KulimeLA 2009: Bhima Karma Performs “Turned Around” at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

A 3 minute video of Bhima-Karma Saragrahi‘s dramatic, uplifting and introspective rendition of his poem “Turned Around.” He delivered it during the KM09 Gala Evening at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood.

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

KulimeLA 2009: Ananta Vrindavan Performing A Capella at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

Video of Ananta Vrindavan singing an a capella combo of “Je Anilo Prema Dhana” & “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood. He dedicated his performance to “the memory of loved ones we’ve lost as a way to invoke their presence in our hearts.”

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

KulimeLA 2009: Mela Video Montage Shown at the Ford Theater

A video montage featuring highlights of KM06 – New Vrindaban, KM07 – Alachua, KM07 – Moscow & KM08 – Radhadesh, shown during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood. 

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

Srila Prabhupada’s Vision For New Vrindaban (in his own words)

Srila Prabhupada’s Vision For New Vrindaban:

Compiled by Chaitanya Mangala Dasa

1. Cow Protection.

2. Sustainable Agriculture.

3. Simple Village Life.

4. A Place of Pilgrimage in the West.

5. A Place of Higher Learning.

6. Above All, a Place for People to Develop Their Love for Krishna.

1. Cow Protection:

“Krishna by His practical example taught us to give all protection to the cows and that should be the main business of New Vrindaban.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“Therefore the special feature of New Vrindaban will be cow protection, and by doing so, we shall not be loser.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“Therefore, my special request is that you should try to maintain as many cows as possible in your New Vrindaban.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 24 June, 1969

“The cow is so wonderful and valuable in society. But you should also use the bulls by engaging them in tilling the ground. People may call this the primitive way but it is very practical for engaging the bulls – have them work in cart loading, transporting, etc…” Letter to Kirtanananda — 7 January, 1974

“If you give the right protection to the cows, then they will give so much milk, that the ground of New Vrndaban will be muddy with milk.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 31 May, 1975

2. Sustainable Agriculture:

“The whole idea of New Vrindaban is that men who are living there should produce their own food, of which milk is the principal thing.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 31 July, 1969

“So these duties are there in New Vrindaban, and we shall have to live there self independently, simply by raising cows, grains, fruits, and flowers.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 12 January, 1969

“Agriculture and protecting cows, this is the main business of the residents of Vrindavan, and above all simply loving Krsna.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

3. Simple Village Life:

“Yukta Vairagya, means that we should simply accept the bare necessities of our material part of life, and try to save time for spiritual advancement. This should be the motto of New Vrindaban.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“It may be an ideal village where the residents will have plain living and high thinking.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“New Vrindaban does not require to be modernized because Krishna’s Vrindaban is transcendental village.” Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“Go on acquiring the surrounding lands and in this way we will establish a local self-governing village and show all the world a practical example of spiritual life as Krishna Himself exhibited in Vrindaban.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

4. A Place of Pilgrimage in the West:

“I understand the spot is very beautiful, and the hills may be renamed as New Govardhana. And if there are lakes, they can be renamed as Syamakunda and Radhakunda.”  Letter to Hayagriva — 14 June, 1968

“New Vrindaban should be taken up very seriously because actually I want to develop a replica of Old Vrindaban. I have got ambition to construct there 7 temples as follows: 1. Radha Madan Mohan, 2. Radha Govinda, 3. Radha Gopinatha, 4. Radha Damodara, 5. Radha Raman, 6. Radha Gokulananda, 7. Radha Syamasundara.” Letter to Hayagriva — 18 November, 1968

“So you have now taken charge of the sunrise of New Vrindaban. Our program is there for constructing seven temples.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 12 January, 1969

“Now I am hopeful that our New Vrindaban will be an exact replica of Vrindaban in India.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 18 February, 1970

“Therefore, I may once more request you to try your best to construct New Vrindaban an exact duplicate of Vrindaban, and that will give me the highest pleasure.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 18 February, 1970

5. A Place of Higher Learning:

“One Rupanuga Vidyapitha—that is a school for educating brahmanas and Vaisnavas.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 12 January, 1969

“You remark that in New Vrindaban the capacity is lacking for taking care of the children. If you can organize a higher level school of theology under your care, I shall very much appreciate it.” Letter to Rupanuga — 24 July, 1969

