Bhagwat Katha starts at Parmarth Niketan Kumbh Camp

By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Rishikesh, 5 Feb: A Divine Bhagwat Katha began today at the Parmarth Niketan Kumbh Camp with resounding beating of drums and chanting. Joining the festive beginning were Swami Chidanand Saraswati; President of Parmarth Niketan, Radhanath Swami, Govardhan Eco Village, Mumbai; Mohanji, Founder of the Mohanji Foundation; and Acharya Anurag Krishna Shastri (Kanhaiyaji), who will be leading the katha. The inauguration was also attended by Acharya Devendra Shastri, Ujjain; Heriberto, Roots of the Earth; Justice Umesh Sirohi, all of whom were joined by people from over 20 countries.
The katha began with yagna and was followed by a procession from the yagna shala to the banks of the Sangam for a rally on environmental preservation and protecting the sacred rivers. The katha aligns with Swami Chidanand Saraswati’s message of nature, culture and future.
Swami Chidanand led the gathered devotees in a pledge (sankalpa) to revive the river Yamuna. Over extraction of water from the river and pollution from Delhi leads to a lack of clean water for the people in Vrindavan.
“Here on the banks of the Sangam of Yamuna and Ganga and Saraswati, let us pledge together to protect our water, in order to protect our future. It’s so wonderful to have our saints and people from so many parts of the world coming together to be of service to this cause of protecting our rivers. Without water, there is no Sangam, there is no Prayag,” he declared.
“It’s truly a great opportunity to enjoy the Bhagawat Katha being delivered here during the Kumbh – there cannot be a better place and sacred space. We are grateful to be here,” said Mohanji.
Acharya Anurag Krishna Shastri is an eminent Kathakar and scholar from Vrindavan and will be singing the discourse from 5 to 11 February.