Australasia
and Oceania
Ananda Mela
Thanks to all those who attended yet another wonderful Ananda Mela,
which was held from January 7-13th at the Ananda Pali master unit
in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Australia. It's really incredible to
realise the Mela has been going on for a quarter of a century! And
its impressive that it has continued with the same kind of energy
and inspiration, even though the organisers and nearly all of the
attendees have completely changed over the years.
This year we had nearly 125 adults, and around 65 kids. The numbers
have increased steadily over the last few Melas, but we haven't
reached the peak there was around 1996 when nearly 400 people attended!
For those who didn't make it this year, some of the highlights were:
• We did it! Twenty-four hours of kiirtan! The kiirtan
(chanting) managed to keep up good energy the whole time, especially
during the wee hours of the night. Personally I was impressed that
at 3:00 am, a good group of teenagers and adults were there dancing
with energy. At 4:30 am, when we shifted into some quiet tunes,
we still had a lovely crowd. The energy built as everyone joined
in, and what lively and inspiring energy we had by the end at 7
am! I think the kiirtan really added to the peaceful and happy mood
we all felt. From the positive response we received after the kiirtan,
it looks like 24-hour kiirtan will be a regular part of the next
25 years of Ananda Mela.
• Many people enjoyed the theme this year on "Climate
Change, Peak Oil and Community Solutions." While some people
opted more for an emotional, spiritual and/or creative focus, all
of our programs on society and social change were also well-attended
and appreciated. It is certainly part of the Ananda Mela concept
to blend spirituality with social change. And I think it will have
a positive effect on the planet as well!
• After a couple of years of absence, it was also lovely
to enjoy the company once again of Wirrungga Dunaggir and his family.
Wirrungga worked with the children in dance and sport, spent time
yarning and sharing culture at Community Creations, and brought
together a great performance for us all at the end. We are lucky
to have this chance to connect with this ancient culture.
• Great food this year! We had a very proficient team
in the kitchen, and it was great that along with yummy, varied and
nutritious, on-time meals, they also offered wheat and dairy-free
options.
Next year's Ananda Mela (number 26!) will be held 6-12th January,
2008. Meanwhile, however, you are warmly welcome to attend the Third
Annual Magical Mid-Year Mini Mela also to be held at Ananda Pali
during the Queen's Birthday weekend in mid-June.
If you are interested in following up with meditation and yoga,
we are just completing an Australasia Calendar of Ananda Marga events
which includes all the classes, retreats and Ananda Marga centres
around the country.
A warm thanks to everyone who attended and the many people who volunteered
their time!
Love to all,
Kamala
(for the Ananda Mela Organising Committee)
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