Weekend Warriors

Blog page moved

2010-07-16T11:08:00.000+01:00

Hare Krishna

Sorry I have not been updating on here much. For those of you who do not know, the URL and site has changed now to..... http://wwsankirtan.blogspot.com/

There will no longer be updates on this site.

Your Servant
Sachin

Gaura Purnima 2010 Marathon in Ilford

2010-02-24T16:45:00.000Z

Gauranga!

Join us between 10am and 3pm for a street sankirtan festival in East London to celebrate Gaura Purnima!

Please come and Chant Hare Krishna with us... Distribute Krishna Prasadam with us... Sell Prabhupada Books with us.... or just meet the townspeople and answer questions... whatever you come for, you will be sure to have a good time at the Hare Krishna stand! All are wonderful services!

Just like chanting, the proof of the pudding (of sankirtan festivals) is in the eating...! So come along and just give it a try...

Where?
Outside the Ilford Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 1RS (near Ilford Station)

When?
Saturday 27 February 2010
10:00 - 15:00
(Leaving ISKCON London @ 09:30, after breakfast or meet us there)

What?
SINGING & DANCING
Distributing PRASADAM & BOOKS

Who?
Contact Sachin on 07970 999471 or Yamunesvari dd 07886 583759

See the poster for full details.

Your Servants

Weekend Warriors

WW @ Ealing Broadway with West London Sanga (6 Feb 2010)

2010-02-23T17:10:00.000Z

I was invited to take part in the Sankirtan on the Saturday 6th February, but I wasn’t sure as to whether I should go as I had too much coursework to complete.

It was absolutely freezing and I was worried I didn’t wear enough pairs of socks but once the kirtan had started and by the time we all started busting a move or two, I was overtaken by the immense joy of serving our Lord Krishna. Even though, it was a challenge to actually get someone to stop on the streets so that we can talk about our beliefs and how Krishna consciousness can benefit them, there were many people that had come up to us and shown interest in what we had to say.

After a couple of hours of kirtan, we began dancing the streets of Ealing filling every passerby with the beautiful words of Krishna. We also had men at the fruit and veg stall join in by hitting a few pots and pans together, and a few drummers from the local church duet with us.

The day was filled with lots of laughter, and every single moment was an absolute joy. Also, by the time I had gotten home I was in a much better mood and had managed to finish off my coursework that very same day.

By Poonam Sodha

Saturday Sankirtan in Ealing Broadway

2010-02-01T10:50:00.000Z

Dear Devotees

This Saturday Weekend Warriors would like to invite you all to join in a fun filled day of ***HARINAMA SANKITANA!*** in Ealing Broadway.

The festival has been organised for all members of the congregation... so there are SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE to be engaged in, including:

- making prashadam snacks for devotees picnic eg sandwiches, pakoras, samosas
- distributing Srila Prabhupada's books!
- making prashadam to distribute to public eg cakes, biscuits, sweets
- participating in outdoor kirtan and harinama
- playing instruments and singing
- talking to people at the book table and collecting contact details for those that are interested in joining your sanga group
- being responsible for book table
- keeping a record of books sold and laxmi collected

...please don't be shy and give it a try!

Date: Saturday 6 February 2010
Time: 10:00 meet at book stall, 10:00-14:00 book distribution, 14:00-14:30 picnic, 14:30:15:00 harinama
Place: 101 The Broadway, Ealing, W5 5JY (outside Business Object)

Special Guests: HG Kripamoya Prabhu

For more information please contact Sachin (details on flier).

Your servants
Weekend Warriors

Ealing Broadway December Marathon (week 1)

2009-12-01T12:46:00.003Z

Hare Krishna!

Please come and join us with your friends in chanting at this wonderful sankirtan festival in Ealing Broadway… This Saturday, 5 December 2009 is...

Weekend Warriors Sankirtan Festival for
Srila Prabhupada's December Marathon!

With Special Guests:
His Grace Kripa Moya Prabhu
Leading harinama's since the beginning!
His Grace Visvambhar Prabhu
The UK's Sankirtan Director with 25+ years experince!

And...
Madhurananda Prabhu
Yadurani Devi DasiRadhakant Prabhu

The New Gokulavasi Band
Jay Krsna, Nimai, Rahul, Shivam, Priyanka, Shalini performing on the day!

Together with well over 40 YEARS sankirtan experience on one day and in one place - with us!!

-- a day out in Ealing Broadway to watch and learn the specialists do their magic
-- a chance to give Krishna for our first time under their expert guidance
-- singing and and talking to interested people at the sankirtan table
-- distributing fliers and prasadam sweets

What???
Weekend Warriors gives householder devotees an opportunity to take part in sankirtan in a friendly festive environment. The WW team visit suburban towns around London and setup a mini street festival with a book table, kirtan and Gaura Nitai deities. We fill the atmosphere with holy name distribution, book distribution and prasadam distribution and share our rich culture of knowledge with locals.

Here is a quote from East London Sanga leader, Arvinda Krishna Prabhu:
"Haribol. Thanks for the arrangement today prabhu. It was ecstatic!!! The whole town centre was amazed, and we met four new families who want to take part in our sanga. It was great! Ilford is the best place for us to find more souls for our sanga. Thanks for your help again Prabhu."

Now Weekend Warriors sankirtan festivals are coming to West London!

