Sevā: putting our skills to good use
Selfless service can also be very practical.
Read →ISKCON Alicante · Frequently asked questions
Questions before your first visit.
Clothing, food, offerings, participation and preparation for different events. Confirm local customs with the host.
May I visit without being a devotee?
Yes. Open activities welcome people who wish to learn. Check the programme and visitor guidance.
What should I wear?
Clean, comfortable, respectful clothing is fine. A sari or dhotī is not required for a first visit.
Must I remove my shoes?
This is customary in many prayer halls. Follow local signs and ask about mobility accommodations.
Are there different dress rules for women and men?
There is no universal rule stated here. Some ceremonies have local customs; ask the event host.
What food is served?
Often vegetarian prasādam. It may contain dairy and allergens, so ask before eating.
Is all the food vegan?
Not necessarily. Traditional Vaiṣṇava cooking may use dairy; check each menu.
May I bring fruit or flowers as an offering?
Ask the coordinator first; arrangements depend on the ritual and food-safety rules.
Do I have to chant at kīrtan?
No. You may listen, observe or join the call-and-response at your own pace.
What should I bring to a kīrtan?
No instruments or books are required. Check the event duration and access arrangements.
Can children and families attend?
Usually at open events, but confirm the programme, facilities and supervision arrangements.
What is Ekādaśī and must I fast?
It is a Vaiṣṇava lunar observance. Fasting choices are personal: check local dates and health considerations.
Can I join live from home?
YouTube broadcasts and separately moderated interactive sessions are planned once scheduled.
How can I download songbooks and prayers?
The library is planned to be free after sign-in and will offer only approved, authorised resources.
Do I need to donate to visit or register?
No. Open visits and free registered resources will not require donations.
What is RADHA?
An independent Spanish–Russian speech interpretation and guidance project; simultaneous multi-voice singing translation is not promised.
Are these articles official worldwide ISKCON statements?
They are local introductory drafts. Linking to global sources does not certify each article.
Where can I read Prabhupāda’s books?
Use authorised libraries such as Vedabase or BBT publications; our store will list available copies.
How can I ask a question?
Use the contact form or institutional email. Choose your language and submit your enquiry so the centre can respond.
Where are other ISKCON centres in Spain?
See our directory for websites and contacts and verify details with each centre before travelling.
How do Vedas, Mahābhārata and Gītā differ?
The four Vedas are a distinct corpus; Mahābhārata is an epic and Bhagavad-gītā is a dialogue within it.
What does Bhakti Yoga mean?
It is the path of loving devotion and service to Krishna, not merely physical exercise.
How is it different from hatha yoga?
Haṭha yoga often focuses on posture and breath, while bhakti centres on devotion and service.
What are ISKCON’s four principles?
No meat, fish or eggs; no intoxicants; no gambling; and sexual conduct regulated by traditional initiation vows.
Must I follow all four principles to visit?
No. They are practitioner and initiation vows, not entry requirements for open events.
Why no meat, fish or eggs?
The devotional discipline avoids these products and prepares suitable food for offering to Krishna.
Why are garlic and onion excluded?
ISKCON offering kitchens generally omit them for devotional reasons, not because they are medically harmful.
Does ISKCON allow tea or coffee?
Strict initiation practice avoids caffeine, including tea and coffee. Visitors are not required to do so.
Does vegetarian mean vegan?
No. Prasādam may contain dairy; ask about ingredients, allergens and vegan options.
What is prasādam?
Food offered to Krishna and then shared; its spiritual meaning does not replace food-safety requirements.
Must everyone fast?
No. Check local Ekādaśī dates and health needs, especially for children or people with medical conditions.
What does no gambling mean?
Avoiding betting and games with financial stakes, not every harmless game.
May I learn without initiation?
Yes. Introductory reading, kīrtans and open classes do not require initiation.