By Dhirabhakta Das
Hare Krishna
Please accept my humble obeisacnes
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
I recently have been asked to speak about festivals to a number of the primary schools near me, it is a great opportunity but a small challenge given the age range; however as I researched a great appreciation for the disciples of srila Prabhupada grow given how in many cases the revival or importance of them is attributed to ISKCON; I’ve wrote a small article on my realizations; mainly to inspire others to become a part of the build up to each festival:
Over the past couple of day’s I’ve been getting ready for up and coming visits to primary schools which are always interesting.
Unlike high school’s there is no direct learning outcomes set by SACRE (Standing Advisory Committee on Religious Education) which frees the primary teachers to explore in their own unique manor; those requesting visits have asked me to cover festivals.
Which raises a unique challenge, I cannot just put together one presentation that covers all; (a one size fit’s all approach which many feel comfortable with) but a multiple layered approach given the vast age range.
Reception class is by far the easiest a nice story played out, kirtan and cake Yummy! We like cake
But as the ages increase so does the learning outcomes, but festivals are a difficult one there are so many, some connected by the same story but cover different event’s. Do I present in chronological order as we celebrate or connected to the story? I ponder!
It also allowed me to do one thing, research into each festival, it’s significance, the story behind it and also how different groups celebrate and what it means to them.
During my research one notation or theme recurred: this festival had all but died out and was re-invigorated by the International Society For Krishna Consciousness who made it part of their calendar and promoted it’s importance.
Yes Srila Prabhupada’s white elephants, the ragtag hippies who became happiest when serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission; and yes they didn’t always get it quite right Govardhan Hill is an example of that but non the less it enthused and made many realize what a wealth of joy and happiness can be gained by a little Kirtan, Prasadam, dressing the deities nicely, play’s and recitation of the stories.
Lovely.
And it reminded me of this, it is not that we turn to others to maintain this tradition of celebrating Sri Krishna’s pastimes but ours we should be that enthusiastic to share our festivals with everyone; which means we need to get involved.
So next time your at the Temple/preaching centre ask what do you want me to do next festival?
Being a part of the work involved is as rewarding to just turning up on the day for Kirtan and prasadam; indeed you gain more as you get amazing association in it’s run up. The association is magical enough
I hope that in my small presentation to the primary schools may be they too can join in the Diwali celebrations indeed may it become a tradition that everyone no matter what their background becomes so enthused by Srila Prabhupada’s white elephants that they all join in.
Yours Humbly
Dhirabhakta Das