Shri Rupa Manjari Sangha

Hare Krishna 🙏

On 17th December 2025, members of Her Grace Siddhilalasa Devi Dasi’s congregation from ISKCON Juhu visited the Primary Juvenile Detention Children’s Home, Dongri, Mumbai.

(Juvenile: A person who is not yet old enough to be considered an adult.)

All devotees reached the facility by 3:00 PM. Upon arrival, we were guided by the staff to a large hall and asked to wait for some time. Soon, around 25 girls, aged between 12 and 16 years, entered the room. A few of them were missing cases.

Her Grace Meerabai Devi Dasi began the sankirtan and explained its importance. All the devotees chanted the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and danced joyfully with the children. The girls chanted the transcendental Mahamantra loudly and clearly, and it was evident how much they were enjoying the moment. Their faces were filled with happiness and bliss.

Mataji explained that the Mahamantra is the master key that helps remove obstacles and miseries from life. As every soul is a part and parcel of Lord Sri Krishna, the children listened attentively to her words. She also shared two real-life stories, which helped them understand the message better.

After the kirtan, we distributed Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita and other spiritual books. Both the children and the staff were very enthusiastic to receive them. This was followed by the distribution of delicious prasadam, lovingly prepared by Her Grace Giridhari Devi Dasi. Everyone honoured the sumptuous Halwa Puri prasadam, served by the senior matajis of the group.

While leaving, one little girl touched our hearts by saying, “Please pray for us. We want to be released soon.” We assured her of our prayers and left the girls’ home with heavy hearts. It was a deeply touching experience to witness these young souls enduring so much pain.

Later, we visited the boys’ section, where the children were also between 12 and 16 years old. We first served prasadam and recited the prasadam honouring prayers, followed by sankirtan. Everyone participated very enthusiastically. Each child was encouraged to chant the Mahamantra once, and their joyful smiles reflected their happiness.

Two boys requested English copies of the Bhagavad Gita, which were happily given. The senior matajis also encouraged them to develop the habit of reading spiritual books daily. It is truly Krishna’s mercy that these souls could associate with devotees, chant, and dance on the Mahamantra.

We also noticed a beautiful drawing of Lord Krishna holding His flute. On enquiring, we learned that one of the boys had drawn it himself. We showered our blessings upon him and then took leave.

It was a beautiful and fulfilling experience, and we look forward to many more such sevas. 🙏

All glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to Panchatattva and Guru Parampara 🙏🏼