Dawn breaks in the South African bush. The lions stir and stretch in the tall grasses. Birds sing in chorus from high in the branches of the flowering acacia trees, and with every minute, the sky changes hue, first banded with pink and gold that gradually gives way to the wide expanse of soft blue. The crickets chirp. After a blissful late night kirtan, the campers sleep on, blissfully unaware…

Eventually, there was movement! Though we were a little behind schedule, we nevertheless gathered in the makeshift temple at a nearby hotel, and had a dynamic morning kirtan led by Ananta. After five minutes everyone was dancing away their morning sleepiness, and we ended feeling energized and ready for the full day ahead.

First on the agenda was the workshop session, and after breakfast back at the ranch, everyone reconvened at the hotel for a two hour discussion and brainstorm on how the youth can contribute to the larger community of ISKCON South Africa. Gaura gave an inspiring speech on the power of playing to your strengths, rather than focusing on your weaknesses, before members of congregations from the different areas in South Africa split into smaller groups to discuss ways that they could move forward with their own challenges and ideas.

After a morning of brain activity, it was time for lunch, followed by a completely different kind of activity altogether. Just a couple of miles away, the ruins of a lost city awaited! Buried deep within the jungle, stood a mysterious bridge that led to a giant lake, agitated by huge waves that seemed to be created by a mysterious, invisible power. Just kidding, it was all manmade. Named Sun City, this giant resort, complete with casino and a multi-million dollar hotel was to be the venue for that evening’s concert. However, we still had a few hours for lots of watery fun, from the ninety degree drop slides to the more peaceful lazy river. The afternoon also saw the momentous occasion of Ananta’s first swimming lesson! To use a tired phrase, he took to it like a duck to water – another gift from our new South African friends.

Time flew by, and it was soon time to dash back to the ranch to eat and change, before coming back to Sun City for the concert. With all the logistical issues that come with transporting over a hundred people even a few miles down the road, this all took longer than planned. By the time we were finally speeding back down the road to Sun City, we were already over an hour behind schedule. Forced to park quite a walk from the venue, Gaura, Vrinda and I, with sleeping Revati and Kairava in hand, ran through the casino, dodging past leisurely strolling holidaymakers. On the way in we’d seen the coach carrying our audience parking – somehow we had to make it there before them! We sprinted down the bridge and past the giant fountain, only to find our way was barred.

‘Sorry, no one allowed through here,’ said the guard.

‘But we’re the performers! We’re performing down there in the amphitheatre tonight!’ we protested.

He eyed us up slowly.

‘In the amphitheatre?’

‘Yes!’

Tonight?’

‘YES!’

He looked somewhat skeptical, but opened the gate and we rushed through gratefully. Now up the stone steps, lit from below in the darkness – only a few minutes before the audience would arrive! Rasa, Ananta and Akincana had already arrived earlier, and were waiting for Gaura, Vrinda and I in the amphitheatre. They looked at us questioningly as we puffed and panted our way in, rushing through a quick sound check. There was no time for explanations though. Almost immediately, people began streaming in. I tried to take a few deep breaths and melt away any last minute nerves.  I suddenly noticed the altar to the right of the stage. Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara, the beautiful deities of the Padayachee family, had been set up so that we could all meditate upon their divine forms as we chanted. It was all I needed to put our concert into perspective, and remember that our sole purpose in performing kirtan was to glorify them. The amphitheatre looked stunning. The setting amongst the trees was atmospheric, and with the harsh light of day replaced by artistic lighting, everything appeared much less manmade. As Gaura began the concert, he commented on the beauty of the fact that we were gathering to chant in this unique place, a purpose built shrine to material enjoyment, and turning into a temple of the holy name.

The whole evening was magical. The concert unfolded slowly at first, with beautiful traditional songs, such as ‘Radha Krishna Prana Mor’ and ‘Ohe Vaisnava Thakura’, accompanied by Vrinda’s graceful dancing. It was wonderful to look out into the audience and see so many smiling and singing along. After some time, Akincana began a kirtan and Gaura beckoned everyone to stand up and come to the front to dance.  The seats emptied out in a flash and before long, everyone was jumping up and down, twirling, swaying and raising their arms to the sky. I couldn’t play my violin anymore – the urge to get up and join in was irresistible!

We carried on for at least another hour with no sign of anyone’s energy flagging! Akincana took over and we continued to dance with abandon. The boys jumped higher and higher and the girls formed trains, weaving in and out of the crowd. My heart felt so light, and I felt I never wanted to stop chanting. Looking at the faces of those dancing around me, I knew they felt the same way.

After over two hours of the most blissful, heart transforming kirtan, we regretfully had to bring the concert to a close. Taking one of the cordless microphones, Gaura led everyone out of the arena in a procession. Now without musical accompaniment, but for a single mrdanga, we sang meditatively, passing under the stone archway at the exit. We reached the trees and suddenly Gaura began to lead the prayer of protection to Krishna in his half man- half lion form – Lord Narasimha. I looked up into the trees and was astonished to see a large golden medallion of a lion’s head at the top of the hill. Lord Narasimha had appeared! The spiritual mood was so powerful in that moment. We all climbed to the top of the small hill, helping each other up the rough stone steps. Still connected to the sound system, Gaura’s voice reverberated within the arena below and drifted up through the trees to where we stood.

As the prayers concluded, I felt so grateful to have been present for such a special evening. Within this artificial lost city, gamblers spent millions in search of a great prize, but as we chanted, I realized we’d already received the most precious jewel.

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NOTE: Due to technical issues with our recorder, we only have the last 20 minutes of the concert recorded. We are working to get the entire recording of the performance soon.

• 01 Akincana Krisnna – Hare Krishna (846)