Georgetown, Guyana
If I were to pick a theme for today, I would choose “heat and humidity”. The procession before the stage presentation was conducted in the middle of the day. Passion for the faithful was also on fire on this normal type of Sunday. Our group of 100 or so bold chanters found other spiritualists expressing themselves as the speaker vehicle leading us zig-zagged up and down residential regions. Evangelical enthusiasts made their praises known as instruments and gospel power resonated out of their church windows and doors – “Halleluiah!”
While they chose shade we were committed to the burning ball of the sun. It doesn’t necessarily make our group more faithful but unique – yes.
I recall as a young boy in the Catholic tradition we conducted a similar procession one day in the month of May. With an icon of Mary, our percussionists sang hymns while proceeding on a more prominent street of our 3,000 population town in southern Ontario, called Blenheim.
For Padayatra, I was parade-marshal each day, seeing to the rank-and-filing of folks who were not so used to it. We all certainly released a lot of body water, drenching through those clothes of ours. I sometimes get flashbacks of the falling snow from Canada. It helps psychologically.
Today was the final day of Padayatra 2009 for Guyana. A lot of thanks went out to organizers of a highly successful seven days of devotional ecstasy. Most notable was an accountant, Ram Lila, an accountant from Canada. Local Guyanese men and women truly come forward in this great endeavour to help reenergize a spiritual culture. Spirits get lifted. Let’s hope it keeps that way.
15km
B L O G S P O T
Showing posts with label Padayatra Guyana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Padayatra Guyana. Show all posts
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Friday, 30 January 2009
Thursday, January 29th, 2009
LBI, Guyana
One of the world’s longest floating bridges, set over the Demerara River, was out-of-bounds for pedestrians due to repairs on the walkway. Somehow, with a monk’s humble persuasion, passage was granted for Rupa and myself. It was 5:30AM. Rain was pouring. Drenched we were as we took that mile long rickety bridge. Waters below are known for the presence of electric eels, in the rivers incredible depth and speed. We felt on cloud nine because all traffic was stopped at the time we trekked the bridge. We had it all to ourselves. Now we hit land at Vreed-en-Hoop. Torrential rain persisted.
Noontime was spent at the busy market square. People know us as the “Haribols” which has become a common salutation. Shopkeepers and purchasers were eager to receive our hand bills promoting Padayatra. I found the butchers there with flesh pieces dangling to be exceptionally receptive. Some folks read the center page of Kaieteur News captioned “Walking Monk on Guyana Journey”. My objective here, of course, is to promote the spiritual culture of India – a culture that offers something for all. I am merely a humble servant and tiny component of the ancient mantra culture. If a little attention comes my way, it is then an opportunity to speak on behalf of the tradition.
The evening stage event was held at Ramkisson Lumber Yard. The business had been converted for one day into a spiritual oasis. A Trinidadian, Rajarsi, delivered an impactful message on Krishna Consciousness and Ajamila, a Bengali by birth, led a passionate chant. The last two evenings I engaged twelve young men in the drama, “The Gita” presented tonight. Good stuff boys! You looked good. The grand finale was chanting and drumming. Our venue had become a place of sweat, sweat, sweat.
No rum! No vodka! No meat, fish, or eggs would dare show their face at this festival. It’s just good, clean fun.
10 Km
One of the world’s longest floating bridges, set over the Demerara River, was out-of-bounds for pedestrians due to repairs on the walkway. Somehow, with a monk’s humble persuasion, passage was granted for Rupa and myself. It was 5:30AM. Rain was pouring. Drenched we were as we took that mile long rickety bridge. Waters below are known for the presence of electric eels, in the rivers incredible depth and speed. We felt on cloud nine because all traffic was stopped at the time we trekked the bridge. We had it all to ourselves. Now we hit land at Vreed-en-Hoop. Torrential rain persisted.
Noontime was spent at the busy market square. People know us as the “Haribols” which has become a common salutation. Shopkeepers and purchasers were eager to receive our hand bills promoting Padayatra. I found the butchers there with flesh pieces dangling to be exceptionally receptive. Some folks read the center page of Kaieteur News captioned “Walking Monk on Guyana Journey”. My objective here, of course, is to promote the spiritual culture of India – a culture that offers something for all. I am merely a humble servant and tiny component of the ancient mantra culture. If a little attention comes my way, it is then an opportunity to speak on behalf of the tradition.
The evening stage event was held at Ramkisson Lumber Yard. The business had been converted for one day into a spiritual oasis. A Trinidadian, Rajarsi, delivered an impactful message on Krishna Consciousness and Ajamila, a Bengali by birth, led a passionate chant. The last two evenings I engaged twelve young men in the drama, “The Gita” presented tonight. Good stuff boys! You looked good. The grand finale was chanting and drumming. Our venue had become a place of sweat, sweat, sweat.
No rum! No vodka! No meat, fish, or eggs would dare show their face at this festival. It’s just good, clean fun.
10 Km
Thursday, 29 January 2009
Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
Mon Repos, Guyana
Guyana boasts making the best rums in the world packaged as El Dorado. A beverage like this couldn’t entice Rupa (my traveling partner again) and I even on the steamiest of days. When we trekked near the massive distillery a worker invited us past the security and into the lobby for a stretch-the-leg-and-take-it-easy-break. We were moved by their hospitality and the soft drinks that were cold and pleasing.
We also hear that Guyana has some of the best gold deposits in the world. It has its best and worst. So what’s worse? Rupa and I did encounter the meanest ants, perhaps the nastiest the globe has to offer. A few mere seconds of mistakenly standing on one of their hills hidden by foliage gave me the experience of a lifetime. Rupa also had an incredible “ouch” session as the pesky things crawled up his legs. Despite dealing with the unknown on ground level my feet begged for comfort so I submitted to a barefoot stretch while carefully watching each step.
As we made our way en-route towards the airport, Rupa and I made it a point to distribute flyers as we met folks in transit to work or school. It seems the whole country is “abuzz” on the Padayatra festival. The numbers increase each night as national television and various media outlets inform the public of the foot-and-song festival. I took the liberty to parade marshal the procession. Many participants are habituated to spontaneous performance but I’ll beg to differ on this approach and go for order, focus, and some regimentation. I believe our guru, Srila Prabhupada, favours a much more melodious and structured approach.
28 Km walking / 6 Km in procession
Guyana boasts making the best rums in the world packaged as El Dorado. A beverage like this couldn’t entice Rupa (my traveling partner again) and I even on the steamiest of days. When we trekked near the massive distillery a worker invited us past the security and into the lobby for a stretch-the-leg-and-take-it-easy-break. We were moved by their hospitality and the soft drinks that were cold and pleasing.
We also hear that Guyana has some of the best gold deposits in the world. It has its best and worst. So what’s worse? Rupa and I did encounter the meanest ants, perhaps the nastiest the globe has to offer. A few mere seconds of mistakenly standing on one of their hills hidden by foliage gave me the experience of a lifetime. Rupa also had an incredible “ouch” session as the pesky things crawled up his legs. Despite dealing with the unknown on ground level my feet begged for comfort so I submitted to a barefoot stretch while carefully watching each step.
As we made our way en-route towards the airport, Rupa and I made it a point to distribute flyers as we met folks in transit to work or school. It seems the whole country is “abuzz” on the Padayatra festival. The numbers increase each night as national television and various media outlets inform the public of the foot-and-song festival. I took the liberty to parade marshal the procession. Many participants are habituated to spontaneous performance but I’ll beg to differ on this approach and go for order, focus, and some regimentation. I believe our guru, Srila Prabhupada, favours a much more melodious and structured approach.
28 Km walking / 6 Km in procession
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
Lusignan, Guyana
Just east of Georgetown is the town of Lusignaan where the second night of padayatra was staged. Many people along the processional route expressed that they recall similar events in the late eighties when the first Krishna pioneers of Guyana such as Bhutadi, Agrani, Paramatma, and others hosted this main event. What made tonight’s event major was the attendance of prominent local Hindu pundits as well as the country’s acting president, the Honourable Samuel Hind. I particularly liked one pandit’s definition of ego. Pandit Prakash saw it as an acronym to “Edging God Out”. Honourable Hind recognized the work of organizers for their effort to thrust the notion of peace in a world of social disturbance.
The second day of padayatra had increased in size and vibrancy. Response were good as was my early morning walk with Rupa eastbound on the main highway. We are talking about simple sweet folks here who are not burdened with many of the distractions of the developed world. People are so quick to wave a hand and make the address, “Ram Ram” or “Sita Ram” or “Haribol”. Black folks express these terms as do Hindus.
Spirituality is very doable in this country of limited population (700,000) and where soft-heartedness is prevalent. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe they like seeing their swamis out and about. In any event, piety is a feature of this north shore South American land. They turn up for an event on a Tuesday night which promotes walking for spirituality sake. I’m pleased.
20 Km
Just east of Georgetown is the town of Lusignaan where the second night of padayatra was staged. Many people along the processional route expressed that they recall similar events in the late eighties when the first Krishna pioneers of Guyana such as Bhutadi, Agrani, Paramatma, and others hosted this main event. What made tonight’s event major was the attendance of prominent local Hindu pundits as well as the country’s acting president, the Honourable Samuel Hind. I particularly liked one pandit’s definition of ego. Pandit Prakash saw it as an acronym to “Edging God Out”. Honourable Hind recognized the work of organizers for their effort to thrust the notion of peace in a world of social disturbance.
The second day of padayatra had increased in size and vibrancy. Response were good as was my early morning walk with Rupa eastbound on the main highway. We are talking about simple sweet folks here who are not burdened with many of the distractions of the developed world. People are so quick to wave a hand and make the address, “Ram Ram” or “Sita Ram” or “Haribol”. Black folks express these terms as do Hindus.
Spirituality is very doable in this country of limited population (700,000) and where soft-heartedness is prevalent. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe they like seeing their swamis out and about. In any event, piety is a feature of this north shore South American land. They turn up for an event on a Tuesday night which promotes walking for spirituality sake. I’m pleased.
20 Km
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Monday, January 26th, 2009
Buxton, Guyana
It was in Buxton a year ago today that racial tension struck hard in this small bedroom community of Georgetown. The army was forced to step in to resolve a merciless shooting of children in their sleep. Things have relaxed somewhat since then. It was only appropriate that the Padayatra (festival on foot) was initiated today and under the theme of peace and unity. The response was generally favourable.
As a classy shaped cart was pulled by foot-festival-participants, people came out onto their balconies to view. It was not exactly like balconies of the aristocracy. Rather, many homes are built on stilts. The homes are the balconies. Some folks actually came to the roadside to receive some small token of sweets. It was not just humans that expressed excitement. Cows, horses, goats, and pigs picked up on the resonating sounds of drums, cymbals, and chants. In that sense humans and the fury domesticates share space quite closely in Guyana.
A portion of our route occupied one lane of the two-lane coastal highway. Exposure of the exotic cart was great as it enshrined the glowing images of Caitanya and Nitai, two revered visionaries of medieval India who demonstrated no differences as to one’s ancestral background. In other words, their message of goodwill, bhakti – the devotional path, was an open door pathway for all. In addition to the Padayatra program, Rupa from New York and I tackled 20 kilometres on foot headed east of Georgetown. It is the third country that I’m fixed to walk across after Canada and Ireland. My dream is to roam the globe.
20km
It was in Buxton a year ago today that racial tension struck hard in this small bedroom community of Georgetown. The army was forced to step in to resolve a merciless shooting of children in their sleep. Things have relaxed somewhat since then. It was only appropriate that the Padayatra (festival on foot) was initiated today and under the theme of peace and unity. The response was generally favourable.
As a classy shaped cart was pulled by foot-festival-participants, people came out onto their balconies to view. It was not exactly like balconies of the aristocracy. Rather, many homes are built on stilts. The homes are the balconies. Some folks actually came to the roadside to receive some small token of sweets. It was not just humans that expressed excitement. Cows, horses, goats, and pigs picked up on the resonating sounds of drums, cymbals, and chants. In that sense humans and the fury domesticates share space quite closely in Guyana.
A portion of our route occupied one lane of the two-lane coastal highway. Exposure of the exotic cart was great as it enshrined the glowing images of Caitanya and Nitai, two revered visionaries of medieval India who demonstrated no differences as to one’s ancestral background. In other words, their message of goodwill, bhakti – the devotional path, was an open door pathway for all. In addition to the Padayatra program, Rupa from New York and I tackled 20 kilometres on foot headed east of Georgetown. It is the third country that I’m fixed to walk across after Canada and Ireland. My dream is to roam the globe.
20km
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