By Rosie Kirti Dutt
NHSF St. George’s Bhakti Coordinator
On repetition of an event, the aim in mind is always set out to make it as successful, if not better, than the first. With the commitment of over 20 universities spread across London and South zone our 2nd Krishna Kirtan event did just this!
In December 2013 the Krishna Kirtan committee was established, with the conviction that all members would do their up-most best in making it a success which was most certainly reflected in the event itself. With regular contact via WhatsApp, Skype and various other means of communication; the committee were regularly discussing all aspects of the event- from catering and sponsors to advertisement and learning.
Behind every event there is always an aim. Our aim was Bhakti. Bhakti translates as devotion, an act emphasising the mutual attachment and love of a devotee towards God. According to the Bhagavad-Gita, it can be contrasted with two other religious approaches, Gnana – the path of knowledge and Karma- the path of ritual and good works. London and South Zone came together again this year to worship our greatest guru Lord Krishna. Bringing Hindu students together the event was a way for students and community to learn about lord Krishna.
On Saturday 8th March the Kirtan started with an amazing Ganesh Puja by Rawalji the local priest who explained every step of the way the different rituals involved in the Puja. Lord Ganesh is the remover of obstacles and worshipping him brings goodness and success to the event. From the very beginning NHSF Imperial stepped forward to sing the Maha Mantra and then St. Georges and LSE came together to sing for Lord Krishna. Sadguru Seva Samiti, ISKON Pandava sewa, Brajras mandal and Radha Kripa all joined us throughout the day to sing and worship the lord.
At the event a learning stall was present incorporating the aspect of Gnana. This consisted of a Krishna challenge testing everyone’s knowledge alongside posters devised by Krishna Kirtan committee members and individual chapters. Sewa was also a key part of the event as students helping in the kitchen, on the sewa stall and helping promote NHSF (UK) national charity Divya Sewa Foundation. We were honoured to have Anthony Nolan join us this year to join awareness to the community.
The event overall was enjoyed by many, it was a day where students learnt, took part in sewa activities and worship lord Krishna. Thanks to the hard work of the Krishna Kirtan committee and chapters promoting the event it was a huge success. Of course it wouldn’t have been possible without VHP Ilford Temple and the community helping us every step of the way. We look forward to taking the bhakti event across London and South Zone in the years to come.
All in all, I believe Krishna Kirtan was successful in bringing London and South zone universities together and showing the Ilford community and Krishna Bhagwan himself our form of Bhakti. We would like thank everyone who came and made the event a success.
Jai Shree Krishna.