Monday, 23 October 2017

Friday, October 20th, 2017

Toronto, Ontario

The Hill and the Fest

We had a grand festival in honour of Govardhana Puja, which is a meditation on Sri Krishna’s strength in the lifting of a massive hill. It was this time last year, that along with a small group, I circumambulated the actual hill which is located a relatively short three hour drive from Delhi. It was a walk that surprised us. Anticipating few pilgrims would be trekking its length and breadth during the night, we discovered that the crowds, indeed, were out. We commenced at 9:30 p.m. in order to avoid a congestion of pedestrians, as well as the heat of the sun. It looks like others had the same idea in mind.

If I’m not mistaken, it was Purnima, the full moon, and that apparently attracts many.

In Toronto, we don’t get quite the same numbers, as in India, for an event like Govardhana, which is the name of the hill. Still the attendance was great, or at least good. I gave the talk and a chant. We had prasadam—quite delicious. A major feature was a hill constructed of halava, something young kids are more prone to relish because of its sweet content.

People were in an awesome mood at the temple, as were the walkers whom I met on the walking trail today. Perfect temperatures with the sun on my face made it what it was—a stroll to remember.  Optimism was totally in the air. https://instagram.com/p/BagZ_F_Fz11/

Now, the only thing about this evening’s event which hit a sour note was that one of our visitors had his good pair of shoes stolen. Ouch! That hurts to hear. Fortunately, we got the thief on camera. This will be pursued.

May the Source be with you!

10 km

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