By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi, ISKCON News Staff Writer
Bhakti Roots, a two-day initiative aimed at reinforcing Krishna-conscious family culture, brought together 60 ISKCON West Sydney families at Wiseman’s Retreat, a peaceful 50-acre bushland area. Organised by the Radha Govinda Youth Team, Bhakti Roots was developed in response to parents seeking a family-focused continuation of the nationwide Bhakti Fest youth retreat. So following the successful youth retreat, BhaktiRoots was designed specifically for young families with children aged 5–13.
A Family-Centered Vision
With the theme “Nurturing Bhakti from the Roots,” the retreat provided a natural yet structured environment to help families strengthen their devotional practices and cultivate a more Krishna-conscious atmosphere at home. ISKCON News spoke with co-directors Shaam Jevan and Sanjana Padikkel, who reflected on what unfolded over the event.
Many youth experienced, first-hand, the challenge and joy of caring for young children. What began as service deepened into connection. Sanjana recalled moments when children would run up spontaneously to hug their youth leaders, small gestures that revealed the trust and warmth that had developed.
Drawing inspiration from Srila Prabhupada’s guidance, Shaam referenced a letter dated November 18, 1972, emphasising that bhakti flourishes through love rather than force. Reflecting on his own Sunday School experiences, he spoke about the importance of environments where children and families feel naturally inspired to practice devotional life.
The event’s co-directors Shaam Jevan and Sanjana Padikkel.
One of the children with a decorated lamp during the event.
Participants having delicious prasadam.
Growing Bhakti Together
Centered on the theme GROW—Gratitude, Responsibility, Offering, and Wisdom—the retreat was guided by senior devotee Vijay Gopikesh Das, who led sessions on Krishna-conscious parenting, along with Sharanmukhi Devi Dasi, who addressed managing mental stress through Krishna consciousness to help families maintain devotional balance.
Located in lush greenery near one of Australia’s major rivers, the venue offered families a serene escape from daily routines. The retreat featured parallel programs for parents and children that occasionally converged for shared activities. Children participated in creative sessions like Eternal Heroes, discovering that true superheroes are devotees such as Hanuman, Narasimhadeva, and Radharani, while parents attended workshops on Krishna-conscious parenting and long-term vision-setting.
Adding to the sense of community, the children wore special Bhakti Roots T-shirts, depicting Srila Prabhupada planting the symbolic bhakti-lata-bīja with a child. Creative prasadam offerings, from tacos and pizza to momos, added a light-hearted joy that resonated across generations.
The participants expressing joy at the Bhakti Roots.
The children happily engaged in the activities.
Parent’s during one of the workshops..
From Seva Stations to Kartik Celebrations
The retreat also faced challenges. Shaam admitted that managing younger children was more demanding than the teen-focused Bhakti Fest. Coordinating engaging programs for both parents and children required constant effort, but with devotion and Krishna’s guidance, the team turned these challenges into meaningful service and learning.
A highlight of the retreat was the Seva Stations, where groups rotated through kirtan, deity worship, drama or dance, and social media. Shaam shared that hands-on service helps participants find their long-term engagement. In one session, children became “YouTubers,” creatively explaining concepts of Krishna consciousness and showing how even young children can use social media positively.
The retreat also aligned with the auspicious month of Kartik. Families participated in Damodar Lila classes, decorated diyas for offerings, enjoyed sparklers during a Diwali celebration, and worshiped Yashoda Damodara deities alongside Radha Rasabihari deities, which were specially arranged at the venue.
Vijay Gopikesh Das and Sharanmukhi Devi Dasi under whose guidance Bhakti Roots was organized.
Parents and children participating in one of the creative activities.
A small group activity.
A United Spiritual Family
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. One parent shared, “As a community event, it was very well done. My kids saw so many people doing japa and wanted to join too! It was inspiring and motivating.” Another wrote, “A fantastic experience overall. I wished the program could have lasted longer. It took me two days to adjust back to reality. Kudos to the team who worked tirelessly to make this happen.”
Vijay Gopikesh Das shared, “The deeper hope was that parents would realise just how much they already share in their aspirations for their children — and from there, feel inspired to step forward together and strengthen our community programs.”
For many families in ISKCON West Sydney—a young, growing yatra currently building the Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple—Bhakti Roots marked the first time the entire community from six centers came together as one spiritual family. Experiencing a full temple schedule, from Mangala Arati and japa walks along the river to continuous devotee association, was truly enriching.
Sanjana reflected, “Australia is so far from India! This was our way to connect back to the dham. Having so many devotees together — it felt like Mayapur. Just as the dham purifies us, our hope is to create a devotional atmosphere here that stays with families long after the retreat ends.”
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