Saturday, March 22nd 2008

Saturday, March 22, 2008 - Durban, South Africa

People had come from all parts of the South Africa to experience an expanding program. Each year the Festival of Chariots (Ratha Yatra) grows in Durban. I was asked to lead the chanting in the front chariot on an approximate 5 kilometer stretch of the part concrete, part beach side procession. Canadian born bhajan singer, Vaiyasaki, led the middle chariot, and the final chariot, where much of the attention is given, was led by Dutch born, Kadamba Kanana Swami, an enthusiastic monk who spends much time in this part of the world.
A true highlighter to the event at North Beach was the sannyasa initiation of an indigenous Zulu follower of Krishna. Jagat Guru has led a serious monastic life for a good number of years and so on this eventful day gained the honours of receiving this title of renunciation. He is a fine person and is a level-headed type of person; very worthy. He is black and was born Zulu. At the ceremony his new name given is Bhakti Nrsingha Swami. This ceremony was a huge attraction.
Including the procession, I was able to scale a good…

11km