With music, readings, chanting, and feasting we gathered to celebrate Gurudev’s birthday—a blissful occasion to sing, dance, reflect, reconnect, and give thanks. Hosted by Yogini and Rohan, and with tremendous support from Sanjana, the gathering brought together devotees, both present and remembered, in a spirit of joy and appreciation. It was a day of shared devotion, where words and melodies intertwined to celebrate the birthday of our Great Master.
“Ramakrishna is the greatest mantra in this age; whoever will take his name with faith will have devotion and liberation” – Mahapurushji, For Seekers of God
Here is the kirtan in five parts
Part 1: Tryambaka leads songs to Gurudev, with Girish accompanying on drums. Julie reads from the Srimad Bhagavatam. Sita Devi sings “I was sitting pondering the wonders of the universe”. Aum chanting; RajaRam leads “You’ve gotta have faith” and “Ramakrishna”. Reading from the GSR from John. Yogini sings “All that exists art thou”. JaiNarain read an account of Ramakrishna’s birthday celebration from 1994 at Newbury.
Part 2: Sanjana’s song “God is the subtleness of the subtle”. Yogini sings “There Shiva dances”. RajaRam sings “Om Durga, Sarasvati, Om Lakshmi, Om Kali”. Tryambaka leads “I am a true lover of Sri Ramakrishna”, “Kali, Kali, Mai”
Part 3: Tryambaka leads bhajans, SitaRam; Hanuman.
Part 4: Tribute to Radhani. Memoir and songs
Part 5: Shanti sings “It starts with a word – Aum”. Bhajans. Aarthi. Bhajans. Hari Om leads Sri Ram chant.