Due to the pandemic Australia has been in lockdown for almost a year, with no visits to the temple or harinama festivals. The sound of the holy names of the Lord was conspicuous by its absence in Melbourne. When some restrictions were lifted, Vrindavan
Kirtan Prabhu seized the opportunity to organise a weekend Preaching Bhakti Yoga Kirtan festival.
It was held over two days and the kirtan was divided into four different slots. On Saturday it was held at a yoga studio and on Sunday at ISKCON Melbourne. It was aimed mainly at new people that have never attended a kirtan festival before. An impersonal
and fast-moving Melbourne very quickly settled down into absorbing and meditative kirtan. The entire setup created an ethereal atmosphere. Using image projection technology, the words of the maha-mantra were brilliantly displayed. The melodic
waves of the kirtan rippled right through the room and soon the participants were dancing and singing. Every word became a song and every step a dance. What is a festival without mouth-watering prasada? This was served and all present experienced
a truly successful kirtan festival.
The team of devotees are very excited as the Covid restrictions are gradually being lifted in Australia, and they are looking forward to organise many such creative programs in the future.
~ Dinanukampa Dasi