Where???
Bookstall opposite M&S by the Church, New Broadway, Ealing London, W5 5JW
(Nearest stn: Ealing Broadway)

When???
10am - 3pm Harinam, Sankirtan and Prasadam Distribution

Who???
Contacts:
Madhurananda 07956546006
Yadurani 07795807839
Radhakant 07515484917

Sachin 07970999471 sachinkotak108@gmail.com http://psankirtan.blogspot.com http://www.flickr.com/photos/78898418@N00/ (photo gallery)

“One who chants the holy name of the Lord is immediately freed from the reactions of unlimited sins, even if he chants indirectly [to indicate something else], jokingly, for musical entertainment, or even neglectfully. This is accepted by all the learned scholars of the scriptures” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.2.14).

West London Sankirtan Special

2009-11-03T11:35:00.008Z

Please come and join with your friends in chanting at this wonderful sankirtan festival in Ealing Broadway… This Saturday, 7 November 2009 is...

Weekend Warriors Sankirtan!

With Special Guests:
His Grace Visvambhar Prabhu
UK Sankirtan Director!
His Grace Vicaru Prabhu
Sankirtan Devotee of 20 years!

The New Gokulavasi Band
Jay Krsna, Nimai, Rahul, Shivam, Priyanka, Shalini performing on the day!

Together with well over 40 YEARS sankirtan experience on one day and in one place - with us!!

-- a day out in Ealing Broadway to watch and learn the specialists do their magic
-- a chance to give Krishna for our first time under their expert guidance
-- singing and and talking to interested people at the sankirtan table
-- distributing fliers and prasadam sweets

What???
Weekend Warriors gives householder devotees an opportunity to take part in sankirtan in a friendly festive environment. The WW team visit suburban towns around London and setup a mini street festival with a book table, kirtan and Gaura Nitai deities. We fill the atmosphere with holy name distribution, book distribution and prasadam distribution and share our rich culture of knowledge with locals.

Here is a quote from East London Sanga leader, Arvinda Krishna Prabhu:

"Haribol. Thanks for the arrangement today prabhu. It was ecstatic!!! The whole town centre was amazed, and we met four new families who want to take part in our sanga. It was great! Ilford is the best place for us to find more souls for our sanga. Thanks for your help again Prabhu."

Now Weekend Warriors sankirtan festivals are coming to West London!

Where???

Bookstall by M&S, 69-79 The Broadway, Ealing London, W5 5JW

(Nearest stn: Ealing Broadway)

When???

11am - 3pm Harinam, Sankirtan and Prasadam Distribution

Who???

Contact Sachin 07970999471 / sachinkotak108@gmail.com / http://psankirtan.blogspot.com / http://www.flickr.com/photos/78898418@N00/ (photo gallery)

“One who chants the holy name of the Lord is immediately freed from the reactions of unlimited sins, even if he chants indirectly [to indicate something else], jokingly, for musical entertainment, or even neglectfully. This is accepted by all the learned scholars of the scriptures” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.2.14).

The Damodar Sale (part 2)

2009-10-28T22:47:00.005Z

Dear Devotees

This weekend, come and get all the mercy at
THE DAMODAR SALE (part 2)!

It's this Saturday 31 October, in Ilford with the following guest line up:

HG Jai Nitai Prabhu
HG Radha Londonisvara Prabhu

Any service you do in the month of Kartik is multiplied by 1,000x because the month is so dear to Lord Damodar. It is therefore the perfect opportunity to try a sankirtan festival!

We will be having a street sankirtan festival outside The Exchange Mall, High Road, Ilford, IG1 1RS. Join us between 11am and 3pm!

We are fortunate to have with us, HG Jai Nitai Prabhu and HG Radha Londonisvara Prabhu, who are from the ISKCON London temple. These two experienced devotees will be around to teach us about book distribution and how to present ISKCON to locals, as well as provide a fired up street kirtans!

Please come and chant Hare Krishna with us... Distribute Krishna Prasadam with us... Sell Prabhupada Books with us.... or just meet the townspeople and answer questions... whatever you come for, you will be sure to have a good time at the Hare Krishna stand!

Check out this link to see photos of past events. There is also a poster attached with full details.

Location in Ilford town centre:
The Exchange Mall, High Road, Ilford, IG1 1RS

Your Servants
The Weekend Warriors sankirtan team

October 09 Sankirtan in Ilford

2009-10-05T15:56:00.001+01:00

SI851908, originally uploaded by sachin108.

A Special September Sankirtan

2009-09-23T13:05:00.002+01:00

Hare Krishna dear devotees,

We are fortunate to have so many special guests with us this month for Weekend Warriors in Stratford.

“Preaching Means Book Distribution” - Srila Prabhupada

HG Navina Nirada Prabhu
The World Famous Sankirtan Devotee

HG Visvambhara Prabhu
The UK Sankirtan Director

HG Vicaru Prabhu
Sankirtan devotee of 20 years

And for electrifying street kirtans, HG Giridhari Prabhu from the festival team will keep on your toes with HG Radha Londonisvara Prabhu!

Here are the line up of events:
-- an ice breaker with Navina Nirada Prabhu at ISKCON London
-- a day out in Stratford town so we can watch and learn the specialists do their magic
-- a chance to distribute for our first time under their expert guidance
-- dancing and chanting at the sankirtan table
-- distributing fliers and prasadam sweets

Don't miss this wonderful and rare opportunity to take part in the nectar of book distribution with the perhaps the most fired up sankirtan devotees in ISKCON. It’s the definitive way to add more spice to spiritual life!

At the last event, 15 new sankirtan devotees showed up so don't be shy, give it a try!

Date
Saturday 26 September 2009

Time
09:30 - 15:00
(Leaving ISKCON London @ 09:30, starting at Stratford 10:00)

Location
Stratford Centre, 54 The Broadway, E15

Transport
Stratford Station (Central, Jubilee, Overground and DLR), 2 mins walk

There will also be prasadam served after at a devotee home followed by a talk by HG Bhuta Bhavana Prabhu if you’re still feeling ecstatic!

