On April 5, 2025, a group of local devotees from ISKCON’s Ganjoni Temple in Mombasa, Kenya, hosted an event that gave new life to Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to present Krishna consciousness in ways that are dynamic, creative, and relevant.

The event, titled “Beyond the Body,” was held at the prestigious Aga Khan Academy. It brought together art, learning, and sanctified food in a uniquely powerful atmosphere. What started as a casual post-prasadam conversation between friends turned into one of the most talked-about events on the Kenyan coast that weekend.

The aim was clear. To create something captivating and culturally elevated that could help working professionals in Mombasa connect with the teachings of Krishna consciousness. While college outreach had been effective in the past, there was a growing sense that something fresh was needed, something that could speak to people outside the usual channels.

With that, the idea of an art exhibition inspired by the Bhagavad-gita was born. The plan was to present deep philosophical truths like the difference between body and soul through visual storytelling. 

Collaborating with local creatives known as African Nomads, the devotees partnered with artists who, though unfamiliar with Vedic literature, quickly embraced the concept. After a single planning meeting, they committed to the project with no financial terms discussed, reflecting a shared desire to bring this vision to life.

The venue was booked, preparations began, and within four weeks of announcing the event on social media, all available tickets had been claimed. Guests came from all over Kenya, with some traveling over 500 kilometers to attend.

Inside the gallery, every piece of art was accompanied by a devotee who stood ready to explain its meaning. The room was full of conversations, guests leaning in, asking questions, and reflecting on what they saw. The energy was focused, inquisitive, and alive.

One piece featured a woven sculpture made of cotton threads and hola hoops, visually breaking down the structure of the subtle and gross body from the senses to the mind, intelligence, and finally, the soul. 

Another striking installation used two bird cages: one was beautifully decorated on the outside but held a lifeless bird inside, representing the tragedy of focusing solely on external appearances while neglecting the soul. The second cage was plain, yet it housed a vibrant, living bird—symbolizing a life nourished by spiritual understanding and inner connection.

What struck many was how diverse the crowd was. People of all ages, races, and religious backgrounds walked through the hall, fully engaged. County government representatives from the Department of Art and Culture were also present, intrigued by the way spiritual knowledge was being communicated through visual form.

The highlight of the evening came when Umapati Das, the GBC regional secretary, shared his reflections: “There is no cure for greed other than spiritual meditation through sound vibration. Without it, human beings only feed their attachments.” A warm round of applause followed his words. One of the artists, Sally, shared her thoughts: “We never imagined something like this could attract so many people—especially with the way people usually dismiss art.”

As the sun set, guests were invited outside for a buffet-style prasadam dinner under the stars. Devotees had prepared a beautiful spread, local dishes blended with exotic offerings. Live Kirtan played softly in the background. On the lawn, guests ate, sang, browsed through books, and spoke with the devotees about Krishna consciousness.

Nearby, a book table offered copies of the Bhagavad-gita, Mahabharata, and other Vedic texts. Many guests made purchases, fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to distribute books and give people the chance to take spiritual knowledge home with them.

The event was later voted the most impactful gathering in Mombasa that weekend, standing out even against more than ten secular events. Dozens of guests expressed interest in future programs and asked how they could stay in touch and learn more.

Plans are already underway to take “Beyond the Body” from Mombasa and beyond.

To stay updated and see highlights from the Mombasa exhibition, follow their Instagram.