KIRTANARAMA Recap

       




It rained. We sang.

The sun came out. We sang.

Though we didn’t have many others chanting with us, KIRTANARAMA was an integral part of the Governor’s Island and FIGMENT experience for those walking by. People stopped, transfixed by our voices, our hearts and the harmonium.

One lovely young girl, maybe 10 years old, stopped and bowed to us with her hands at her heart before walking on. At one point we were the focus of an ersatz photo shoot, with shutters flying all around. A few brave souls climbed the hill by our side, to listen.

My heart goes out in gratitude to everyone who came to sing and drum, play guitar and violin. Robin Renee, Rick Jarow, Joelle Danant, Terrence Pompey, Sergei, George Jacobs, Devi Rose, Damodar Das, Satya Franche & Ma Kirtan, and Four Corners Chant. Many travelled far longer than expected. It was a leap of faith for all of us.

As always, FIGMENT can be a somewhat disorienting affair. There is a lot going on, spread far and wide on the island. So, it’s not always easy to find one’s destination. And while some of us made a bee line, guided mysteriously and invisibly to our spot, others wandered, misdirected by well intentioned volunteers who did their best to help, but only confused.

Although I requested a location under one of those magnificent English Plane trees, so plentiful on Governor’s Island, originally, we were sited out in the open expansive Parade grounds behind the Fort. Thankfully, relocating was easy enough - right along the path that runs around the whole island - and insured we'd be seen and heard by all who passed by.

My intention for KIRTANARAMA was a community global chant experience. It was a small community to be sure. But perhaps next year, with more help on all fronts, we can create an experience that will continue to grow and evolve.

For me, there really is nothing like being outdoors. Chanting under the trees, even in the soaking rain, was exhilarating. In the background everything from helicopters, techno sound installations and drive by disco bubble machines, to the twittering of birds and delighted children. If that sounds like a little bit of chaos, it was. But the moment the singing begins, that’s all there is.

I plan to turn the KIRTANARAMA banners into prayer beads. Will make a video montage of the chants. And thought I might do some paintings or drawings from the pics. Like all my projects, process is everything. More pics to come.

May your day be filled with the Magic Medicine of singing outdoors in the rain, and the sun, from your heart and soul.