Contact for more information:
Sachin – 07970 999471
Komal – 07970 999481

Notting Hill Carnival 2009

2009-08-24T09:18:00.004+01:00

This Bank Holiday, Weekend Warriors are going to...

...The BIGGEST FESTIVAL IN EUROPE...
Notting Hill Carnival 2009

Special Guests include:
Giridhari Prabhu, Parasurama Prabhu, Ratnavali Mataji
The Hare Krishna Festival Team
Jayadev Prabhu
Radha Londonisvara Prabhu
Vicaru Prabhu

What:
We will be…
SINGING & DANCING
Distributing PRASHADAM & BOOKS

When:
Bank Holiday Monday, 31 August 2009
from 11am to 5pm

Where:
Groups leaving from Soho Street Temple and Matchless Gifts @ 11am sharp
On site, we are stationed nearby Powis Terrace, Kensington, Greater London W11 1
(if you are meeting us on location please bring a map)

Who:
contact Sachin on 07970 999471 or Ratnavali on 07904 544346
/ see attached poster for more info
/ http://psankirtan.blogspot.com/

WE DESPERATELY NEED YOUR HELP TO SPEAK TO THE THOUSANDS OF FESTIVAL GOERS, DISTRIBUTE PRASADAM & BOOKS - PLEASE COME TO THIS PARTY, EVEN IF FOR A FEW HOURS AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS TOO!

“One who chants the holy name of the Lord is immediately freed from the reactions of unlimited sins, even if he chants indirectly [to indicate something else], jokingly, for musical entertainment, or even neglectfully. This is accepted by all the learned scholars of the scriptures” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.2.14).

Your Servants
WEEKEND WARRIORS

Pre JANMASHTAMI Sankirtan!

2009-08-07T10:10:00.011+01:00

This Saturday 8 August 2009 is.......... The PRE JANMASHTAMI Sankirtan!

With Special Guests:
His Grace Visvambhar Prabhu
His Grace Vicaru Prabhu

Together with well over 30 YEARS sankirtan experience on one day and in one place - with us!!

Ilford Town Hall is calling on the mercy of Sri Baladeva, who is sending Weekend Warriors attract all souls to the appearance day of His divine brother Sri Jagannatha!

Please come and join this transcendental army who chant and dance to the sound vibrations of the holy name, which inspires passers by to stop and pick up a book from the feet of Sri Sri Garua Nitai at our book table.

What?
This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

Where?
Bookstall near Ilford Town Hall, 128 High Rd, Ilford, IG1 1LX
(nearest stn: Ilford Rail if you catch train from Stratford, or catch bus 25 from Soho)

When?
10am - 2pm Harinam & Sankirtan, followed by Picnic

Who?
Contact Sachin 07970999471 or Komal 07970999481 for more info (and please RSVP for Prasadam)

"Lord Caitanya's moon is rising, no it's not at all surprising... We're dancing in the streets, telling everyone we meet... we're going home!"

Final Day of Marathon: WEMBLEY

2009-07-17T14:16:00.002+01:00

This Saturday 18 July 2009 is The FINAL day of the Krishna Balarama Marathon.........

Wembley is calling on the mercy of Lord Chaitanya, who is sending His Weekend Warriors to stand and fight, armed with Bhakti Yoga!

Please come and join this transcendental army who chant and dance to the sound vibrations of the holy name, which inspires passers by to stop and pick up a book from the feet of Sri Sri Garua Nitai at our book table.

What?
This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

Where?
Bookstall near Wilkinson, Wembley High Road, HA9 7AB (closest station is Wembley Central -Bakerlooo & London Overground Station)

When?
10am 2pm Sankirtan, followed by Picnic

Who?
Contact Sachin 07970999471 or Komal 07970999481 for more info (and please RSVP for Prasadam)

"Lord Caitanya's moon is rising, no it's not at all surprising... We're dancing in the streets, telling everyone we meet... we're going home!"

Sankirtan at Lewisham Festival

2009-07-03T17:44:00.005+01:00

This week is the start of the Krishna-Balaram Summer Sankirtan Marathon for two weeks!

Weekend Warriors is going for a special trip to the Lewisham Peoples Day festival in Mountsfield Park, Catford.

Saturday 11 June 2009
Leaving ISKCON London @ 11pm
12pm to 5pm

Come and join us for a Fun Filled Festival all for free! We will be going there with some of ISKCON London’s finest harinam devotees to keep up the Ratha Yatra spirit!

We have a stand at the festival for distributing the mercy of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai to the local people.

Please take part in all the fun of introducing new people to Krishna Consciousness, giving out free fliers and prasadam, and the holy names. We are also distributing books to people who are interested and help will be at hand if you are coming for the first time. So, you are guaranteed to have a great time whatever you decide to take part in by performing this most ecstatic service which is so pleasing to Srila Prabhupada. We look forward to seeing you there!

Details are on the attractive flier attached
Contact Sachin (07970999471) or Chandrika (07525354043) for more info.

In Service of Srila Prabhupada
The Weekend Warriors Team

WW: Stratford with Vaiyasaki

2009-06-25T11:52:00.005+01:00

Hare Krishna dear devotees

This month we will be taking you out to Stratford for a sankirtan festival with HG Vaiyasaki Prabhu! Anybody who has ever heard Vaiyasaki sing knows this is an event not to be missed. He will be leading kirtan while we all chant and dance on the streets, watching all the books fly off the table!

It is Ratha Yatra on Sunday, therefore we will need your extra special effort to distribute fliers, prasadam, the holy name and Srila Prabhupada's books with in Stratford. Lets get as many locals to participate in Lord Jagannath's festival of chariots!

