Every year, devotees of Shri Krishna remember a very special day the Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada. It is not a day of sadness but of deep respect and gratitude. On this day, people remember his great work, teachings, and the love he shared with the world. In 2025, Devotees celebrate this special day on October 25.
Who Was Srila Prabhupada?
Srila Prabhupada was born on September 1, 1896, in Kolkata, India. His childhood name was Abhay Charan De. From a young age, he was drawn to devotion and worship of Shri Krishna. His parents were also very religious and taught him faith and kindness.
He was good at studies and went to Scottish Church College in Kolkata. There, he studied English, philosophy, and economics. Like many young people of his time, he also took part in India’s freedom movement and followed Mahatma Gandhi’s call for independence.
But his life changed forever when he met his spiritual teacher, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. His guru asked him to take the message of Shri Krishna to the Western world. These words stayed in his heart for many years.
Srila Prabhupada’s Journey of Devotion
After that, Abhay Charan De became more serious about his spiritual life. He started writing, translating, and studying holy books. In his later years, he accepted the renounced order of life (sannyasa) and was given the name A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
With great faith in Shri Krishna, he decided to share the message of devotion with the world. He travelled to the United States in 1965 on a cargo ship called Jaladuta, carrying only a few books, little money, and a lot of courage. He was nearly 70 years old at that time.
In 1966, he founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in New York, USA. His mission was to help people understand that true happiness comes from loving and serving God, not from material pleasures.
His Mission and Teachings
Srila Prabhupada’s main goal was to spread Shri Krishna consciousness which is the loving remembrance of God across the world. He taught simple but powerful lessons:
- Chant the Hare Krishna mantra regularly.
- Live a clean and honest life.
- Offer your food to Shri Krishna before eating.
- Avoid things that harm your spiritual growth, like meat, alcohol, gambling, and lust.
- Be kind, humble, and truthful in your daily life.
He translated and wrote many important books, including the “Bhagavad Gita As It Is” and the “Srimad Bhagavatam”, so that people could understand Shri Krishna’s teachings in simple language. His books are now read in many languages around the world.
Prabhupada travelled to many countries, opened temples, and guided thousands of people toward a spiritual life. His message reached both the East and the West, especially touching the hearts of young people who were looking for peace and purpose.
Meaning of His Disappearance Day
Srila Prabhupada left this world on November 14, 1977 in Vrindavan, India. Devotees call it the Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada, not his death anniversary, because spiritual teachers never really leave. They continue to live through their teachings, books, and disciples.
On this day, devotees from all over the world gather in temples to honor him. They sing bhajans (devotional songs), read his teachings, share stories from his life, and offer prasadam (sanctified food) to Shri Krishna. It is a day of remembrance and gratitude.
The purpose of observing this day is not to feel sorrow but to gain inspiration. It reminds everyone to follow Srila Prabhupada’s example to live a life of service, humility, and love for Shri Krishna. His entire life teaches us that even one person, with full faith in God, can change the world.
Srila Prabhupada’s life was full of miracles, faith, and determination. Even after he left this world, his teachings continue to guide millions of people toward a life of peace and devotion.
Srila Prabhupada’s Global Impact
When Srila Prabhupada started his journey, he had no money, no followers, and no big plans—only faith in Shri Krishna. But within a few short years, he built a global family of devotees. Today, ISKCON has hundreds of temples, farms, schools, and communities across the world.
People from every background, different countries, cultures, and religions have joined together through the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. This is the greatest proof of Srila Prabhupada’s vision and purity. He showed that devotion to God is not limited by birth or nationality. It belongs to every soul.
ISKCON’s Celebration of His Disappearance Day
On Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day, every ISKCON temple, including ISKCON Ghaziabad is filled with love and gratitude. The day begins early in the morning with mangala aarti (the first prayer ceremony), followed by kirtans and readings from his books. Devotees listen to stories from his life and speak about how his teachings changed their hearts.
The atmosphere is spiritual and full of emotion. Flowers are offered to his picture or deity form, and special decorations are made in his honor. A special bhoga (meal) is prepared and offered to Shri Krishna and then distributed as prasadam to all devotees.
Many devotees also spend the day in service such as cleaning the temple, helping in the kitchen, distributing books, or chanting together. The goal is to remember Srila Prabhupada not just through words, but through action.
How to Honor Srila Prabhupada
Honoring Srila Prabhupada means living by his teachings and supporting his mission with devotion. Here are some ways to show your love and gratitude on this sacred day:
1) Gurudakshina Seva
This is a heartfelt way to express thankfulness to your spiritual teacher. You can offer any amount of donation as a symbol of love and respect. It is not about how much you give, but the devotion behind it.
2) Vastra Seva
You can offer saffron-colored cloth to Srila Prabhupada or the temple deity as a mark of honor. This act represents purity, respect, and the tradition of serving one’s spiritual master with love.
3) Vishesha Naivedya Seva
On this special day, devotees prepare and offer a special meal (Naivedya) to Srila Prabhupada. It is cooked with devotion and offered before being shared as prasadam among everyone. Offering food with love is a beautiful way to connect with him spiritually.
Every seva (service) done with faith and gratitude becomes a blessing. It pleases Srila Prabhupada and draws us closer to Shri Krishna.
His Teachings for Today’s World
Srila Prabhupada’s message is timeless. He taught that peace does not come from wealth or success, but from spiritual understanding. In today’s busy and stressful world, his teachings remind us to slow down, chant, pray, and live a simple, meaningful life.
He encouraged everyone to make their home a small temple—by keeping an altar, chanting, and offering food to Shri Krishna daily. This practice brings purity, unity, and joy to the family.
Srila Prabhupada once said, “Chant Hare Krishna and be happy.” These simple words hold deep meaning. When we remember God with love, we find true happiness that nothing else can give.
Conclusion
The Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada is a day of reflection, gratitude, and renewed faith. It reminds us of his tireless effort to share the love of Shri Krishna with the world.
Honoring him means walking on the path he showed, living a life filled with kindness, humility, and devotion. When we follow his teachings, chant the holy names, and serve others, we keep his divine presence alive in our hearts.
Srila Prabhupada may not be with us physically, but his spirit shines in every temple, every devotee, and every sincere heart that remembers him with love.
