It is a perfect day here in Joshua Tree. Warm — but not hot — clear and sunny. It is an indescribable feeling to be back, with the desert sand between my toes once again. The crowd is smaller at this Spring OMmersion — I’ve heard 800 to 1000 are expected — so the energy is different in some ways than it was in September. However, it’s only Friday and things are just starting to get cranked up. The day started with Prema Hara, who played a beautiful set with several songs from their new CD. I hadn’t heard them play live before, and it was a treat. They were followed by Govindas & Radhe, my first time to hear them also. Their set was so tight, and I loved singing their chants. They also inspired LOTS of dancing. The set was made even sweeter by seeing their pink-cheeked baby dancing with a friend while Mommy & Daddy sang. Needless to say I’m collecting lots of CDs while I’m here, including several from these artists.
Right now I’m back at a lovely B&B up in the hills not far from the Joshua Tree National Park. There are jackrabbits, and I can hear coyotes howling at night. David Newman is on now (forgive me, David), and tonight at 7:30 it’s Donna DeLory. Then Jai Uttal. What a feast lies before me.
Ahhh … it’s good to be back.
I bought Prema Hara’s Tears of Love and Govinda and Radha’s newest release as well. Wasn’t that just a phenomenal first two kirtans?
We were treated to Jai Uttal doing the first soundcheck too. I got stuck in Denver on Thursday night but when I arrived on Friday, I heard Jai and Prajna on stage. What? They weren’t scheduled until much later. Those of us who were there before the kirtan officially started had an extra taste of Jai Uttal on stage. Nice!
Govindas encouraged us to “toss all the things that no longer serve you into the ceremonial fire. OM Namah Sivaya.” Very powerful way to start the weekend. (No literal fire, just to be clear). That put me more deeply into a space of opening and surrender that carried me through into a truly life changing experience.
Prema Hara were wonderful! I had limited exposure to them before Bhakti Fest but they are definitely going to be played a lot more around here now.
Govindas and Radha are so radiant. I had the chance to talk with Govindas for a few minutes later on Friday. His Divine connection is so clear. His way of interacting and being fully in each moment is wonderful. You only need to see him to know that he lives his life in a devotional way.
I was given a rudraksha mala by one of the vendors, Manoj Chalam, who also gave us an excellent workshop on divine archetypes on Sunday morning. We talked about both being Ganesh devotees, and when I asked him why he was moved to grace me with the mala, he simply replied that we shared that Divine connection and that I had listened to the call to travel to where I needed to be. How special. I brought many things that I gave away to others, and in the true spirit of infinite love, I also received. That’s what Bhakti Fest is. A circle of love.
Jai Uttal had Prajna from Mukti, Prema Hara, CC White, Shyamdas ~ it was like a mini all-star kirtan! Jai told us that he had a plan for what he was going to sing, but he tossed it out when he felt the energy of the crowd and he did a marvelous improvising!
I have to also put in words of gratitude for the food vendors. I never had to worry about being able to find many vegan options. Bliss Cafe from San Luis Obispo were so great! Lydia’s Organics had plenty of choices for raw vegans and there were other vendors I didn’t get a chance to sample who offered us all kinds of healthy food. I’m not sure about the inside cafeteria section but the vendors were beyond expectations.
You didn’t actually miss David Newman. He unfortunately had a family emergency (not related to Mira’s pregnancy) and had to cancel at the last minute. Shyamdas was on stage during that time slot instead of being from midnight to 2 a.m. on Saturday. Another great kirtan. I didn’t catch all of Shyamdas but what I saw was very good!
Meeting you was definitely a highlight, dear Kitzie. I know I have thanked you for your offerings through the podcast but it was so special to be able to do it in person.
~ OM Shanti ~
You’ve inspired me to learn to do with less sleep so I can see more things next time!
As I’m thinking back, every band was phenomenal in their own way … there was really something for everyone. Several bands were break-outs for me, there’s just something about seeing a kirtan wallah play live that cements the relationship between the chanters & the band, don’t you think? I’m always blown away by the dedication of these artists, traveling the globe spreading bhakti through their music in such glorious ways. They’re very accessible, and they support each other in a loving way. It’s a beautiful community.