Here are the details:

Who? Weekend Warriors with Vaiyasaki Prabhu

Where? Stratford, 10am to 3pm (leaving after breakfast at Soho)

When? Saturday 27 June, 2009

Please join us with all your friends for a festival on the streets of Stratford. A great warm up to the Ratha Yatra!

Contact Sachin (07970 999 471) or Komal (07970 999 481) for details.

WW Sankirtan Workshop

2009-06-16T18:10:00.002+01:00

Hare Krishna dear devotees We are fortunate to have HG Vishvambhara Prabhu, the UK Sankirtan Director with 20 years of experience, with us for an afternoon of inspiration.

He will be taking facilitating the following events at ISKCON London:

-- an ice breaker
-- introduction to what and why, book distribution
-- some kick start techniques
-- a live street demonstration of book distribution magic on Oxford St
-- a chance to practice for our first time
-- review, Q&A, conclusion

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to take part in the nectar of book distribution. The definative way to add more spice to spiritual life!

At the last event, 25 new sankirtan devotees showed up so don't be shy, give it a try!

Date:21 June 2009
Time:11:00 - 15:00
Location:Seminar Room, ISKCON London

There will also be prasadam served as part of the Sunday Feast!
Contact for more info:Sachin - 07970 999471Niket - 07545 567390

WW Bracknell this weekend

2009-06-04T14:16:00.002+01:00

Sankirtan in Bracknell

Sankirtan parties leaving from ISKCON London and Bhaktivedanta Manor. Please confirm your attendance with Bhaktin Suan 07503729925 or Bhakta Sachin 07970999471. Details are in the flier.

2009-05-27T11:50:00.001+01:00

Weekend Warriors would like to invite YOU to...

a fun filled day of SANKIRTAN IN STRATFORD...

...so what will we be up to?

8.30am - meet at Soho St temple for breakfast and quick tips from leading devotees
10am - 3pm extra special BOOK DISTRIBUTION with
HG VAIYASAKI PRABHU!!!
- distribute Srila Prabhupada's books alongside one of his most favourite kirtaneers :)

4.30pm - chance to recharge batteries with prashadam break in Govindas
7pm - Gaura arati at Soho St temple
7.45 ecstatic MAHA HARINAMA with
HH LOKANATH SWAMI MAHARAJ!!!
- amazing opportunity to dance the night away with one of ISKCON's
most enthusiastic harinama leader :)

when: Saturday 30 May 2009

where: outside Wilkinson The Broadway, Stratford, E15 1NG
(from Stratford train station, walk straight through shopping centre, turn right on exit onto high street)

contact: Sachin on 07970999471 for details and see the attached flier!

Can't wait to see you all there - MISS IT and you know you'll be MISSING OUT

your servants
Weekend Warriors

No Relaxation in the Revolution: Congregational Preaching in the UK

2009-02-17T17:13:00.005Z

At first, it wasn’t book distribution that spread Krishna consciousness in England. Instead, devotees met with George Harrison and the Beatles, went to parties, and rubbed shoulders with the poets, artists and singers of the day. But when Krishna was released, Prabhupada laid a new emphasis on book distribution, writing to English devotees, “I am always thinking of the boys in the vans.”
Yet there was a larger preaching plan. When Tribhuvanath Dasa, who had been staging festivals up till then, asked, “Should I stop and just do book distribution?” Prabhupada replied, “No. Do everything side by side.” He elaborated, in a 1973 letter to Pra-bhavishnu Swami, “Go and do these six things: Distribute books, chant in public, give out prasadam, give out flyers, answer people’s questions, and hold a program in someone’s home.” It was the blueprint for the future of congregational preaching in England.
A year later, in 1974, Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Congregational Director-to-be met devotees at a pop festival. Kripamoya Dasa decided to check out the temple for three days, and hadn’t even joined ISKCON yet when he went out to distribute books for the first time. “Reading and giving out the books every day made me decide to join, so my experience of coming to Krishna consciousness was slightly different from most devotees,” he says. “Rather than joining because of receiving books, I joined because of giving them.” And for the next six years he continued to do so, travelling across the UK.
His foundation built, Kripamoya joined England’s first congregational program. Friends of Lord Krishna (FOLK) visited people who didn’t live near a temple and encouraged them to take up chanting, offer their food, read Prabhupada’s books, and try to follow the regulative principles as much as they could. By 1983, FOLK was receiving four to five letters of inquiry about Prabhupada’s books per day. In an age before email, it was a huge success.
In 1984 book distributors began to ask customers for their names and addresses. They would then offer these customers a three-month trial subscription to the then monthly Back to Godhead magazine. Ten percent accepted. When the three months were up, devotees asked the trial subscribers if they wanted to pay for an annual subscription, and once again 10% did. These became congregational devotees, and eventually formed 50% of Bhaktivedanta Manor’s book distribution team.
After FOLK came Namahatta, and then ISKCON Groups. Today, there are about forty ISKCON groups in England – twenty inside London, and twenty outside London, with ten to fifteen people in each. Speakers commit to a schedule convenient for them, and all groups are centrally coordinated from Bhaktivedanta Manor.
It’s a success, but Kripamoya says we need to add icing on the cake if we are to beat the stiff competition from more widespread spiritual organizations. “People often get books from us and go to others for more information,” he explains. “So we must make a greater impression by following up and developing personal relationships with our customers. Without follow-up, the results of book distribution are lost.”
He adds, “Some argue that just touching a book or reading one word brings spiritual benefit. But Prabhupada wanted people to read his books from beginning to end and say, ‘This has changed my life. Now what do I do?’ So the goal shouldn’t be book distribution—it should be bringing people to Krishna consciousness. This may sound controversial for some, but we must remember that book distribution is just a means to a greater end.”
According to Kripamoya, creativity is also essential to the dream of spreading Krishna consciousness to “every town and village.” Although we constantly came up with fresh ideas while Prabhupada was present and for several years after, internal difficulties made us stop and keep retreading early methods in an effort to make sure we were following Prabhupada’s desires. But Prabhupada himself had famously said, “Use your American and European brains to figure out how this can be done.”
“Yes, Prabhupada’s book distribution is a non-negotiable component of Krishna conscious outreach,” Kripamoya says. “But we still need to keep thinking of fresh and creative methods. The benefits are obvious—twenty-five years ago we received more letters for Science of Self-Realization than for any other book. Why? Because it was undiluted Pra-bhupada, but it was compiled creatively, with easy to read three-page segments and a handy size that fit perfectly into a woman’s handbag or man’s briefcase.”
Another tip Kripamoya gives for effective congregational preaching is to introduce group members to book distribution as early as possible. “Book distribution puts you in direct contact with Krishna, because Krishna becomes pleased when he sees your pure efforts to introduce his words to the world,” he says. “It also makes you feel that you’re connecting with people and testing your knowledge, and that the movement is expanding. It’s an inspirational experience, and a sure way to keep your congregational group way ahead of the competition.”
Kripamoya himself organizes a monthly sankirtana festival from Bhaktivedanta Manor with twenty-five young book distributors. “Congregational preaching has become part of the culture of ISKCON England,” he says. ‘But you can’t relax once you’ve created your congregational group—the group itself has to distribute books. These books are meant to bring about a revolution in the impious lives of misguided civilizations. And there’s no relaxation in the revolution. So the more we get our congregational members to distribute books, the more Krishna consciousness will really spread in a grass-roots way.”

