A Canadian Transcendental Celebration
By Jaya Govinda dasa
July 1st marked the 149th anniversary of the founding of the world’s second largest country; Canada.
Towns and villages across the nation celebrated its birthday with fireworks, parades and a host of other joyful events.
The city of Vancouver’s celebration was extra special as our ISKCON Hare Krishna temple was invited to participate in this year’s Canada Day parade.
An estimated 300,000 people lining the route, and millions more on main stream news coverage were benefited with the vibration of the holy names, seeing ecstatic devotees dancing and being made aware that this year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of ISKCON and the Hare Krishna movement.
Our participation was an offering to Srila Prabhupada on this special occasion.
Wearing red & white saris, dhotis and kurtas, colours of the Canadian flag, the crowds smiled and waved at the enthusiastic dancing devotees who followed our main float.
A three ton flatbed truck converted into a beautiful float with red and white side banners saying “Hare Krishna – Feel the Bliss”, and covered with Canada day balloons, a huge Jagannath smiley face draping the hood, a big bold Maha Mantra across the top and an ISKCON 50th Anniversary banner to lead the way.
Everyone felt confident that Srila Prabhupada was pleased as he looked upon the masses offering his blessings from the deck of the float.
Srila Prabhupada Ki Jaya; ISKCON 50th Anniversary Ki Jaya: Canada Day Ki Jaya:
Here is a video link of the event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LI1dE5wz6Ag
Your servant,
Jaya Govinda dasa
congregational development
director ISKCON Vancouver