HISTORICAL PARIKRAMA CONVERGENCE

March 10, 2004

Just a few days ago over 4000 devotees converged together at Yoga Pita to conclude the 2004 Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama, a first international gala of such proportions. The mixed foreign party consisted of 1300 members, the Bengali 1500, the Russian 600 with 600 from the Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir. At 10:30 am the three kirtan groups, 3 sets of deities, an arsenal of mridangas, kartals and drums beat in unison under waving flags and mobile loudspeakers. Garlands and embraces were exchanged between everyone in the three parties. A ring of devotees had to surround HH Jayapataka Maharaja to protect him from the mixing currents of human bodies. Later Maharaja remarked " It was an interesting moment where your feet just left the ground" And that was the reality whether you liked it or not.

It was a climactic highlight to the entire parikrama. Tears were in the eyes of some, as the garland givers fought through the sea of chanters amidst a Lokanath Swami kirtan, to deliver the respective flowers and greetings to one another. In fact many garland givers came out of nowhereI.may be a few demigods joined in. It was a moment in spiritual history. Never has there ever been such a selection of youthful chanters of different colors and creeds on this plain. Yes Srila Bhaktisidanta Sarasvati led a party of 10,000 pilgrims(the swamis even got to ride on horses too!(smile)) and in Mahaprabhu's time several hundred thousand would join, but never has there been such a `global flock' at Yoga Pita as this day. One could just feel how pleased Srila Prabhupada was along with the previous acaryas. With the combined deities, Gaura Nitai's and Sri Sri Panca Tattva's altars maneuvering about, a satisfied parampara, an unforgettable `Presence' was at hand. Just as with the curtain opening of the Panca Tattva Deities, the Lords had certainly come.

For this Navadvipa mandal parikrama of `transcendental island hopping' was truly the highlight of the entire Gaura Purnima festival. A team of swamis would visit each party, each of which had a different flavor. For those who were blessed to visit the Russian party, one would meet attentive and sincere listeners, who because of their numbers could relish longer periods at each place. And boy did they walk fast! Even amongst the little old ladies, one could find some real troopers, even passing by the six-foot swamis on the path. The Bengali party was immersed in a variety of traditional melodies in their enthusiastic kirtans. The International party bathed in the melodious serenades of HH Maha Vishnu Swami.

Leaving the camps at 6 am after mangal arotik, to just view the golden dawn sun peeking through the cool lifting fog, amidst heart melting Arunodaya kirtan, one is transported to another realm. Here you were engaged in ancient chants within spiritual grounds, steeping to and fro in the soft cool sand and acupressure pebbles, some would begin their rounds, while most would just delight in the morning sounds.

Daily one could find oneself on safari, surrounded by a most picturesque tapestry of winding paths, palm trees, agricultural fields, and villages with a most receptive audience of well wishing dhama-vasis. The husbands would watch and the women and children would call out "Haribol, Hare Krishna, Gaura Nitai!". Little girls holding big babies would be amazed at the passing columns of walking white elephants. Panca Tattva das said "I saw one lady directing her child to roll in the ground collecting the dust from the devotees feet and in the background there was a chorus of ululating matajis".

Wonderful prasadam came twice a day, cooked at the Gada Kitchen offered to Lord Jaganatha and a host of Govardhana and Shaligram Silas and I.. no wonder the parties were so intoxicated.

After Yoga Pita the final leg came when the parties visited Srila Prabhupada at his puspa samadhi and then onward to Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Nrsimhadeva, and the most merciful Sri Sri Panca Tattva. All Lords smiled benevolently upon the new arrivals. These children have become purified and are a step closer to fulfilling Their Will and Plan in this world. For they have become part of a `convergence' and through them They will attract the world.

TIME AND CHANGE PHOTO EXHIBITION --------------------------

One of the highlights was a 350 photo exhibition , arranged by Tusti Mohan Krsna dasa, of Iskcon Mayapur from the early days to the present. Right after guru puja , Srila Prabhupada was brought to inspect this offering and the devotees followed behind in kirtan. Views from the conch building over the bare land and back were displayed, and pictures of Srila Prabhupada's pioneering presence, morning walks and ground breaking ceremonies. As one walked clockwise around, one could view the history of gurukula developments, cow protection, temple construction, festivals, deities, plans and models for the future temple, concluding in the multi angle expose of the Sri Sri Panca Tattva Installation. The photo selection was so good that on the first morning 100 of these prints were stolen from the wall. The security stickmen from that point on would chastise anyone who leaned across the ropes before the displays to protect their longevity. All in it was very inspiring, bringing one and all from the past, up to the present into the future, a delightful experience of time and change.

(By HH Bhaktisiddhanta Swami)