WW@ Ilford Town Hall (31 Jan 09)

2009-01-27T14:02:00.006Z

Haribol!

The Weekend Warriors Sankirtan Festival is taking place this Saturday 31 January from 10am-3pm at Ilford Town Hall. There will be book distribution, prasadam distribution, leaflet distribution and of course holy name distribution!

Bring friends and family or your sanga groups to take part!

Even if you can't take part, we would love it if you could prepare a dish of prasadam as snacks for the sankirtan devotees, or prepare some sweets for distributing to the public.

We will be joined by special guests HG Jayadeva Prabhu and HG Radha Londonisvara Prabhu who will take us on a harinama from 3-5pm in the local area.

After the sankirtan day we can all take Sri Pancha Tattava Prasadam at Suruti's house nearby. This will be followed by an inspiring talk by HG Bhuta Bhavana Prabhu.

So there is a lot to look forward to this Saturday so you just need to be an instrument of Krishna to experience it! See the website and the flier for details.

Your Servants

The Weekend Warriors Team

Prabhupada's Marathon 2008

2008-11-28T10:47:00.004Z

"So kindly help me. This is my request. Print in as many languages and distribute throughout the whole world. Then the Krishna conscious movement will automatically increase."
Srila Prabhupada, Arrival address, Los Angeles, 20 June 1975

Dear Devotees

PSankirtan would like to invite to you take part in the...

2008 SRILA PRABHUPADA'S BOOK DISTRIBUTION MARATHON!!!

This year PSankirtan will be travelling to all four corners of London

Every Saturday from 10am to 5pm…

Saturday 29th November- Outside St Anns Shopping Centre, HARROW, HA1 1AR
…followed by sanga with HG Taruna Krsna Prabhu

"Preaching means book distribution." Srila Prabhupada

Saturday 6th December- Outside The Mall Shopping Centre, ILFORD, IG1 1RS
…followed by sanga with HG Bhuta Bhavana Prabhu

"Whenever I get report of my book selling I feel strength….You should know that in this work your have Krishna's blessings." Srila Prabhupada

Saturday 13th December- Outside Whitgift Centre, CROYDON, CRO 1UQ
…followed by sanga with HG Sandipanimuni Prabhu

"If he buys one book his life may be turned, that is the best preaching work." Srila Prabhupada

Saturday 20th December- Outside Sainsburys, NORTH FINCHLEY, N12 9RE
…followed by sanga with HG Jai Nitai Prabhu

10-3 BOOK DISTRIBUTION
3-4 PICNIC
4-5 HARINAMA with Special Guest

…don't forget to check out the poster for more info!

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Your Servants

Psankirtan

contact Sachin on 07970999471/ sachinkotak108@gmail.com

A Spontaneous Harinama Poem

2008-11-18T13:31:00.008Z

A Spontaneous Harinama Poem by HH Janandana Goswami

On Harinama four of us go, to suburbs where they do not know
Of Lord Caitanya’s sankirtan prema, let’s go, let’s chant the name

In this little suburb in Sydney town, where the people appear very down
We pray that they somehow partake, the seeds of devotion will surely awake

Unsuspecting they were to encounter us there, but Mahaprabhu’s mercy we must share
In every town and village on earth, to release them from material birth

Rough and ready we may be, but the people love the sincerity
As we chant and dance along the street, it is simply an ecstatic treat,

To see them clap, laugh and smile, even though we have very little style,
Harinama is our actual life, to release us of our material strife,

Happy we become to serve the name, free us of desire for mundane fame,
The heart feels relieved of all distress, freed we become of all tiredness,

In this world so troubled and torn, where the people are terribly forlorn
The only hope the holy name, in this empty life the only gain

We pray that your mercy will shine upon all, Your holy name everyone will call
May their attraction to You develop and flow, and Back to Godhead let them all go,

The highest benediction for the fallen souls, come to Krsna! Kirtan cajoles,
Okay let’s chant and feel the bliss – this is something you just can’t miss.

