Radhastami
in China
by Daisy
I know Srila Gurudeva began his 21st World Tour over two weeks
ago, and now he is staying with the devotees in California.
No, I should say he always stays with the devotees around
the world. His body stays in California, but there is no doubt
that his heart is deeply concerned with what's going on around
the world.
On September 22nd, Radhastami, I have learned that this day
means a great deal to all the devotees. Now it also does with
us here in China. We had a special program for Radharani's
birthday. Several days before Her birthday, Yudhamanyu Prabhu
arranged everything properly and carefully. We had the list
of the people who were going to help with the decoration,
the garlands, the altar and all other aspects of our program
on that day. Also we had a list of guests we wanted to invite.
Yudhamanyu Prabhu did a great job even though he had to teach
heavy classes on that day. To tell you the truth, he was always
busy with something from dawn till dusk. Everything was in
order.
My chief work was to take the responsibility of cooking. With
much help from others, I prepared five different kinds of
offerings to Radha and Krishna. Everyone was cheerful especially
Yudhamanyu Prabhu. He gave a wonderful speech at the beginning
of the program, and he spoke a lot about the spirit of life
and about spiritual consciousness to us. Also he showed pictures
of Krishna and the devotees on the computer and read from
books. He explained each of the pictures patiently and seriously.
People crowded around him to listen and to ask questions.
Moreover, we sang the HARE KRISHNA Mahamantra together with
Yudhamanyu Prabhu.
After the talking and singing, we all enjoyed the food that
was offered to Krishna. Everyone was happy and laughing and
talking about the program. Many students stayed a long time
to help clean up afterwards. Finally, the program ended with
everyone going home happy with the way the ceremony unfolded.
Sri
Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Nabadwip