Chaguanas, Trinidad
Sun and Sound
After a good catching-up rest at the Longdenville ISKCON
Centre, I, along with a good number of devotees, hopped into another one of
those colourful Chariot Fest events in the downtown of nearby Chaguanas. My dear Godbrother, Guru Prasad Swami, and I
were whisked into a devotee-owned warehouse and office for quick, simultaneous interviews
by two TV stations. Another one followed
after our parade.
It was a hot one—both the weather and kirtan. Somehow in Trinidad, overcast conditions had prevailed
all week, until today, and then there were the blaring loud-speakers as well,
which give an event like this the usual Trinidadian flavour.
The streets were crowded.
It was the perfect place to be. I
believe with the chanting, dancing and drumming, there was a shaking of the whole
town. The mayor joined us as well as a
rep from another government level. The
youth carried the show with their exuberance, and the established business
persons and seniors stood by with donor-backing.
I went from the chill to the frying pan in terms of the
elemental conditions, but that is what happens for me in the winter
months. My constant companion on this
day was an umbrella over my head protecting me from the merciless sun, while my
friend, Guru Prasad, kept his ear-plugs in place. Lots of smiles dominated the program,
including the euphoric stretching smile of Jagannatha, the central figure.
May the Source be with you!
6 km
No comments:
Post a Comment