Bhakti Fest Midwest Day 2

Kitchen staff clothed in aprons from
Neem Karoli Baba's Ashram in Taos

“Love all, serve all, remember God” instructed the revered Indian saint Neem Karoli Baba. Seems simple enough, doesn’t it? When Ram Dass famously and honestly responded, “but I can’t,” Neem Karoli Baba replied poignantly, “Ram Dass, love everybody.”

Seva, a Sanskrit word that loosely translates to ‘selfless service’ is one of the main principles on which Bhakti Fest was founded. To serve with compassion and patience, we must first have love. Without the service of Bhakti Fest’s Work Exchange Program where attendees can attend the festival for free by putting in hours to help staff, the show would not go on. Hard work indeed, but rewarding nonetheless.

Govind Das from Bhakti Yoga Shala
Image by Lakshmi Grace Designs

Hanuman, the 'Hindu monkey God’ from the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, is considered by many the perfect example of selfless service and unconditional love, both to the Divine and humanity. At Bhakti Fest, it is tradition to start the Workshop Hall off with reciting the Hanuman Chalisa for an hour, a 40 verse devotional hymn in reverence of Hanuman and what it means to be of service. As Pascale from Kirtan Path led Saturday morning’s Hanuman Chalisa, a wave of gratitude polished hearts and refocused minds, preparing festival participants for the day ahead of service, whether it come in the form of work, offering kirtan, or simply interacting with one another respectfully.

Brenda McMorrow & David Newman (Durga Das)

As festival goers trickled in from Canada, the East coast, and places near and far, they were greeted with EBOOSTS, Ola Loa, and ZICO Coconut waters to keep healthy and hydrated for the day ahead filled with yoga and dancing. Back in the yoga hall, Govind Das and Radha, owners of Bhakti Yoga Shala, invoked their Bhaktified Southern California open-hearted ‘Bhav’ (mood) that they are known for into their packed yoga class. Brenda McMorrow represented the Midwest alongside David Newman (Durga Das) on main stage clad in cheese heads, while artists enjoyed the show snacking on KIND bars and drinking Reed's Ginger Beer and Kombuchas. 

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati & Jai Uttal
discuss Ganga Relief Efforts backstage

As the day transitioned to night, an earnest mood drifted over all. Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji from Parmarth Niketan was scheduled to lead a meditation, but due to the unfortunate devastation from the recent flooding in India, Swamiji had to stay behind to help in relief efforts with Ganga Action Parivar. Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati came on behalf of Parmarth Niketan, leading a dedicated meditation, reminding us of how truly blessed we are to be happy, healthy, and alive. Every Bhakti Festival, a portion of proceeds goes towards an associated Non-Profit. With an estimated 20,000 civilians either displaced or killed by Ganga’s flooding, it couldn't have been better alignment that Bhakti Fest Midwest's proceeds were already planned to benefit Ganga Action Parivar whose relief efforts are now focused on funding shelter and food to those hit by the recent tragedy. In the spirit of seva, festival sponsor and longtime vendor Coconut Bliss hosted a “Night of Bliss” whose proceeds benefitted Food For Life Vrindavan, a orphanage and school in India that serves over 2,000 children from the poorest community in the Vrindavan area.

Reflective of the need to serve and give thanks, Saul David Raye introduced Jai Uttal, preparing everyone of the mystical evening ahead. As all artists and staff gathered in the hospitality suite for a front row view of the Grammy nominated singer, they were nourished by Tasty Bites--all natural ready-to-eat Indian food--who catered the evening dinner.

Jai Uttal charmed the audience with his charismatic and youthful nature when both singing and explaining the significance behind each chant. Participants were mesmerized not only by Uttal’s talent and devotion, but of the young man accompanying Uttal. An already familiar face to many, the kirtan wallah alongside Jai was none other than the Kirtaniya’s front man Vijay Krsna. Having popped in to sing kirtan and play the harmonium, mrdunga, and anything else you could think of in various yoga classes, workshops, and kirtan sets throughout the weekend, the enthusiasm and devotion ensuing

Jai Uttal & Company

from Vijay is indicative that the youngster will be leading the Bhakti path for generations to come.

At the end of Jai Uttal and company’s three hour performance, everyone in the crowd had either danced, cried, laughed, or all of the above. Wah! closed the main stage with her funky base and fire hooopers, embodying the queen of cool.

Wah! On stage at Bhakti Fest Midwest
Image by Lakhsmi Grace Designs

As midnight struck, Srikalogy--a newbie on the kirtan scene--reinvented the wheel mixing sacred mantras with freestyle raps and beat boxing along side DJ Taz from Club Divine at the late night Devotional Kirtronica Dance Party.  Present Bhaktis danced till they dropped into downward facing dog, winding down for rest and the final day ahead of Bhakti Fest Midwest.

By Vanessa Harris