Let’s go for harinama sankirtan, everyday or whenever we can
This is the nectar we all hanker for, there really isn’t anything more

Harinama sankirtan is our life and soul, Harinama sankirtan is our movements goal
It’s the yuga dharma there’s no other way, let us not our attention stray

From the importance to give the name to all, on the street the park the market the mall
In the city, the suburb, the village, the town, in the home, in halls in subways, let’s drown

All of our brothers lost in their ways, let’s immerse them in glorious praise
of the sweetest of nectar Your merciful name, Krishna Himself it’s fully the same

Harinama sankirtan is the only way, why not go this very day
Experience the bliss that we are hankering for, and please Srila Prabhupada for sure

In all the fourteen worlds there is nothing to be had but the Holy name.
We are still not doing it – what a shame!

PSankirtan Ealing Broadway, 27 September 2008

2008-10-08T10:20:00.010+01:00

From Bhakta Krishan K:

I prayed to Krsna, "Please let me distribute at least one book at PSankirtan Ealing today". Then I thought, "why am I praying negativly" and realised, "I should have complete faith that everyone is really looking for Srila Prabhupada's books - so in fact, many books can be distributed."

It was only my hang-ups and anxieties about street preaching that was getting in the way. For inspiration, I occasionally opened the book "Preaching is the Essence" and adopted a different mood, that of gratitude to the devotees, for letting me take part in such a confidential service.

The book table was very nicely set up, with Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, and a variety of Srila Prabhupada's books. A team of kirtaneer's filled Ealing with the blissful transcendental sound of The Holy Name. In fact, one passer-by enquired about what we were celebrating and I enthusiastically replied, "Every day is a festival in Krishna Consciousness!"

As an added boost, devotees from the Manor did a Harinam circuit around town which made approaching people less intimidating for me.

I had several very inspiring conversations with passers-by. One man asked many questions and took a Perfection of Yoga book. He also received Krsna Prasadam in the form of a cup cake, (expertly prepared by my sister!) with which was going to break his Ramadan fast with : )

Showing the picture of the chocolate gateau in 'The Higher Taste' was a great way to start a conversation about egg-free cooking with one lady. Another man wanted to help with the actual book distribution itself!

As the day came to an end, my main realization was that PSankirtan were working as a very close knit team, and that each individual book distributed was a result of the collective mood of the Devotees.

Srila Prabhupada ki… JAI!

PSankirtan in Ilford, May 2008

2008-09-19T16:36:00.008+01:00

Hare Krishna

Here are some (late) photos of the spiritally charged PSankirtan which took place in Ilford Town one sunny day in May 2008. Sri Harinama Prabhu ki Jai!

Your PServants
The PSankirtan Team

PSankirtan "Have you got a present for Radharani's Birthday this year?" (Harrow 30 Sept 2008)

2008-09-08T11:36:00.012+01:00

HG Nila Mani dd -

This was my first experience of books on the streets after several years. I used to love doing book distribution but since having two children have rarely had the opportunity.

It was a sunny day and there was a Harinama party stationed next to the book stall. The book distributors had smiles on their faces and the passers by seemed happy to hear the kirtana and taste the prasadam. I was ready to jump in the deep end and my son Raam came with me, while Lakshmana slept in his buggy. It felt so natural to be back on the streets. Of course I had to prepare my false ego for the several rejections to every book distributed but having given the book I felt an immediate reciprocation within from Lord Caitanya, the parampara and Srila Prabhupada.

I realise that for me if I want to feel close to Srila Prabhupada, I can find him on the streets doing books. His mercy is definitely readily available to those who take risks for his preaching mission and frontline preaching like this has a very sweet taste. I’d encourage everyone to try coming. PSankirtan has many preaching opportunities even if you feel shy to approach people with books. You can distribute prasadam, talk to those who approach the stall or sing bhajans as I had the fortune to.

Mitali -

It was sunny, glorious and WHAT a perfect day to be out on the crowded streets of Harrow to give Lord Caitanya’s causeless mercy to the busy weekend shoppers!

Of course, no one likes to be troubled whilst shopping and when approached the usual response I got from passers by was “Sorry, cant stop... don’t have the time now!” Simply hearing those words I felt disheartened at first, but with inspiration from other devotees I realized it wasn’t about selecting who is likely to take a book or will listen to me but rather without discrimination each and every person should be approached to. Picking up the courage, I was stopping everyone walking around me and there were always some sincere souls seeking for something deeper although not knowing what.

I was also most fortunate to meet souls who had already come in contact with Srila Prabhupada’s divine literature through previous book distributors. I spoke to a few whom had already read the smaller books and were now reading Bhagavat Gita or SSR! With a beaming smile, all I could do was thank them and give a few words of inspiration and tell them more of our local centers.

Reflecting back, I realized that if it wasn’t for Sankirtan then these sincere souls would not come across this rare opportunity to begin the path of self-realization and for those who cannot give the time yet will eventually someday somehow begin their journey to this path.

Hence for them we still have to keep trying and endeavor to simply be an instrument in distributing the mercy!

PSankirtan Team thanks each and every member for taking part in the days events such as book distribution, bhajans, a picknic and Harinam. A special thanks to HG Kripa Moya Prabhu, HG Jayadeva Prabhu and HG Vicaru Prabhu for attending to inspire the youth. We pray that Lord Chaitanya continues to shower His causeless mercy upon us all by keeping us engaged in spreading the transcendental rays of the benediction moon in this age of Kali Yuga.

