A FUN FINISH FOR US FOLKS

Bhaktimarga Swami
Jun 7
2 min read

Sunday, June 7th, 2026

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia

The famous Bluenose Ship is docked at this little tourist trap where German, Swiss, and French Protestants sought shelter from Catholic aggression in 1753. It was a fresh start for these newcomer settlers who called this place home. A group of us devotees meandered the streets, picking up on the charm after a beautiful homa sacrifice.

Four new candidates committed to a life of bhakti formally through the process of diksha, initiation, at Yogendra’s farm. The actual location for the ceremony was in the barn that gives protection to two full-grown Scottish Highlander cows. They are adorable. Yogendra, a farmer of sorts, is also a teacher and a brahmin all wrapped in one. He’s good at what he does, firing off those mantras and lighting the fire fed by sesame seeds.

The four new official devotees are Prateek, who took the name Prataparudra, Priyanka, who took on the name Gauri. They are a couple. Two single fellows, Dhushant is now Damodar Pandit and Rohan accepted the name Ramananda Raya. These are all names taken from the pastimes of Chaitanya from the 16th century.

Today was a splendid day for ceremony mixed with relaxed hours of good cheer. Some kirtan, chatting and reflection on the 6th chapter of the Gita, and some trail-walking provided a fullness to the day. I should not fail to mention the moments our actors had, de-briefing the performance of yesterday. It was a mini PPP (post-production party) that is a necessary support gathering.

The day, like all days in bhakti, scored well for us at the east side of Halifax.