Building Bridges of Faith and Unity: JPIC Franciscans Africa at the ISKCON Rath Yatra, Kisumu.

On May 1st, a delegation from JPIC Franciscans Africa had the honor of participating in the Rath Yatra Festival organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Kisumu, Kenya. This vibrant event, filled with devotion and cultural expression, offered us a rare opportunity to witness and engage in an interfaith celebration rooted in love, unity, and shared humanity.

A Warm Welcome at ISKCON Temple

From the moment we arrived at the ISKCON Temple, we were received with remarkable hospitality. Despite coming from a different religious tradition, we were made to feel at home—reminding us that beyond doctrinal differences, we are all members of one human family. This welcoming spirit set the tone for a day of spiritual learning and shared joy.

Morning Prayer and Devotion

The day began with morning prayers, featuring melodious chanting, singing, and moments of deep meditation. Though the rituals were rooted in the Hare Krishna faith, the inclusiveness of the service was evident. We met individuals from diverse backgrounds who had found a spiritual home within this tradition—proof that sincere faith knows no boundaries.

Shared Meal and Fellowship

One of the most powerful moments of the day was the communal meal, known as prasadam. Offered first in devotion to Krishna, the food symbolized sacredness in everyday acts. Sharing this meal with the community was a true expression of unity and respect—a living example of what interfaith fraternity looks like.

The Rath Yatra Procession

At 2:00 PM, the vibrant Rath Yatra procession began. A beautifully decorated chariot carrying the deities Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra was pulled through the streets, accompanied by joyous singing (kirtan), dancing, and drumming. The entire town came alive with color, music, and spiritual celebration.

The act of pulling the chariot is more than symbolic—it represents the desire to bring the divine into the heart of the community. The joy shared by devotees and visitors alike was contagious, fostering a collective sense of reverence and belonging.

What We Learned: A Glimpse Into Hare Krishna Practice

We gained valuable insight into the beliefs and practices of the Hare Krishna movement, including:

• • Chanting the Hare Krishna mantra as a spiritual meditation

• • Living simply and non-violently, often through vegetarianism

• • Offering food to God as a sacred act (prasadam)

• • Expressing faith through kirtan—music and dance

• • Studying sacred texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam

These practices echo many values dear to our Franciscan tradition—joyful worship, humility, spiritual discipline, and service to others.

Reflections from a Franciscan Perspective

As JPIC Franciscans Africa, we walked away with several profound insights:

1. 1. Interfaith Dialogue
      Witnessing genuine devotion in another religious context reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and shared spiritual exploration.

1. 1. Hospitality and Inclusiveness
      The open-hearted welcome we received reminded us to practice respect and solidarity with all, regardless of faith.

1. 1. Joyful Simplicity
      The lifestyle of the devotees, rooted in simplicity and joy, mirrored our own call to humility and care for creation.

1. 1. Unity in Diversity
      The diversity of the crowd—people from various religions and ethnicities—embodied the possibility of peace through shared celebration.

Conclusion: A Journey Toward Spiritual Solidarity

Our participation in the ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kisumu was much more than a visit—it was a profound spiritual experience that strengthened our commitment to peace, unity, and interfaith harmony. We are deeply grateful to the ISKCON community for their generosity and openness.

At JPIC Franciscans Africa, we remain committed to building bridges between faiths, guided by love, justice, and shared humanity.