in the age of Kali, as taught by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Srimad Bhagavatam (12.3.51) glorifies the Holy Name as the primary means of deliverance in this age:
kaler doṣa-nidhe rājann
asti hy eko mahān guṇaḥ
kīrtanād eva kṛṣṇasya
mukta-saṅgaḥ paraṁ vrajet
Translation: Although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is still one good quality about this age: Simply by chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.
Also in the Chaitanya Charitamrita ( foremost biography of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) it’s said):
“Harer nāma harer nāma harer nāmaiva kevalam; Kalau nāsty eva nāsty eva nāsty eva gatir anyathā.” [Ādi Lila 17.21]
In this verse, it is declared that there is no other way to attain spiritual success in the age of quarrel and hypocrisy except through the chanting of the Holy Name. This practice cleanses the heart of all impurities and awakens love for God.
The Global Impact of the World Holy Name Festival
World Holy Name Week serves as a powerful reminder of Srila Prabhupada’s mission to spread the Holy Names worldwide. During this festival, ISKCON temples and centers across the globe organize massive sankirtan events, where devotees, along with participants from various faiths, engage in chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra:
“Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.”
The festival aims to unite humanity under one banner: the transcendental sound vibration of the Holy Names. Events during the week include street harinama, public kirtans, japa marathons, workshops, seminars, and outreach activities that focus on spreading the spiritual benefits of chanting. These activities are not restricted to ISKCON devotees alone; rather, they are designed to inspire people of all faiths and backgrounds to participate.
The inclusive nature of the festival creates an atmosphere of peace, joy, and spiritual unity. As Srila Prabhupada emphasized, the Holy Name has the power to cut through the barriers of caste, creed, nationality, and religion, bringing people together in service to the Supreme Lord.
The Role of the Holy Name in the Lives of ISKCON Devotees:
For ISKCON devotees, chanting the Holy Names is the central practice in their spiritual lives. Daily chanting of 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna mantra on japa beads is a commitment that all initiated devotees take seriously. In addition to this personal practice, public sankirtan—the congregational chanting of the Holy Names—is seen as a powerful form of service that purifies the self and benefits society.
The World Holy Name Festival provides devotees with a unique opportunity to intensify their personal bhakti and contribute to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. By participating in or organizing harinaam events, devotees spread spiritual auspiciousness and offer a tangible gift of divine sound to the world. The festival is also a time for reflection on the mercy of the Holy Name and its ability to transform hearts, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
What you can do as a participant/leader in this most glorious seva:
1. Chanting Together: Organize public kirtans and harinama processions in your local communities. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to join in, regardless of their religious background.
2. Japa Marathons: Encourage devotees to intensify their personal japa practice by participating in japa marathons. These events can be held in temples or in homes with small gatherings of devotees.
3. Outreach: Use creative methods to spread awareness of the Holy Name. This can include distributing books, using social media platforms, and collaborating with local media outlets to promote the festival.
4. Inclusion: Emphasize the universal nature of the Holy Name and invite people of all faiths to participate. The sound vibration transcends all religious divisions and creates an atmosphere of peace and unity.
ISKCON Punjabi Bagh as always celebrated WHNF 2024 with great festivity n fervour.
Daily Srimad Bhagwatam classes on glories of holy name were conducted. And each session was so absorbing and nourishing.
The temple’s congregation took out Sankirtans at different areas of Delhi. What can be more pious and auspicious than to make the people of Kaliyuga hear the holy names of the lord.
Sankirtan, distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books, Prasadam and dance made the entire atmosphere so captivating that many participated.
Conclusion:
The World Holy Name Festival is a powerful means of fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s vision of a spiritually united world. By coming together to chant the Holy Names, devotees and well-wishers can create an atmosphere of auspiciousness that benefits both individuals and society. Through this festival, the teachings of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are made accessible to all, and the transformative power of the Holy Name continues to spread, uplifting humanity and guiding it toward the ultimate goal—love of God.