Crawley Ratha Yatra 2008

2008-08-14T16:34:00.008+01:00

CRAWLEY RATHA YATRA FESTIVAL

PSankirtan teamed up with the Crawley Pandava Sena (or "Crawley Massive" as they like to be known). We represented on the book distribution at the end of the procession in the town centre. Present was Achyuta Caran, Nanda Gopa, Sachin, Kishan and Dipti. The Soho Street Brahmacari's kept us enthusiastic as well while Kavichandra Swami also made a presence.

There was a great response from the public who especially appreciated the colourful event and smiling faces of Lord Jagannatha and His devoteess on the day. Both Indian and Westerners approached the book table situated next to centre stage throughout the show to find out more. One girl in particular was keen on becoming vegetarian and also happened to be starting university in London soon. She purchaed a Vegetarian cook book and promised to visit Soho Temple and University Programs. Many Indian families were also keen to renew their Bhagavad Gita's in English for the younger generation.

PSankirtan also signed up around twenty people who were keen to take part in local sanga's and Jammin's (for youth).

Extract from "This Is Crawley" on 9 July 2008

A Riot of colour will greet visitors to Queens Square later this month.

An Indian festival called Ratha Yatra, festival of chariots, will bring singing and dancing to the town centre on Sunday, July 27. Organiser Sanjay Parekh said: "It originated in India about 2,000 years ago according to ancient Indian scriptures, making it the oldest street festival in the world." A feast will be held in Queens Square at noon after the procession which starts at 10am.

PSankirtan in Manor Newsletter July 2008

2008-07-30T16:20:00.004+01:00

One of the primary goals for the Manor’s Year of the Congregation is to encourage every member to become a messenger by facilitating enjoyable and practical outreach activities in each neighbourhood.On Saturday 31st May, over fifty devotees took time out to travel to Ilford in East London. The day started at 10am with sit down bhajans, distribution of Srila Prabhupada's books, and prasadam cakes. The surprised locals asked whether it was ‘a festival day’ and wondered where all the ‘Hare Krishnas’ had suddenly come from. As parts of Ilford's high-street suddenly transformed into what felt like a place of holy pilgrimage, over 200 books were handed out. The Pandava Sena’s dedicated sankirtan team formed the core of the operation, supported by older congregation members from various sanga groups. Manor brahmacaris and temple leaders including Kripamoya das and Srutidharma das joined the team.With the weather mercifully remaining dry, devotees enjoyed a sumptuous Ekadasi feast in the nearby Valentine’s park. Rejuvenated they proceeded back into the main town centre for an ecstatic dancing street procession which ended ataround 5pm. Lord Caitanya personally introduced public harinama sankirtana to purify the atmosphere and to inspire devotees to continue chanting. With new seeds of bhakti (devotion) planted in Ilford, the team looks forward to the next event.

More PSankirtan Experiences...

2008-07-14T15:45:00.001+01:00

Hare Krishna

Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Initially, I just wanted to observe more experienced devotees
distributing Srila Prabhupada's books and learn from them. However, within five
minutes of talking to a devotee I was given kind encouragement to give it a try.
I was told to remember that my endeavour was more important to Krishna than
success or failure, and to think of myself merely as His instrument. Keeping
this in mind I tried my best and although three hours later I was still holding
as many books as I started off with, I had managed to give one guy: www.iskcon.com!

I felt not being ‘successful’ in distributing books the first time was in
one sense an asset because it fuelled my enthusiasm and determination on my
second attempt on Lewisham's People's day. After eventually distributing a book,
there was admittedly an initial moment of pride that I had done something good.
Thankfully, it dawned on me shortly after that firstly without Srila Prabhupada
there would be no book to distribute and secondly nothing is possible without
Krishna's sanction and causeless mercy. In this way the experience became
humbling. Devotional service never finishes as it is eternal just like us and so
may we be always trying harder and harder to follow the orders of Srila
Prabhupada as only in doing so will Krishna be pleased!

Your servant

Sonal Patel

Stepping back into Harrow town centre after working there for 4 years was a
strange experience. Especially since most of my friends there had never seen me
in a dhoti and tilak, let alone singing on the streets! The warm smiles of the
devotees felt like sanctuary from the crazy bustle of a typical Saturday high
street. When you see material nature like that in such a raw form, you begin to
appreciate the shelter of the Holy Name. after some microphone stand troubles,
we got down to business, Harinam Sankirtan!. There’s nothing like the rush of
trying to spread Srila Prabhupada’s message with sincere and enthusiastic
devotees. I was amazed at the skill in which the younger devotees managed to
distribute books and capture everyone’s attention. They put a lot of us to shame
with their dedication and spirit. We sang till our voices went and played until
our hands bleed and still had energy for more. This is the true joy of giving
the Holy Name.

Manish Gadhvi

PSankirtan in Manor Newsletter July 2007

2008-07-14T15:38:00.003+01:00

In July 2007, PSankirtan had its first feature in the Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter and this is how it went...

I want that you, all my students, shall very vigorously try for this book distribution.
Letter to Kirtiraja, 27 November 1971

…And this is why PSankirtan was started. Founders Sachin Kotak, Kishan Vaghadia, Vijayata Hirani and Asish Soni, being inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s emphasis on distributing books spearheaded this IPS project.

The coordinators first united to distribute books at last year’s Notting Hill Carnival and have more formally formed the team in January of this year.