“Another important thing is our theistic school in New Vrindaban.” Letter to Hayagriva — 9 March, 1970

“Regarding using New Vrindaban land for building for the older Gurukula boys it is a very good idea.” Letter to Bali-mardana — 13 April, 1974

6. Above All, a Place for People to Develop Their Love for Krishna: 

“Agriculture and protecting cows, this is the main business of the residents of Vrindavan, and above all simply loving Krsna. Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

“The cows, the trees, the cowherd men and gopis, their chief engagement was loving Krsna, and in New Vrindaban we want to create this atmosphere and thereby show the whole world how practical and sublime our movement is.” Letter to Kirtanananda — 27 July, 1973

KulimeLA 2009: Goura Riggan Performs at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

Goura Riggan performs a Kathak dance during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood, CA.

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

KulimeLA 2009: A Brief Review of “ISKCON’s Gurukula Experiment”

Bhima Karma & Tyaga Hebel share a 10 minute overview of “ISKCON’s Gurukula Experiment” during the KM09 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater. This presentation touches on many of the high (and low) lights of the past 40 years. 

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

KulimeLA 2009: Krsangi Davis Performing at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

A newly released video of Krsangi Davis performing her “Spark of the Spirit” Dance during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood, CA. 

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

KulimeLA 2009: Chaitanya-Nitai Performing at the Ford Theater in Hollywood

A newly released video of Chaitanya-Nitai performing her original song during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood, CA. She dedicated her song to the Pioneer Kulis “who paved the way.” 

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.

Australians Ignite Kulimela Fuse

Australians Ignite Kulimela Fuse

Written by Antony Brennan and originally posted at ISKCON News on January, 28, 2011.

The recent Australian Kulimela was a great success. Attended by up to 300 devotees and well wishers from around Australia and across the world, many are still swooning over their memories of the association, the kirtan and the prasadam.

The Kulimela was hosted by New Govardhana Dham, a farm at Eungella near Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales. The festival ran over two weeks from the 27th of December 2010 to the 9th of January, 2011.

 

Kulimela Australia: Kuli Fest!

Kulimela Australia 2011

KULI FEST: Saturday, January 8th at the Murwillumbah Civic Center

CLICK HERE to view tonight’s evening performances webcast LIVE on Ustream.

Tentative Schedule: 5:00 to 10:00+ pm, Brisbane time.

Invocation (H.H. Mukunda Goswami + Gurukula kids)

Radha devi (NZ – Bharat Natyam)

Natya shakti (AU – Bharat Natyam)

Mayapuris (US – Drumming)

Gaura Vani and As Kindred Spirits (US)

Hari Bhakti (AU)

Madhurastakam (Kuli Mela Supergroup)

Intermission

Fashion Show

Chaitanya

Sudi + Lalita

Chay and Stuntmen

Dovetails (AU – Vedic Rap)

Uncle Crazy (AU)

Ghost Brothers (CA)

—————————————————————————

Times are local to Brisbane, Australia.

Some examples of the start time around the world:

Los Angeles: Friday, January 7, 2011 at 11:00 pm.

New York: Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 2:00 am.

London: Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 7:00 am.

Mumbai: Saturday, January 8, 2011 at 12:30 pm.

To convert the time difference to your location, CLICK HERE.

Schedule is subject to change.

Please send prayers to Krishna that He instruct the internet gods to provide a good internet connection.

Thanks to Sitapati and his crew for doing their best to make the live video feed happen.

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In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli” refers to a member of a “Community” and “Mela” means “Festive Gathering.” Combined, “Kuli Mela” transforms into “A Celebration of Community.”

Kulimela Australia: First Glimpse At Recorded Video Footage

Kulimela Australia 2011

CLICK HERE to view recorded video footage of Gaura Vani, As Kindred Spirits & the Mayapuris deeply engrossed in a “hip shaking” kirtan.

The video quality is a little grainy, but the sound is awesome.

Catch a 20 minute glimpse into one performance from the wonderful festival evening entertainment.

More to come!

Thanks to Sitapati prabhu for the recording.

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In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli” refers to a member of a “Community” and “Mela” means “Festive Gathering.” Combined, “Kuli Mela” transforms into “A Celebration of Community.”

Kulimela Australia: Friday Night Entertainment Schedule

Kulimela Australia 2011

Friday, January 7th (6:45 pm to 12:00+ am, Brisbane time).

CLICK HERE To view tonight’s evening performances webcast LIVE on Ustream.

Tentative Schedule for Evening Entertainment:

6:45 pm – Junior Natya Shakti – dance performance

7:00 pm: Gitanjali Carmella – bhajans

7:30 pm: Chaytanya Nitai Dasi – bhajans

8:00 pm: Vaiyasaki Dasa – kirtan and bhajans

8:45 pm: Gaura Vani, As Kindred Spirits & the Mayapuris – kirtan and bhajans

9:45 pm: AZitiZ – Hip Hop

10:00 pm till late… – DJ Nimai (UK)

—————————————————————————

Times are local to Brisbane, Australia.

To convert the time difference to your location, CLICK HERE.

Schedule is subject to change.

Please send prayers to Krishna that He instruct the internet gods to provide a good internet connection.

Thanks to Sitapati and his crew for doing their best to make the live video feed happen.

Kulimela Australia: Live Webcast from the Evening Entertainment!

Kulimela Australia 2010/2011:

CLICK HERE To view tonight’s LIVE EVENING CONCERT January 6th (9 pm to 1 am, Brisbane time).

Featuring: Chaytanya Nitai, Cupid’s Bullet, The Ghost Brothers, Dovetail, AZitiZ, Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits, Mayapuris Kirtan and more…

Kulimela Australia: Live Webcast from the Bhajan Kutir!

The time for Kulimela Australia is finally here!

The latest report from Nitai Durr, one of the main organizers:

“The weather is perfect, no issues with floods, forecast is great and the schedule is JAM-PACKED with Entertainment, Activities, Sports, PRASADAM & KIRTAN!”

Festival Dates: Monday, January 3rd thru Sunday January 9th 2011.

If weather and internet connection permits, there will be daily LIVE webcasts from the Bhajan Kutir and evening entertainment throughout the course of the week long festival! CLICK HERE for a connection to the broadcast via Ustream.

Kirtan is scheduled to start 9 am and go to 7 pm, local time in Brisbane, Australia. This converts, for example, to 6 pm through 4 am EST USA. In London this will be 11 pm to 9 am. To convert the time difference to your location, CLICK HERE.

Stay tuned for more details and schedules.

Thanks to Sitapati prabhu and crew for working to make this happen.

KulimeLA 2009: Bhajan Kutir – Listen & Download Digital Recordings

In anticipation of the upcoming Kulimela Australia festival, the KM09: Bhajan Kutir CDs – Volumes 1, 2 & 3 are now available for complimentary listening and downloading.

CLICK HERE to listen and download free MP3 digital copies. Add them to your playlist today!

This selection of heartfelt kirtans was recorded live in the KM09 Bhajan Kutir at the ISKCON New Dwarka Temple in Los Angeles CA, USA.

These volumes are lovingly presented by the following kirtaniyas:

Volume 1: Kishori Mohan, Sudevi Dasi, Gaura Mani, Ananta Vrindavan, Vijay Krsna, Rasika Dasi & more…

Volume 2: Kalindi Dasi, Arjuna Dasa, Abhay Dasa, Visvambhar Dasa (Mayapuris), Gaura Vani (As Kindred Spirits) & more…

Volume 3: Krishna Kishora (Mayapuris), Radhanath Swami, Bada Haridas, Aniruddha Dasa, Gopal Krishna Dasa & more…

In ancient Sanskrit, “Kirtan” is “The sacred, joyful, and spontaneous congregational singing and dancing for the glorification of God.”

A “Bhajan Kutir” is a special place dedicated to Kirtans.

“Kuli” refers to a member of a “Community” and “Mela” means “Festive Gathering.” Combined, “Kuli Mela” tranforms into “A Celebration of Community.”

Additional thanks and credits to: Vrindavan Favors as Bhajan Kutir organizer * Los Angeles ISKCON New Dwarka Community as gracious hosts * Szymon Potynski & Rasikananda Fitch for graphic designs * Jaya Balarama dasa as sound engineer * Rupa Schomaker for recording, editing and mastering the tracks * Kamal Vyas & Chaits Walker as producers.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving an international community by supporting and encouraging its members to come together in service, association and empowerment, with a strong emphasis on spirituality.

C + P 2009 Kuli Mela Association. All rights reserved.