On the full moon day of January 30, 2010, in the world-renowned town of Vrindavan, a WORLD KIRTAN will be held to send love and awareness to this holy town and its sacred river, the Yamuna. The kirtan celebration will be held at Keshi Ghat, one of the most beautiful and beloved places in Vrindavan. This location has been chosen not only because of its spectacular and deep heritage, but also because it is one of the most visited places in Vrindavan. Countless pilgrims come here each year for worship and meditation.
Let's go over some history together so you can understand the importance of this location and the need for a WORLD KIRTAN DAY: As stated above, Vrindavan is a town of world acclaim. Its temples and holy places are revered and worshiped by saints and pilgrims from both India and abroad. This holy land is where Krishna had his pastimes with his dear devotees and showered love and devotion upon all. That was 5,000 years ago.
Some 500 years ago, this holy town was worshiped by the most saintly devotees: the personality of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the incarnation of Krishna in this age. He brought with him the remedy for relieving the pains of every day stress that can be caused by a lack of spiritual focus and guidance. By the practice of this remedy, which is known as Bhakti Yoga, or love of Krishna, this town has become a pilgrimage site for devotees of the Lord from around the world.
Vrindavan’s beauty; temples; people and holy Yamuna River all give great satisfaction to pilgrim and devotee visitors to the town. Many of the pilgrims that travel long distances to come here do so simply to take a HOLY BATH in the Yanuna’s waters. It is said that if one gets the opportunity to visit Vrindavan and bathe in the waters of the Yamuna, he or she can realize spiritual concepts and release impurities from the heart that have been deeply embedded there for many lifetimes. Unfortunately, the Yamuna is currently in critical condition. In fact, it is so polluted that the energy and resources institute (TERI) and others have declared it a dead river.
Consequently, the intention of the WORLD KIRTAN DAY is to bring us all closer together as one force to focus on one topic: the conservation of the Yamuna River and the heritage of Vrindavan, the birthplace of Bhakti. It is not about raising money, it's about raising awareness and Bhakti to Vrindavan and
the River Yamuna. This event has global participation with many countries and groups that really want to make a statement about this great city and its history. History and understanding make us aware of the interconnected nature of humanity and the divine; it brings us closer to our true nature.
However, we must do something more than simply read the article and move on! Your support is critical. The Yamuna River in Vrindavan has been under attack from multiple contaminations due to Kali Yuga mentality. As devotees and supporters it is our duty to gather and participate with joint efforts that can prevent such actions from even happening!!! We can fulfill that duty by coming together for this event and other efforts for Vrindavan as brothers and sisters of all spiritual schools.
Let us use our voices to send a message loud and clear on this WORLD KIRTAN DAY that the site of Keshi Ghat is sacred and the contamination that destroys the wonderful beauty of the Yamuna River that runs beside it must be stopped. WORLD KIRTAN DAY brings us closer to each other by chanting the mantra of the Yuga Dharma, HARE KRISHNA!!!!
Our prayer is that you gather at your home, invite your friends and have prasadam. Gather at your temples with your sanga. Make it simple or make a big festival!! Either way, together throughout the world, let us make WORLD KIRTAN DAY a great success. We can't do it without you!! You may ask yourself what else you can do to stop the contamination and preserve holy rivers such as the Ganga and Yamuna. We have many programs in Vrindavan listed in the supporters section on the Braj Vrindavan Heritage Alliance website (bvhalliance.org). Contact any or all of them and ask how you can help! Also, please use the forum or guestbook sections to write to us with your ideas; we are eager to learn about and discuss them!
Links that provide more information about our efforts are listed below. Included in these is a petition we encourage you to sign that seeks UNESCO World Heritage Site status for Vrindavan or Braj Mandal. Remember, each person has a voice; use that voice to help. Don't let this chance go by because there might come a day when you wish that you had made your voice heard. We thank you for your time and efforts. WORLD KIRTAN DAY KI JAI!!!!
YOURS IN THE SERVICE OF all Vrindavan lovers.
Swami Bhakti Parvat Muni
www.worldheritagestatusforvrindavan.org
www.worldprayerand kirtanday.com
World Prayer and Kirtan day
World Heritage Status for Vrindavan
Facebook - Sacred festival
Facebook - Global kirtan
