Sunday, July 28th 2024
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Judy is an elder from the First Nations and spoke on the stage for our Chariot Fest for the second consecutive year. “When I touched that rope ( attached to the chariot), I felt a real good energy”. Judy went on, and said only positive things about human obligation and making for a better world. Zac, the deputy mayor, and life long resident of Saskatoon, also spoke in good cheer. And the chief of Police, Cam Mc Bride, also shared words of congrats. He sat through practically the whole parade and park event and soaked in the vibrations of this alcohol and smoke-free celebrations. The magician, Danny, thrilled the kids; a lovely guy he is.
I took note that the festival is growing. Last year the count for the festival was one thousand. Well, it tripled this year, thanks to Vaikuntha and Anandi and community. Saskatoon’s program is usually a success and ends with an reverberating kirtan dance session. The mighty North Saskatchewan River runs next to venue. Of course, it is the location often that defines the success of the program and most of all, the insertion of Bhakti.
The usual challenge is getting everyone on board with the process of sravanam kirtanam, the receive-and-respond technique. Listen first, then repeat, what one has heard. Oh well, people are chanting and that’s the main thing.
When all was over and the disassembling of things were coming to a close, the mosquitoes moved in. That’s not the movement I joined.
Comments