Now that the Mayapur Nagar Sankirtan Department ("Nagar Sankirtan" is better
known as "Harinam" in the west) has been in existence for a year, the need
for engaging the youth more, even from a very young age, has resulted in the
formation of the Junior Harinam Team - for children below 10!
On Saturday 1 March the young kirtaneers had their first Harinam in public
around Srila Prabhupada's Samadhi and the Grhastha area. A flat rikshaw was
used to seat the leaders and mrdanga players (drums can be really heavy to
carry) whilst the others followed, carrying colourful flags. Turns were
made to give everyone who wanted a chance to lead the chanting, and parents
were pleased to hear how sweet the voices of their children are.
Shastra Prabhu assisted in guiding the singers, whilst other parents guided
the parade, encouraged the children, kept them together and of course, took
lots of photographs for memories. The mood was kept light and happy.
The Children's Harinam met briefly with the main kirtana party of about 50
devotees going around Mayapur campus, and adults exchanged encouraging looks
with the young singers. The main adult kirtana party became ecstatic as HH
Radhanath Swami joined them, and children ended the day happily as the
effort was rewarded with Prasadam - ice cream, cake, pizza and juice.
The event was attended by approximately 30 children, and due to the success
of the day the Nagar Sankirtan Department will do regular children's
Harinams - once a month for the small ones - just enough to keep it
exciting. As their interest grows the team might go out more regularly.
The Nagar Sankirtan Department wishes to thank all parents and well-wishers
who assisted on the day and who kindly sponsored the Prasadam. | 