MANY FIRSTS

Wednesday, August 19th, 2026

Halifax, Nova Scotia

First off we took to the Confederation Trail up to Loyalist Road, a mere 5 to 6 kilometres where the black berries are at their absolute ripest, growing wild at the edges. That distance adds just a tiny bit more to my fifth cross Canada trek. I have already taken to Newfoundland. This is my second province, nine more to go.

A fellow by the name of Bharat drove us to Halifax as the launching pad for tomorrow’s journey back to Toronto. On the broad screen in Vidyapati’s home I, along with our Wednesday Gita zoom folks, viewed the premiere of our production of “Shiva Sati” the story of the divine couple who demonstrated ultimate mutual sacrifices. This is a full-on drama performed and filmed by our South African actors back in April. Sri Ram filmed it.

What entertainment that was for a mid-day break! 

For an evening of upliftment two of our newly initiated brahmins, Gaura Prem and Vidyapati performed their first havan, fire ritual, for what we call the anna prasana, first grains, for twin girls. Their names are Sri and Radhe. The proud parents asked that I feed them those first grains — a rice pudding traditionally known as kṣīr.

I must admit they were the most co-operative little babies I ever catered to — no crying and no fidgeting. Each devoured with some delight the three spoonfuls.

It was a pleasure to meet at the event, Brian and Donna. Brian is a retired naval officer and Donna drove an airport limousine to and fro. It was their first observance of such an event for the couple. They seemed to pick up on the strong family spirit in the atmosphere.

That’s many firsts!

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

10,647 FOOTSTEPS