By: Bhaktin Dian Damayanti

It is natural for young adults to try something new and I am no exception to this. I gave wings to my enterprising desires and chose to go to Cambodia as my very first abroad destination to join a five-day kirtan program called “Kirtan is 2020 Vision of Cambodia”.

This program was simply wonderful! It was nectar to be always surrounded by devotees from around the world, listening to intense Harinam sankirtan on a daily basis, at the same time enjoy the most beautiful places in Siem Reap besides nourishing prasadam. It was so nice that I pray that I never forget these precious moments of my life.

Right from day one, Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Chub Te Traw village, I could feel that Cambodia is something special. Local people are so enthusiastic and happy chanting Hare Krishna and pulling Jagannath’s chariot. The days after that, we spent in the town of Siem Reap. We met one yogi at Hariharalaya Ashram and all day long chanted with them, went out and did more sankirtan on the boat until the sunset. Thereupon we went to Phnom Kulen Mountain and did more kirtan on a huge stone where generally monks use to meditate. The next day we went to see the majestic Angkor Wat, ended with Harinam on a bridge at Old Market. The final day, we did Harinam at Pub Street surrounded by drunkards, yet the overpowering intoxication of Harinam was visible. The heavy downpour after that was indicative that our program was successful. Srila Prabhupada is so merciful, especially when we desire to spread the holy name all over the world. It was awesome to see people sing and dance in great joy.

Kala Dasa Prabhu managed the program very well, everybody was well-taken care. So much support from many other people! Indian devotees, owner of Indian Cuisine Restaurants offered us delicious prasadam. There was kirtan, kirtan, and kirtan everywhere. Let Harinama Sankirtan be the vision of Cambodia, not just for 2020 but for forever.