Sat, October 13, 2018 / Published in Tour, Fundraising

The TOVP Tour Sets Foot in Hong Kong and Taiwan

A few weeks ago, Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Satari, along with Their Graces Jananivas, Ambarisa, Svaha and Braja Vilasa prabhus paid an ecstatic visit to Hong Kong and Taiwan (Taipei) as part of the worldwide TOVP Tour that has been on the road since 2015.

However, we first would like to express our gratitude and thanks to TOVP Chairman Ambarisa prabhu and his wife Svaha mataji who, despite his busy personal schedule and pressing health issues, made the time to come to Hong Kong. Ambarisa and Svaha are the backbone behind the TOVP and are the ideal devoted couple. He sets the standard of service and she, imbibing his cherished seva attitude, follows suit with insightful and inspiring speeches revealing the depths of the TOVP’s importance and why each and every one of us must participate in its completion. Their support, encouragement, devotion to the project, and unshakable determination to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s deepest desire are the inspiration for the entire TOVP Team and anyone they come in contact with.

The Hong Kong visit consisted of three separate programs organized by the devotees of Hong Kong who went far above and beyond the call of duty to make the fundraising events successful and inspiring for all. We are very grateful for their support and enthusiasm, without which this visit would not have been as transcendentally fruitful as it was.

The first program was organized on Saturday, September 22nd specifically for Indian businessmen and their families. About 30 people attended and over $450,000 in pledges raised, with connections made to help organize similar programs in other parts of the world.

The second and third programs were held on Sunday, September 23rd at the Hong Kong temple on the auspicious appearance day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, whose blessings were certainly felt by all present. In the late morning and early afternoon a program was held with the Chinese community of devotees, approximately 60 devotees attended, with $250,000 being pledged. In the evening, a gathering with the Indian community of devotees was held, with a little more than $200,000 being pledged.

All three programs were very enlivening for all concerned, particularly due to the presence of Lord Nityananda Prabhu’s Padukas, Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Satari and the presence of their servants, the TOVP Team. An abhiseka and puspanjali was held for these two events in which everyone had the opportunity to participate in bathing Lord Nityananda Prabhu’s padukas.

Outside of these three main programs other smaller scale programs were held in the temple and in the homes of various devotees. In all of these programs the TOVP Team shared with all those present Srila Prabhupada’s vision for Mayapur and the TOVP, and the special nature of the mercy of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda in the form of the Sankirtan Movement.

The highlight during the more than one week visit was the opportunity to have Lord Nityananda Prabhu’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Satari touch and thus bless everyone’s head.

The tour then made its way to Taipei, Taiwan for a program organized by the devotees of Taipei on Sunday, September 30th. An abhisheka, puspanjali and kirtan ensued with approximately 50 devotees attending the program and $100,000 being pledged. Jananivas prabhu noted that the kirtan at this program was one of the sweetest he has heard during his entire three years of touring for the TOVP.

Overall, this tour raised over $1 million in pledges. We are grateful to one and all who sacrificed their time and wealth in the Sankirtana yajna of the TOVP project for the MISSION 22 MARATHON to complete the TOVP by Gaur Purnima 2022.

Below are photos from both programs.