We’re probably best known from the Glastonbury Music Festival or for singing in the streets of central London. As the Hare Krishna Festival team we tend to appear all over the place. Whether local carnivals, theatres or town halls we like to be with the people.
At the Hare Krishna Festival you can expect a warm welcome to relax in a calm atmosphere, enjoy meditative music, spiritual dance, theatre or film and experience the intriguing philosophy and culture associated with ancient India.
A delicious vegetarian feast is served and there is opportunity for discussion. A small market offers fascinating books, incense many colourful items. Whether the food, music, wisdom or meditation, we hope everyone finds something to enhance their path towards peace and happiness.
Music There is something entrancing about the music of the Vaisnava tradition. The array of melodies, intricate rhythms and spontaneous arrangements add unending shades and depth to the vibration of the sacred maha mantra. Purify the heart, free the mind & connect with the Supreme on this unique musical adventure. This meditation is called Kirtan or the yoga of transcendental music.
Dance Every moment significant in itself, the art of Bharat Natyam dance takes years to master. With intense devotion, the performer re-enacts the pastimes of the Supreme to classical indian music. Their mudras or movements speak like poetry, as the audience is captivated by such elegant choreography. In some pieces the traditional blends with elements of contemporary styles according to the dancer’s creative inspiration.
Theatre Since ancient times, theatrical presentations have handed down the histories and teachings of avataras , devas (celestial demigods) and great kings. The performers meditate on serving as instruments of perfect knowledge. A Hare Krishna Festival generally includes a play, sometimes depicting the lila or pastimes in a traditional style or as a modern adaptation or story invoking thoughtful insights into our human experience.
Cuisine Ahimsa -non violence- is an inherent part of life for the progressive thinker who avoids senseless cruelty to other creatures. The world famous, delicious vegetarian food freely shared at these festivals is karma free, having been prepared and offered in bhakti yoga or devotional love for Lord Krsna. Experience the higher taste that nourishes the soul and satisfies the heart.
Wisdom The rich and eternal wisdom of the Vedas describes with eloquent simplicity the journey of the living being in this material world & the soul’s pure consciousness beyond matter. These Sanskrit texts of universal philosophy & science such as the Bhagavad Gita are the original sources of great mystic arts & enlightenment. An experienced speaker gives a brief introduction then opens for questions & discussion. Books are also available.
Film Multimedia presentations are also shown at a festival;, often a short clip of Srila Prabhupada (founder of the International Society for Krishna-Consciousness) sharing his deep philosophical insights or a clip of a recent event is shown. Here is a short clip we often play on the festivals:
