From the Janmastami marathon in the Balkans, Kadamba Kanana Maharaja accepted an invitation to a small Kirtana Mela festival that was held in New Vraja Mandala, a Hare Krsna farm project near Madrid, the capital of Spain. In description of this establishment, Maharaja writes on his website: New Vraja Mandala is located in Brihuega, district Guadalara, cental Spain, at a distance of about 85km from the Madrid airport. The property consists of ancient aristocratic buildings and about 300 hectares of land. It has been acquired by ISKCON in 1979 and houses the temple of Sri Sri Radha Govinda Chandra. It is a spiritual community dedicated to the teachings of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a nice place to visit for a break. Generally, the sun shines and there are nice walks in nature. There are about 35 people, adults and children, living there and a dozen cows which are cared for very nicely. The devotees organize nice festivals and there are regular spiritual programs in the temple.
Maharaja joined HH Bhakti Vaibhava Swami, HH Yadunandana Swami, HG Vedavyasa Prabhu (ACBSP), HG Atmarama Prabhu (Spain), HG Jagadananda Prabhu (Amsterdam) and many more great kirtaniers to engage in sankirtana yajna for 10 hours a day on three consecutive days (13-15 August). Generally, the kirtana was held in the temple room, dedicated to and observed by the beautiful deities Sri Sri Radha Govinda Chandra, Sri Sri Gauranitai and Sri Sri Laksmi Nrsmha. In the evenings however, the kirtana was held outside, in the courtyard of the property and was supported perfectly by beautiful weather. In comparison, this Mela was relatively small compared to the Melas held in Germany and Sri Mayapur Dhama but because of the relaxed, peaceful atmosphere created, it was thoroughly enjoyed by the devotees who attended. On the third and last day of the Mela, Prahladanandana Maharaja joined the party and led devotees in his cheerfully ecstatic way of kirtana.
On two occasions, Kadamba Kanana Maharaja delivered morning Srimad Bhagavatam classes which focused on the beginning of the sixth Canto. In this section, the life, fall down and rescue of Ajamila are described. Maharaja used this topic to point out the importance of following the four regulative principles as a protection from Kali’s influence, as well as to stress the incredible strength and purifying power of chanting the Holy Name. “It is said, just like a tree that is full of birds and when you clap your hands, they fly away. It is said, in the same way, our sins are flying away, in all directions! Hare Krsna Hare Krsna and sins are flying away! Therefore that is what we do, we chant Hare Krsna!”
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