For the past 19 years, I have had the absolute privilege of attending every single Festival of the Holy Name, and it truly remains the highlight of my year. Under the thoughtful curation of HH Romapada Swami, the event never fails to leave me feeling spiritually surcharged and deeply nourished. Even after nearly two decades, I still sit at the edge of my seat—captivated, enlivened, and constantly surprised by the beautiful takeaways I gain from each experience.
-Sri Radhika devi dasi, Bhakti Yoga practioner of 20+ years

As a younger generation devotee, growing up in the Naperville community, I have been participating in the annual Festival of the Holy Name retreats for around 10+ years. It is a retreat I have cherished deeply, hearing from HH Romapada Swami as well as other special guest speakers on how to make real progress in our personal practices of japa and Krishna Consciousness. I have had surreal experiences through the 32/64 round days that are a part of the retreat, and a quality and focus of japa that I never experienced before. I would recommend any devotee to attend this amazing event to feel empowered and rejuvenated in their spiritual lives.
-Veda, 19yrs old and in KC all along 🙂

Hare krishna
My name is Hemangi.
Even though I was born into the movement, I’ve honestly felt the most connected these past few years. One of my absolute favorite parts of the Festival of the Holy Name retreat is the deep, meditative kirtans – but also the incredible guidance we get to receive. To focus on the holy name while meditating on His form, His stories, His names… it’s just such a gift.
-Hemangi

I like the children activities and the prasadam. And, when we get to do our Kirtans in the temple. I love the FoHN weekend.
– Siya, 9yrs old

I recall from my very first Japa Retreat almost two decades ago, how it TRANSFORMED my japa from what was a mechanical and mental endeavor into a sweet relationship with the Holy Name. I am eternally grateful to His Holiness Romapada Swami for the thought and effort he has put in year after year, incorporating various perspectives and inviting accomplished devotees, the sweet Nama yagnya, leading up to a crescendo with the 64 round day, and last but not the least, wonderful association of like minded devotees eager to connect with Krishna and progress in their spiritual journeys. I’d highly recommend people at all stages of spiritual practice to consider attending this retreat.
-Ganga Narayan das, 22 years of Bhakti Yoga practice.

I love the 64 rounds that we chant together. Prasadam & kids activities are my favorite!
-Sita, 8 years old

I like the kids activities because they are so fun. I love the time with my friends.
– Arya, (turning 6yrs in 6 days)

Twenty years ago, HH Romapada Maharaja planted a seed with this Festival of the Holy Name (FOHN) that I don’t think anyone could have foreseen the reach of. Whenever I have attended, FOHN has been a strengthening experience over the years, to go deeper into my japa, surrounded with devotees who are serious about growing their devotion for Krishna. Through the meditative and lively kirtans, the devotees who gather with a common goal, and the supportive atmosphere, it’s hard not to taste the sweetness of the Holy Name! Come experience it for yourself!
-Neha Sethi, practicing for 30 years

I’ve been attending Festival of the Holy Name, a spiritually uplifting retreat for the past 11 years. His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja’s classes along with His personal example has immensely helped me to experience the sweetness of the Holy Name and to deepen my relationship with Kṛṣṇa. I love the soul stirring & meditative Kirtans in the retreat, and the inspiring association with like-minded devotees. There’s something for devotees of every age and stage of devotional service in this retreat. Come and experience the joy and inspiration yourself.
– Amṛta-keli dāsi, practicing KC for 12yrs

Hare Krishna! I love coming to FoHN because I get to the temple, see all my friends, enjoy the kirtans, and chanting on 64 round day. I can’t wait for the 2026 FoHN, and I hope I see you there.
-Jiva, 12 years old

When I first started attending the Festival of the Holy Name as a kid, it was a fun opportunity to do service alongside close friends. Over the years, it evolved into a much-needed annual reset—a chance to step away from the constant noise of school and work to completely focus on my chanting. Looking back, so many of my favorite, most meaningful memories took place during these retreats, and the festival has truly become an anchor for my relationship with the Holy Name.
-Nitya Priya dasi, practicing KC for 28 years

I’ve been attending FoHN for my whole life. My favorite part of the event is 64 round day and I really look forward to it all year! I really love how I improve my Krishna Consciousness so much and aspire to become a better devotee. Chanting rounds the whole day really inspires me and it really motivates me to become my best self.
-Gopinatha Dayaldasani, 15 years old

Having attending almost 20 festivals of the holy name, I can say with confidence, that it is one of my favorite events of the year. The highlights include profound messages and inspiration from HH Romapada Swami for my daily chanting practice, life-altering investment of a standard 8 hours to a simple yet profound mantra repetition practice, meeting dear friends from all parts of the country and enjoying a wholesome meal together. The festival puts rocket fuel in my spiritual practice, the impression of which lasts several months, and in some cases, years after that weekend.
-Yamuna Jivana das, Bhakti Yoga practitioner for 23 yrs

I’ve been attending Festival of Holy Name by HH Romapada swami maharaja since 2008. During these years , regardless of where I am in my relationship with the Holy Name , I’ve felt uplifted and most importantly supported. Chanting is the bedrock of our spiritual practice and yet the due to my conditioned nature I go though ups and downs in my relationship with the Holy Name. I look forward to the annual Festival of the Holy Name since it brings back my attention to the Holy Name, the most important relationship.
-Varsana devi dasi, Japa practitioner since 2004