Narrator:
Friends, every evening here, Nam Sankirtan (devotional chanting) takes place. I am bringing this portion of the ritual to you today. I hope you enjoy it.
Narrator:
In this temple, Nam Sankirtan happens every evening. As you can see... Many people are participating in this Nam Sankirtan.
Narrator:
You can see here that the Mother's (Maa Tara's) feet are bound with a chain. This stems from a deep sentiment—so that the Mother doesn't "flee" or leave her devotees, they keep her symbolically bound with a chain.
Narrator:
Gurudev, I have a question for you. Greetings, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, go ahead.
Narrator:
Gurudev, I am curious—we see Nam Sankirtan in almost every temple. But since Mother Tara is installed here, could you explain why Nam Sankirtan is performed specifically in this manner?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, Nam Sankirtan can happen anywhere. It is not restricted to Tara, Kali, or Durga. It has a universal significance. Chanting the Mother's name in the evening makes her very pleased. I have observed that she truly wants to listen. This happens every day without exception. Besides that, Harinam Sankirtan (chanting the name of Lord Hari/Krishna) is very important to us. After chanting Mother's name, we do some Harinam Sankirtan. We also sing songs dedicated to Bamakhepa or Ramakrishna Dev—just a little, not too much. After those, we conclude with Harinam Sankirtan. This is a daily, regular ritual that is never skipped.
Narrator:
We see, Gurudev, that there is always a crowd. Many people come from outside to join the chanting.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Everyone finds joy in it. People come from far away to participate, or sometimes they come and sing their own songs. Our singing happens every day, without fail.
Narrator:
So people come here of their own accord from outside?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, they come and participate occasionally. Our primary songs are dedicated to the Mother, Ramakrishna, and Bamdeb (Bamakhepa). These three are the core, and then Harinam Sankirtan comes at the very end to finish the session. It happens every single day.
Narrator:
Gurudev, let's move toward this small kitchen (Rondhonshala). We see that the Mother's offering (bhog) is prepared here every noon and evening. In the evening, people have snacks like tea, vegetable chops, or fried puffed rice (muri).
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Here, the special tradition every evening is the puffed rice. Bamdeb Baba (Bamakhepa) loved eating puffed rice very much. Puffed rice is even sent from his home as an offering every day. So here, by the blessings of Bamdeb Baba and Mother Tara, we offer that puffed rice. We also occasionally fry things like vegetable chops, pointed gourd, or beguni (eggplant fritters). We prepare these offerings for Mother ourselves. Everyone who participates here gets a share of the Prasad. It is our greatest joy.
Narrator:
Let's show the viewers what is being cooked for the Mother. Friends, look at this small space... what can I say... this is a very humble, "poor" temple. No money is taken from anyone. You can see a devotee cooking Prasad for the Mother. This will be offered as bhog, and afterward, it will be distributed among everyone.
Narrator:
Gurudev, considering everything today—the chanting, the offerings—how do you feel?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I enjoy this every day. There is nothing greater than this. It feels wonderful to hear the Mother's name sung, and listening to it brings a lot of spiritual merit (punya). The Harinam Sankirtan at the end is particularly beautiful to witness. We believe many things are spiritually redeemed through this listening. Boys come from very far away just to sing here.
Narrator:
We can see many people dancing with their arms raised to the music today. It feels wonderful.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This happens every day. We don't usually broadcast it, but it happens daily. Be it rain, sun, or storm, this tradition is strictly maintained.
Narrator:
Whoever is with Gurudev, they join in. Even if there are only a few people, they participate.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, I sit here too. I don't really have any other "work," actually.
Narrator:
I wouldn't say that, Gurudev! I see you supporting them, clapping, and singing along.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Well, the music is beautiful; it feels good to hear. That is why I join in. Everyone here does the same. Mother claps through everyone's hands.
Narrator:
Gurudev, we feel very blessed today. You joined us yourself in this Nam Sankirtan.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It happens every day; it's just how it is. Everyone who comes does it in their own way and feels good. Chanting the Mother's name naturally brings joy.
Narrator:
We have heard that listening to Nam Sankirtan benefits people greatly.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, it brings much peace and benefit to people. Now we are turning off the microphone.
Narrator:
My respects to you, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Jai Maa (Victory to the Mother).