ISKCON's first sannyasi

Mahanidhi Dasa: On August 28, 1967, Janmastami day, ISKCON history was made at the Radha-Damodara temple. Srila Prabhupada gave sannyasa to Kirtanananda, his first disciple to enter the renounced order. To mark the auspicious occasion, Prabhupada organized a small festival.

Gopal Ghosh: "When I arrived Prabhupada called me over to sit down next to him, and we listened to Kirtanananda Maharaj's speech. Sweet rice prasadam was distributed that day, and Prabhupada donated new jari, mukut, dresses and nice makhara kundala for all the Deities at the Radha-Damodara temple."