Sunday 27 March 2022

Friday, March 25, 2022

Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal

Where We Started

It was back in 1968 that Hare Krishna devotees first appeared on Canadian soil, at Phillips Square. The popular world Expo, which began the year before at Canada’s 100 year celebration, was extended over from ’67. Well, faithfully you will still see the Krishnas at that corner, the juncture of Sainte-Catherine and Union. Due to renovations, the Square is blocked off, hence our lively chanting troupe of today went kitty-corner in front of a heritage church.

What is really appealing about recent renos on the street is that pedestrians now enjoy a beautifully widened street. Formerly, there were four lanes on this one-way thoroughfare. Now, you have three. It means that the sidewalk is broadened, making way for a city that has a vision for pedestrian-friendliness.

This latest change also makes it easier for any chanting that we stage. Traffic also moves slower. Indeed, we could see motorists roll down windows just to hear our tap on the drum and the voices projecting. The public received us well. We had all the right ingredients. Spring is in the air. The sidewalk interlocking looks classy. It’s Friday afternoon. Covid restrictions are being relieved in this province.

It’s all good. All favourable for some spirituality on the street. Sweet it is when the externals and internals are synchronized. 54 years later.

May the Source be with you!


 

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