By the grace of Sri Krishna and due the boundless love and blessings of Sri Sri Swamiji, the first Nama Sankirtan Satsang Event was conducted on 17th of June 2007 at the residence of  Mrs. & Dr. Suresh in Lowestoft, United Kingdom.  About 26 devotees, friends family and neighbors of the host, participated in the satsang.
 

It was a beautiful, bright and sunny Sunday morning.  It seemed as if the Sun God was there shining before everyone, awaiting the mellifluous flow of
Nama Kirtan!

The devotees arrived after 11 am and once they had all settled down, Sri Sri Swamiji’s January 1st Mass Prayer speech was played.  Everyone heard with rapt attention the speech extolling the virtues and merits  of the Maha mantra and Nama Sankirtan.

This was followed by Maha Mantra Kirtan. Everyone participated wholeheartedly and drenched themselves in the rain of the Maha Mantra! Nearly 10 children, as young as 18 months sang enthusiastically to the accompaniment of musical instruments.  It was indeed amazing to see the children, who usually find it difficult to sit still for more than 10 minutes, glued to their seats, singing the Maha mantra fervently!

Lunch was partaken of over discussions about future such events.

This was followed by a multitude of kids activities as follows:

1. Slokams - Krishnastakam followed by discussion about Krishna, God and when and how they would think about God. It was amazing and  indeed a pleasure to see the range of thoughtful answers given to the rather difficult questions

2. Story - it was a pleasure to retell Guruji's story about the Senanaayi incident, and the children listened enraptured!

3. Butter Hunt - Children searched for 'butter pots' hidden in the garden, while chanting Krishna's name! This bought blissful  visions of Gokulam and
Sri Krishna hunting for butter with his friends!

4. Colouring Activity - Kids created drawings and colourings of Sri Krishna.

5. Bhagavatam for kids - Children took part in reading and listening to Kid's Bhagavatam.

6. Watching Sri Krishna DVD -  Children watched this DVD with great interest
and the girls danced 'gopis style' to the music, therein!

The events came to a close with some more prayers and silent contemplation of the Almighty who makes everything possible!

It was agreed that such events shall be conducted once every six weeks, during the children's school holidays.

All the participants went home, light hearted, humming the Mahamantra, which banishes evil and sorrow and bestows blessings beyond our fondest hopes and dreams!

Check out a beautiful video account of the event here.

More photos can be found here.