BETTER THAN EVER
Saturday, December 31st, 2022
City Hall, Toronto
Our annual kirtan, perhaps the best of the year in terms of participation and intensity, was something we were all geared up for. We huddled in the ashram’s temple at 243 Avenue Raod where I gave a pep talk and some guidelines for kirtan performance.
“It’s going to be very busy at Old City Hall (our usual spot for New Year’s), more than the ordinary. The post-covid explosion is a reality these days. And the weather is mild (4 degrees). Hold on to your musical instruments. The crowd is a bit tipsy (from drinking) and things get excited, a little rowdy, even. Sing loud. Smile.”
Our very ready troupers and I softly chanted our way through quiet Ramsden Park at 11 pm before we reached the underground train, the TTC. It is several stops before we reach Queen Street, the location of the changing. Each time the subway train stopped to pick up more commuters, the doors would open to the multitudes while the train was already packed. You could hear a sudden woefulness from the crowd both inside the train and out. It was hilarious. You couldn’t pack anymore people in. IN fact, the train couldn’t move further for the already sardined conveyance. We decided to walk the rest of the way. No problem.
When we arrived at our spot, the magic began. Sound took over and our drums, djembe and marching drum got everyone adrenalined.
Oh! It was great and the mantra resounded. Better than ever!
May the Source be with you!
4 km
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