"I came to New York alone
Chanted hare krishna
and this movement began"
“Origins” is more than a celebration — it is a defining moment. The aim of the evening is to present ISKCON’s legacy and achievements of the past six decades to an influential audience; to honor our history, celebrate our present, and look confidently toward our future.
New York stands as a global crossroads — a fitting place to mark this milestone. In the footsteps of our Founder-Acarya, it is here, where it all began, that we reflect upon our origins and renew our vision for the decades ahead.
Our carefully selected venue, The Glasshouse, offers a striking modern canvas set against the iconic New York skyline. Within this elegant setting, we will showcase ISKCON’s achievements, milestones, and transformative journey over the past 60 years.
The evening will begin with a one-hour reception, during which guests are invited to explore a curated exhibition tracing the extraordinary journey of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to New York, the formative early years of the movement, and its global expansion from this very city. The exhibition will also present our current status as an international society, highlight our thriving communities and youth initiatives, and share our vision for the future.
We will present Srila Prabhupada’s story as a quintessential “New York” narrative — how one individual arrived with little material support yet, within a short span of time, established one of the most influential spiritual movements of the modern era. Mocktails and canapés will be served as guests immerse themselves in this inspiring journey.
Following the reception, guests will make a grand entrance into the dining area and be seated at elegantly arranged round tables for a full three-course dinner, expertly prepared by some of our movements greatest talents. Throughout the meal, gala presentations will unfold, featuring keynote speakers from our international society alongside local dignitaries, religious leaders, and respected academics.
The program will be enriched with contemporary spoken word, dance, music, and artistic performances, interwoven with collaborative film presentations created by members of our second and third generations — many of whom are professional film school graduates.
The evening will culminate in a special kirtan session, joined by surprise guests to be announced in June!
Sponsor this event!
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Becoming a sponsor of this event avails the opportunity to share this historic milestone with a wider audience, as we trace the extraordinary journey of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York, the formative early years of the movement, and its global expansion from the ‘place where it all began’.
Bringing together distinguished guests and leaders your generous contribution will ensure make this once-in-a-lifetime event truly special and help expand ISKCON’s service and outreach across North America.
Follow the journey