Happy birthday big girl
MIDRAND - Nitai Priya is the name of a one-year-old calf that has been raised with all the comforts she could wish for.
This according to Athish Sirkar who is responsible for the wellbeing of the young cow and its mother, Luxmi Priya, at the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) in Midrand.
The society has a gaushala (a shelter for cows), and celebrated the birthday of Nitai with a major festival that was centred around cow protection and care. The society has been caring for Luxmi since she was donated by a private donor, and Nitai was born there.
Sirkar said in the Hare Krishna movement cows are considered extremely sacred. “Anyone who is looking for information on cow protection is welcome to visit us,” he said.
“Even in African cultures, cows are a symbol of prosperity. They feed the plants that we consume.”
The festival attracted about 200 people, including animal rights supporters, members of the Iskcon community and the Hindu community. It was a family-oriented festival and helped raise funds for Iskcon’s cow care programme.
This event also included a maha-yagna (a great offering), and there were arts and crafts, face-painting, colouring, balloons, and a jumping castle.
Radeshyam Das, the Midrand Iskcon president, said he was pleased with the turnout by Midrand residents to join in the festivities. Das said he was hoping the society could attract people of all races and genders to come and experience peace.
“Our natural position [as human beings] is peaceful, once we experience that peace again we become fearless and prepared for difficult times,” he said, pointing out the society’s temple in its tranquil surroundings which also includes a vegetarian restaurant.
Details: nrsinga@iskconmidrand.org
