Written by Citralekha
This year, the Tirobhāva day — the disappearance festival of Kadamba Kanana Swami — was organised with love and devotion by his disciples, especially those residing in Vrindavan. Together, we created a heartfelt offering to honor his memory and spiritual legacy. Kadamba Kanana Swami was known for his fearless preaching, his melodious and soul-stirring kirtans, and his unwavering determination. Even during times of physical hardship, he remained focused on glorifying Krsna and uplifting others. His example continues to illuminate the path of bhakti for all who seek shelter under his legacy.
Remembrance through kirtan
On the eve of the Tirobhāva day, we held a kirtan tribute, where disciples and friends of Kadamba Kanana Swami each led kirtans for about half an hour. The kirtan flowed continuously for several hours, allowing everyone to honor him through heartfelt singing and to immerse themselves in the right mood of remembrance and gratitude before the main festival day.
Feeling his presence
The next day, the official Tirobhāva day, the samadhi area was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers — not only his samadhi, but also the surrounding samadhis and even the nearby trees were adorned, creating a vibrant, festive atmosphere of devotion.
We began with a small harinam procession, bringing a framed photo of Kadamba Kanana Swami from his samadhi to the pandal site, where a grand altar had been set up. The altar featured Sadbhuja Maharaja, the deity of Kadamba Kanana Swami, alongside beautiful photos of Srila Prabhupada and Jayadvaita Swami. After an uplifting kirtan and singing of “Je Anilo Premadhana,” we moved into the offering session. Initially, we had planned for many disciples to speak. However, many senior devotees who had spontaneously joined the ceremony— including Prthu Prabhu, Mukunda Datta Prabhu, Srutakirti Prabhu, and others — shared their heartfelt offerings. Listening to their stories and memories brought us deeply into Kadamba Kanana Swami’s presence and reminded us of the sweetness of his pastimes and his personal care for everyone. After several hours of sharing, we performed Guru Puja and Pushpa Abhishek, showering his photo with flowers, accompanied by the Holy Name. Following the ceremonies, we honoured a special feast that Kadamba Kanana Swami himself had selected before his departure.
The afterparty
In the days following Tirobhāva day, we continued gathering for various programs: singing kirtan together at the samadhi, reading from the Forever Present book, sharing prasadam, singing together in Srila Prabhupada’s room, sharing memories, and even organising a small festival to celebrate Sadbhuja’s own Gaurapurnima festival. The entire festival was beautifully attended — lively yet intimate — and we felt deeply connected to Kadamba Kanana Swami throughout. We are very grateful for how everything unfolded and pray that next year’s Tirobhāva festival may be just as sweet and successful.
Till next year…
