Falling Things
Mayapura, West Bengal
It is not coconuts that fall from their heights that you have to worry about. It's actually the fruit of the Kadamba tree that causes a threat as it descends to the pilgrim's trail. It may splat or at least bruise. It's the size of golf balls, has a rusty color and is softer than a coconut. I personally came close to getting bombed a few times when mild winds were there. It's nice to know that pedestrian trails in Mayapura have some trees for shade; could be better though. The town of Mayapura is in progress in it's development and we'll hope in time a greening will be the overwhelming reality.
Mayapura is rich in Ganges delta earth. It's rich fertility with abundance in edible growth. It's also devotionally very rich- chanting in every direction. This place of pilgrimage also draws much talent from around the world.
Our VANDE Creative Arts team drew artists from different areas of interest. In our break-out session, two tradesmen in the field of deity-making were in attendance. We were delighted to also have film-makers, website designers, fashion designers, artists and dramatists.
We actually spent some time on projects to realistically materialize for the Gaura Purnima Festival. One project we all liked was to host a "Historic Vaishnava Attire" show. It would take on a very "chaste" form of a fashion show. It would be educational and make a statement about defining our society or spiritual order in a certain dress code.
Other features of the Gaura Purnima Festival, contributions by our VANDE team, include a short film festival, dramas, film workshop and an art exhibit. My thirst for next year's retreat is very up and I hope that such features for the festival will attract more pilgrims who will come for various reasons with the ultimate intent to internalize their higher consciousness.
6 KM
No comments:
Post a Comment