Thursday, July 13th, 2023
The Annex, Toronto
Things are warming up for the weekend’s Chariot Fest. Included in that major undertaking is tomorrow's 12-Hour Kirtan. Decorations are going up in the main temple hall in addition to the sound system assembly with mixers, mics, speakers, and stands. Carpets are laid to protect the backsides of chant leaders. In fact, all the senses are up for gratification addressing the eyes, ears, nostrils, palate, and touch. All of the above and more arrangements are for lifting that spirit that goes along with honouring the Lord of the Universe. And Jagannath is the name.
I have been involved in the yearly preparations of this festival in the 51 times it has rolled out in the city. Now, another generation succeeds in its assembly which is no easy task. Fun, yes!
Currently, any participation involves greeting guests. Two other monks to this day, Bhakti Anugraha Janardan Swami (who happened to join here in the 80s) and Sundara Chaitanya Swami from Mauritius, have arrived. As an expectation for more swamis to come. We should hope that it doesn't confuse anyone with multiple monks.
I should not fail to mention that also giving it all are the participants in the drama practice. On this year's list of agenda items stage wise, I have been rehearsing for two plays – a more serious The Gita, and a more light humoured Big Fish Little Fish. Both pieces are intended to contribute two lifting that spirit that Jagannath so thrives on.
MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!
4 km
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