“And what a wonderful spirit it was. Devotional singing was emanating everywhere while a whole variety of events and activities were going on simultaneously. Streamers were flying, balloons were soaring, fountains were gushing, fireworks were blasting off, and everyone was smiling.”

The temple room interior of ISKCON Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver Janmastami 2000

CHAKRA (Vancouver, Canada) - An estimated 7,000 guests attended this years Janmastami festival at ISKCON Vancouver. Some very prominent leaders of the government also joined in the celebration such as Ms. Sue Hammel, the multi-cultural minister of Canada. 

Recently returning from a trip to New Delhi India Ms. Hammel expressed her appreciation of our ISKCON New Delhi's Glory of India Temple. Professor Ted McWhinney the Federal Member of Parliament for Vancouver and president of the Geneva based Institute of International Law, came for a second year in row. Ms. Sindi Hawkins and Mr. Colin Hansen formally elected Members of the Legislative Assembly from the Provincial government were also present. 

Representing the municipal government, Ms. Barbara Buchanan chairperson of the Vancouver Board of School Trustees rounded out our elite guests. These notable dignitaries from every level of government, all expressed an admirable appreciation of the festivals organization and wonderful spirit as Mr. Madan Joshi graciously hosted them.

And what a wonderful spirit it was. Devotional singing was emanating everywhere while a whole variety of events and activities were going on simultaneously. Streamers were flying, balloons were soaring, fountains were gushing, fireworks were blasting off, and everyone was smiling.

In the full to capacity temple, the main altar was the focal point as their Lords Sri Sri Radha Madana Mohan were entertained with heavenly devotional performances. The smaller deities of Radha and Krishna were enthusiastically swung on their elaborate swing by thousands of guests, delightfully carried about the festival grounds and through the lighted forest on their palanquin, admiringly observed as they floated on their golden lily pond atop a swan boat and joyfully bathed in the five opulent substances before appearing for darshan and the evening's culmination with an ecstatic midnight arati.

Five thousand of the evenings guests took the full course free feast under the cover of brightly colored tents while being entertained by yet more devotional performances on the main stage. Traditional classical dances performed by the Sudnya Naik Academy of Dance, Peali Dance school of Bhartnatyam, Odissi Dance by Scheherzaad and Apsara Dance School by Monica, to name a few. There were bhajans, kirtans, and the 5 star drama production of Bhagavad Gita by our Peter Konikow.

The energetic youth found their way inside the huge air filled Nrsimhadeva to bounce the night away and enough cake was available from Krishna's gigantic 5 tiered 5 foot wide birthday cake for everyone to have some.

All and all it was an incredible Janmastami 2000 celebration that couldn't be surpassed, and for those who were fortunate enough to be there, it was one festival that would not easily be forgotten.

© CHAKRA 14-September-2000

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