By Divyanam Das
I’m sure that you all had a busy but blissful Janamashtami and Vyaspuja; And now preparing for Radhashtami to please Srimati Radharani and Srila Prabhupada. There is yet another big opportunity coming up to please Srila Prabhupada. World Holy Name Week (WHNW) 2011 – September the 10th till the 20th.
Every year we are noticing increasing participation from the centers all over, and expecting same this year as well. The sole purpose of WHNW is to celebrate the Holy Names globally and share this treasure with others. This can be done in many ways, although some suggestions and ideas by World Holy Name committee are given:
1. Nagar Sankirtan – Harinaam processions with WHNW and mahamantra banners.
2. Japathon – Pledges from devotees and congregation to chant extra rounds during this period.
3. 24 hours or 12 hours Sankirtan – non-stop chanting for 24/12 hours, atleast once or twice.
4. Morning SB on Holy names as the theme – Morning Bhagvatam classes emphasizing on glories and importance of Holy Names.
5. Japa Seminars – Seminars on japa related topics e.g japa reform, 10 offenses, types of japa etc
6. Japa Retreats camps – Group of devotees go japa retreat camps under proper leadership.
7. WHNW Sunday feast lectures & dramas – Preasentations based on importance of Holy names and related topics.
8. Japa Booth – Putting a table with beads and pamhplets in the temple encouraging new comers to get the beads and chant.
9. Invitation to other religions/faiths for Kirtans and other Holy Name related events.
10. Hare Krishna on Radio – Hare Krishna Kirtans specially SP dhun on radio.
11. Holy Name walks – Padyatras to nearby towns and villages to distribute holynames, prabhupada books and Prasad.
12. Video, multimedia shows and Harinaam concerts for public.
13. Get the cricket/Film stars and other celebrities for public chanting events.
14. Hare krishna mahamantra and WHNW hoardings throughout the cities.
15. Newspapers adverisement- Put pamphlet inside newspapers.
16. Press conferences
17. Inter-faith conventions on Holy Name – invite other religion/faiths for dialouge on holy names of God.
18. Giftshop SALE – Special discount on Kirtan/bhajan Cd’s/DVD’s during this period
These are just to name a few but we can celebrate and glorify holynames in many more ways. So, we encourage all to arrange as many programs as you can to celebrate this festival in your local community and help it to make a global success.
Attached please find two World Holy Name Week posters. Please post them on your notice boards and other common places and also exhibit the posters on Radhashtami celebration.
“If the surface of the globe is over-flooded with the chanting of the Hare
Krsna mantra, the people of the world will be very, very happy.
(Srila Prabhupada – Purport SB 4.24.11)
Let’s join hands together in celebration of Holy Names and over-flood the world with love and holy names of Krishna.
If you have any questions or if you would like to take an active role in organizing locally or internationally or being a part of this great yajna Contact myself – Divyanam.lok@gmail.com or HH Janananda Gosvami – Janananda@yahoo.com
WHNW 2011 CALENDAR
10 Sep 2011 Saturday – Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Appearance
11 Sep 2011 Sunday – Ananta Caturdasi Vrata, Srila Haridasa Thakura Disappearance, Last day of the second Caturmasya month.
12 Sep 2011 Monday – Purnima Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava, Acceptance of sannyasaby Srila Prabhupada, Third month of Caturmasya begins(milk fastfor one month)
13 Sep 2011 Tuesday
14 Sep 2011 Wednesday
15 Sep 2011 Thursday
16 Sep 2011 Friday
17 Sep 2011 Saturday
18 Sep 2011 Sunday
19 Sep 2011 Monday
20 Sep 2011 Tuesday – Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA – Boston
www.worldholyname.com
PS: Please keep record of all the events in picture, videos, audio and written reports formats.