Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada

What is the Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada?

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada entered the Lord's eternal pastimes on the evening of 14 November 1977, in his room at the Krishna-Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan. Devotees honour that day as the Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada. In 2026 it falls on Friday, 13 November.

Significance

Srila Prabhupada is the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He followed the scriptures himself and taught by his own example. Devotees recall that his departure was exemplary, as his whole life had been. In his last hours the doors were opened to all, and devotees surrounded him, chanting the holy names in kirtana.

For his followers the day is above all a time for gratitude and for renewing their commitment to his order. In a purport to the Bhagavad-gita, Srila Prabhupada explains what that commitment asks of a disciple:

to be well versed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness one has to act firmly and obey the representative of Kṛṣṇa, and one should accept the instruction of the bona fide spiritual master as one’s mission in life.

Bhagavad-gita 2.41, purport

How to observe it

Devotees offer prayers of gratitude to Srila Prabhupada and feel his separation. They hear about his life, read his books and chant the holy names. The observance follows the lunar calendar, so its English date moves from year to year.

This holy day falls in Kartik, the month of Lord Damodara, when devotees offer Him a lamp each evening and sing Damodarashtakam. Read about Kartik (Damodara) Month, and offer your own lamp from wherever you are through our Kartik Deep Daan Seva.