Birmingham 24 Hour Kirtan

Report by Bhaktin Nicole who is currently on a year long visit to Manchester

Following his Vyasa Puja celebration in Radhadesh, Kadamba Kanana Swami went on a short tour of England with programs at Bhaktivedanta Manor, Soho Street temple and Leicester. He also attended Birmingham’s 15^th Annual 24 Hour Kirtan from 10^th– 11^th May. It is the longest running event of its kind outside of India and Maharaj was an honoured guest.

After the traditional breaking of coconuts and an opening ceremony, Sacinandana Swami welcomed everyone and gave a short talk highlighting the importance of the prescribed yagna of this age: the sankirtan yagna or congregational chanting of the holy names of Krsna. Many international visitors to the UK, as well as local devotees were in attendance. Wonderful décor was provided by devotees from as far as Kenya.

Kadamba Kanana Swami, Sacinandana Swami, Madhava Prabhu, Tulasi Harrison and many UK kirtaniyas kept the kirtan going for what turned out to be in excess of 24 hours. Teen sensation Bhakta Nimai Prabhu from the UK moved everyone with his expert singing of Aindra Prabhu’s sweet melodies. In addition to the traditional kartalas, harmonium and mdranga, many musicians made their contributions to the kirtan with violins, flutes, trumpets and even bass guitar.

Sunday morning saw an elaborate abhishek of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Kadamba Kanana Swami mentioned that Lord Caitanya is sometimes described as dancing with grace and sometimes as dancing like thunder. Maharaj himself also danced ecstatically with grace and like thunder on Sunday afternoon during Sacinandana Swami’s kirtan. In his final slot, Maharaj rocked the house, ending off the festival with a bang!

On Monday (12 May), Kadamba Kanana Swami left for Simhachalam in Germany to join the Nrsimha Caturdasi festivities.

Photos

If you cannot view the slide show, then please visit flickr.