Now they, along with other IPS members, join forces with other ISKCON book distributors once a month to spread the message of Krishna Consciousness on the streets of London. This is followed by Saturday night Harinam – public singing and dancing to the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Asish Soni, one of the team’s coordinators commented: ‘PSankirtan is an experience – we make those that take part feel like part of the family. Everyone is offered training on how to distribute books and after each session we all share our realisations. Recently we took part in the ‘Art of Chanting Hare Krishna’ retreat in Leicester as well as the Birmingham Temple’s annual 24 Hour Kirtan’.

Sandeep Shah, who is the head of Sankirtan at the Manor said: ‘It’s incredibly encouraging and inspiring to see members of Sena, who have many other responsibilities and services, including their studies, finding the time to distribute and recognising the importance of what Lord Krishna describes as the king of all knowledge.’

Over the summer, the members are looking to assist the Festival Team in the Summer Solstace, Glastonbury and Reading festivals.

PSankirtan Newsletter May 2007

2008-07-14T15:09:00.005+01:00

PSankirtan at Notting Hill

PSankirtan has been running since January 2007 and the activities are every expanding! There's a dedicated team thinking about new and radical ways to spread the glories of Krishna to every area of London and beyond… trying to fulfill Srila Prabhupada's instructions to keep distributing his books.

At the end of the every month book distribution is followed by ecstatic Harinaam across the streets of London with amazing kirtan leaders from Soho Temple. Weather you distributed a book or not we would like to send a big thank you for coming out (that is probably the hardest part!!)

Thanks to: The Psankirtan team: Asish, Kishan, Sachin & Vijayata.

Also to people that have been supporting: Our little stars : Shivam and Priyanka Dhiren lil, Dayshini, Mitali, Jennal, Summit, Kushal, Dipti

This weekend is a PSankirtan special event BusTour to the "ISKCON BIRMINGHAM 24 Hour Kirtans" with amazing singers such and HG Madhava Prabhu (renowned for his kirtans across the world). Next month, PSankirtan will begin to take over all the Jammin zones of London, namely -Upton Park-, -Harrow-, and - Croydon-. So watch this space for more info!

Here are some stories and pics from the last programs the devotees experienced…( maybe next time you can have your own)....

Basically, it's the most fun thing you could ever do. Just giving a
book to someone and hearing that they are going to read it fills you with so
much happiness. It's also very pleasing to Krishna. You also get to meet
some really weird people.

Last PSankirtan, we were banned from Westminster because the council
wanted to cut down on street traders. As we normally distribute on Carnaby
Street, we decided to go somewhere else - Portobello Road, Notting Hill.

On the way there, we sang Nrsimhadeva prayers on the train which was
led by Sachin prabhu. Anyway, we got so many books distributed and had so many
conversations that everyone loved us apart from one old man who told me that
what I was doing was illegal!? Then there was free food at Govinda's and
then there was a Harinam!

So everyone please come and distribute Prabhupada's literature and have
loads of fun! And, don't be scared because I'm only 14 and I'm doing it with my
little brother Shivam!

Priyanka.

Hare Krishna

Please accept my humble obeisance's All glories to Srila Prabhupada

On Friday, I was talking to colleague from work about our weekend plans
and she inspired me to go Portobello Rd because of the eclectic mix of people
and the crowd that good weather will bring in. So it was my heart's desire to
share this with the PSankirtan team to go and distribute books here but I didn't
know how they would react since we usually go Carnaby Street (nearby the
temple).

When I arrived on Saturday, I heard the news that Westminster Council
has banned street sellers this weekend - a blessing in disguise!? I
immediately felt like Krishna reciprocated my desire to distribute books at the
"worlds largest antiques market" and we headed straight there!
In the market place, I met a young guy who immediately seemed really
interested in "spirituality" and this really got me motivated. He told me that
he tried many things and was still looking for answers, so we talked for quite
some time. He was very curious about the different demigods, and I explained
that actually, Krishna is the supreme enjoyer and supreme cause of all causes (
sarva-karana- karanam). Somehow, he became immediately attracted and inquired
about "the success of life" which gave me the opportunity to talk about Srila
Prabhupada who was so materially and spiritually successful!

By the end of the conversation he took two books and came to our Maha
Harrow Jammin with HH Indrayumna Swami!

Srila Prabhupada's Transcendental Book Distribution ki
Jai!

Your Servant

Sachin Kotak

Hare Krishna

Please accept my humble obsciences All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

I stood at the end of Carnaby Street determined to distribute my only
copy of The Higher Taste. In all honesty my mind was not focused on distributing
the book but rather I was visualising the mouth watering recipes, beautiful
fruit juices and sweet deserts. I was about to give up when an Australian couple
confronted me. I did my best to explain in simplistic terms what our purpose was
and why we were distributing this transcendental literature. I gave the analogy
of why humans do eat meat and then gave the argument of why we shouldn't. My
arguments were helped by a lecture that I had listened to on the way to central
London given by His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaj on vegetarianism. The
examples that Maharaj gave I used to convince the couple that a vegetarian diet
is not only healthy but actually spiritually beneficial.

At the end of our debate the women was convinced about our purpose and
our intentions for distributing these books. She reached into her purse and gave
me £15. I thanked her for her generosity but asked whether she was interested in
learning more about Krishna Conscience. She declined the offer, I wished the
couple all the best and continued distributing books.

I later spoke to Jai Nitai Prabhu who explained that if you put your
own agenda in front of book distribution (for pride) then you will not
distribute any books, but if you do it in the conscience that you are doing this
service for the pleasure of Krishna, to glorify and spread his holy names then
Krishna will make all the arrangements for some one to take that book from you.

I guess that's easier said than done.

Srila Prabhupada's Transadental Book Distribution Ki Jai

Your Servant
Kishan Vaghadia

Your Servants

The PSankirtan Team