Baguio Flower Festival 2001
By Philippine Devotees

On the 17th of February 2001, 60-70 devotees, mainly from ISKCON Manila, took part in one of the biggest and most famous festivals here in the Philippines, the annual flower-festival-parade in Baguio, and a large town North of Manila. With its high altitude and subsequent mild climate, Bagiuo has been, for generations, the preferred holiday destination for those wishing to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands. Baguio also boasts of a large student population. These factors coupled with the huge influx of visitors for the renowned festival make it an ideal preaching opportunity.

The town comes to a standstill to allow 100s of marching bands and costumed group parade through the streets. All major routes are closed off, every pedestrian overpass is jam-packed (sardine-style) with eager onlookers and the streets are lined with literally hundreds of thousands of people, more than 10 deep in some places. All saw and heard the devotees perform Harinam Sankirtan.

The Philippine Harinam party has been a regular feature in the flower festival for many years now and this year saw the largest and most organized contingent of devotees to date. Under the direction of the GBC, His Holiness Giridhari Swami, the devotees have made beautiful Harinam banners, flags, chakra and tilak signs on poles. There is a xylophone and an amplified accordion with portable sound system. Appreciated very much, especially by the children, were our two "mascots" - two devotees dressed up as Lord Caitanya and Nityananda with matching oversized papier-mâché heads. (see photos)

The devotees danced and sang the holy name of the Lord for 4 hours straight. With this lovely presentation, the reception was very favorable and particularly enthusiastic when we threw small prasadam- sweets into the crowd.

The same evening, after the parade, we held bhajans accompanied by leaflet and book-distribution in a small public square in the center of town. The next morning we did the same in the town's main public park with book table and more sweet-distribution. (see photos) We will be back next year.

© CHAKRA 14 March 2001

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