Continuous chanting of the prayer-fulfilling Divine Names, the Mahamantra
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare,
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
was held from 6 AM to 6 PM on July 3. This is the first time that a 12-hour continuous chanting session was conducted at the Houston Namadwaar. Gopa Kuteeram for kids with stories, songs and games was conducted on Saturday for the kids who attended the event.
At the end of the continuous chanting session, Dr. Bhagyanathan, personal secretary to His Holiness Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji, gave a short 40-minute talk that underlined the fortune of those present at the Namadwaar that day.
On Sunday, the Fourth of July, another chanting session was conducted from 7 AM to 10 AM. This was followed by the recitals of Pancha Geetham and Pancha Stuthi from Srimad Bhagavatham. The session concluded with a prayer for the USA written specifically for the occasion. The prayer was read out as follows on both July 3 and 4:
This Fourth of July, as we celebrate the day of Independence of this strong nation, we appeal to the Supreme Judge of the World, the Lord Almighty, for the rectitude of our intentions, equality, liberty, peace and happiness.
May this country be free from all kinds of ills, threats and dangers in the form of epidemics, extremist attacks, and natural disasters and be blessed with abundance on all fronts.
May we continue to cherish the Independence that was gifted to us this day 234 years ago, in its purest form.
We pray, this day, for the well-being of this sovereign nation, for our state, city, society, family and the individual self, in the Divine Name of God.
