Monday, 13th July 2026 marked a highly auspicious occasion—the 60th anniversary of the incorporation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York.
Just one year before ISKCON’s founding, Srila Prabhupada arrived in America with little money, a few books, and an unwavering mission to spread Krishna consciousness. He endured great austerities, including illness, poverty, and periods of homelessness, while tirelessly chanting, teaching, and writing. 
Gradually, his devotion and teachings attracted a small circle of sincere followers in New York’s Lower East Side. Their combined efforts culminated in the legal incorporation of ISKCON in July 1966, laying the foundation for a movement that would soon spread throughout the world.
Today, ISKCON has grown into a worldwide spiritual society comprising nearly 1,000 temples, more than 100 affiliated vegetarian restaurants, and dozens of eco-farms across six continents.
To commemorate this historic milestone, Bhaktivedanta Manor organised a special community celebration. Jaya Krishna das worked closely with the Senior Management Team and many dedicated volunteers to ensure that 13th July would be an occasion to remember.
The programme began with the unveiling of a new plaque displaying the Seven Purposes of ISKCON, one of three identical plaques that will be permanently installed around Bhaktivedanta Manor. This was followed by a delightful drama performed by the Junior Bhaktivedanta Players, depicting the historical appearance of Lord Jagannath.
Praghosa das then presented a nostalgic multimedia journey through Six Decades of ISKCON, using memorable photographs to trace the society’s remarkable growth from its humble beginnings to its worldwide presence.
The highlight of the afternoon was the premiere performance by the Bhaktivedanta Players, portraying Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America, his initial stay with the Gopal Agarwal family in Butler, Pennsylvania, and his subsequent move to New York to fulfil the instruction of his spiritual master. The moving production concluded with the incorporation of ISKCON, bringing to life the extraordinary events that gave birth to the worldwide Hare Krishna movement.
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To mark this diamond jubilee, Sundari Radha dasi, assisted by a dedicated team of volunteers, created a magnificent commemorative cake. Decorated with handcrafted images of 26 Second Avenue—the first ISKCON temple—the Jaladuta cargo ship that carried Srila Prabhupada from India to America, the famous Hare Krishna Tree in Tompkins Square Park, colourful Ratha-yatra carts, and Srila Prabhupada seated on the front lawn of Bhaktivedanta Manor, the cake was both a visual masterpiece and a delicious treat. Every guest was able to enjoy a slice of this memorable anniversary creation.
