By Nimai Suchak
A series of events honouring George Harrison’s spiritual life were held in Liverpool in celebration of what would have been his 80th birthday.
Inspired by Pradyumna Das, who credits George Harrison for his attraction to Krishna consciousness, devotees from around the country put on a number of special events in the Spiritual Beatle’s birth city, including an exclusive interview with Gurudas Prabhu, who flew into the UK especially for the occasion.
Liverpool Philharmonic: My Sweet Lord, The Spiritual Journey of George Harrison.
Devotees took to Liverpool’s iconic Philharmonic Hall to share George’s songs, lyrics, recorded interviews with George. This was weaved together into a narration by Pradyumna Das, sharing spiritual insights of the songs inspiring his personal journey. A special mention was made of George Harrison’s gift of Bhaktivedanta Manor, which this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The audience participated in kirtan, bought copies of Chant & Be Happy and received prasadam cookies.
At the Liverpool Central Library, Gurudas Prabhu gifted sets of Srimad Bhagavatam, Caitanya Caritamrta, Bhagavad-gita As It Is to City Mayor Joanne Anderson, as an addition to library’s collection. Guests at this private event included members of the Cabinet, the media, leaders of the city’s museums, members of the university and religious institutions and others. Mukunda Murphy sang songs by George, devotees led Kirtan and shared prasadam cookies.
On the day of George’s actual birthday, The Beatles Story hosted a panel discussion with Gurudas Prabhu, Sakshi Gopal Prabhu, and Sripati Prabhu who shared stories and insights to George Harrison’s spiritual life. Birju and Kishori Jani led interactive mrdanga and kirtan workshops, Mukunda Murphy sang songs by George, guests purchased Chant & Be Happy books and received prasadam cookies.
At the Liverpool Beatles Museum on Mathew Street, right next to the iconic Cavern Club Roag Best, owner of the museum interviewed Gurudas Prabhu. It was a candid and engaging exchange where the enthusiastic audience proceeded to ask many questions about Gurudas Prabhu’s connection to George, as well as about Krishna consciousness and the Hare Krishna Mantra. Caitanya Cintamani and team lead kirtan for an hour before the interview, while Mukunda sang George’s songs after the interview. Guests purchased a number of Chant & Be Happy books and received prasadam cookies. Gurudas Prabhu was then invited to unveil the museum’s world reveal of George’s Om pendant.
Simultaneously, devotees from around the country converged upon Liverpool City Centre for harinama, sharing cookies and distributing a number of books.
Before leaving Liverpool, Pradyumna and Gurudas Prabhu were invited onto the Sunday breakfast show on BBC Radio Merseyside to share the celebrations and more about Gurudas Prabhu’s relationship with George Harrison. Hear the interview on https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0f5h6gp
Thank you to the small team who came together to put on an exciting tribute to George.
Pradyumna Das (ISKCON Leicester), Ajay Kumar (Bhaktivedanta Manor), Nimai Devi Dasi (ISKCON Leicester), Shyam Das (Bhaktivedanta Manor), Mukunda Murphy (Bhaktivedanta Manor), Caitanya Cintamani (ISKCON London), Kishori Jani (ISKCON Leicester), Birju Jani (ISKCON Leicester), plus Charu-chandra, Abhidheya, Raman Rai, Adi Keshav, Haridev and Revati Kumari (ISKCON Leicester)
These events were sponsored by Bhaktivedanta Manor
With Liverpool resounding with the holy names, and Prabhupada’s books, it felt like a fitting ‘Hare Krishna’ tribute of gratitude to Sriman George Harrison.
Find out more on www.thespiritualbeatle.com
the life story of george harrison's spiritual journey really inspired me, surely now he is continuing his spiritual life somewhere