The Krishna Culture Festival Tours are mission trips organized by volunteers for ISKCON Youth Ministry to inspire young people in Krishna consciousness. We travel on adventures across North America, immersing ourselves in the blissful life of Krishna kirtan and Bhakti-yoga, and sharing it with others through cultural presentations. Our goal is that of the sages of old, “sarva sukhino bhavantu,” may everyone become happy by connecting with the Source of happiness.

Started in 1995 by a team of second generation Hare Krishna youth including Manorama Dasa and Jaya Sri Radhe Devi Dasi, the youth bus tours, as these mission trips are colloquially referred to by participants, recently celebrated their 30th anniversary. There are different trips for different age groups. The Kishori Yatra mission trip for girls ages 12-17, the Boys Summer / Winter Trip for, well, boys ages 12-17, the traditional older youth bus tours (ages 18-29), which now include a Mexico Bus Tour mission trip held periodically during the winter holidays, as well as mission trips to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.

Inspired by our mission trips, others around the world have begun organizing similar trips for youth in South America, Europe, Australia and Malaysia. There’s even talk about a trip in Iceland next summer. Stay tuned.