A WARMING UP

[Guest guest]

WARMING UP

Report by - Bhaktisidhanta Swami

 

Today, while peeking into the Panca Tattva altar, more finishing touches are

being made. The air is heavily paint scented, Srivasa’s head is now a satin

grey before the black final coat. Bamboo structures surround the Lords,

where the craftsmen stand, polishing and painting. Bhima, who is supervising

the deity preparations, offers advice as the sweaty labourers work quickly.

 

On the other side of these walls you find Jananivasa prabhu, preparing the

parikrama palanquin for the small Panca Tattva deities. The carpenter has

just placed some flashy pink and green cloth, similar to the bright computer

touch up deity photos that have graced Mayapur lately, as a base to the

altar. Jananivasa figures how to secure the deities saying “In South India

they place a ribbon between Their legs, but I think we will just tie the

bases and not block Their lotus feet”. In the opposite hallway, six Chinese

matajis prepare a beautiful silk green and gold embroidered cloth that is 8

meters long, preparing the first outfits for the large deities(and hopefully

the small ones too(smile). Constant kirtans take place in the temple room.

During the morning program, it is getting close to standing room only for

kirtans.

 

Over at the Gada building, we find a makeshift reception hall for newly

arriving pilgrims that is 23 by 22 meters, which has rows of chairs and

tables set up to accommodate the quests and satisfy any inquiries. Devotees

from Russia, Italy, England, America, South India are signing in. One

devotee commented “Just see what Srila Prabhupada has done, yesterday I saw

7 matajis, each from a different country, dancing before Radha Madava, the

prediction of Bhaktivinode Thakur has become furfilled!”

 

Piles of backpacks and luggage are sporadically piled about, behind the

juice stand and floor. Devotee volunteers from Chowpatty cater to all, Srila

Prabhupada disciples are brought to one section and grand disciples next

by.(They were so enthusiastic that they pulled me to one corner and began to

register me not knowing that I also was working there too) People could rest

comfortably while others would go through the check in procedures. Booths

are set up to help people sign up for the parikrama. Also, in the airport,

both international and domestic terminals, and Howrah train station, we have

booths to directing visitors to our taxis and buses at user-friendly prices.

 

What a reception hall, a cloth palace with purple silk fluffy walls and a

white ceiling! Reminds us of one of the Panadava’s palaces. Today they

expect 800 pilgrims, tomorrow 2500 and the next day 3500. Bhakti Purusottama

Swami has done an expert job in organization. As people check in, a rickshaw

cart loads bags and then is driven over to a building or tent complex where

another devotee awaits to personally guide people to their room or tent.

Constant walkie-talkie contact helps everything run smoothly with the utmost

precision.

 

Need a place to drop off the kids? Marici das and his wife Cintamani devi

dasi are overseeing a childrens park with magic shows, Krsna sun art,

coloring, face painting, games, singing, drama, and a lot more. So come over

and free yourselves of the tots while you explore the festivities.

 

More and more huts for the gala needs begin to manifest, crowds are also

thickening as we are one day closer. It appears that the multicoloured

sunrays have begun to glow on the horizon. Everyone is waiting for what is

next, the appearance of the Lords.

(Text PAMHO:7850452) ------

 

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