Ratna Venkat – 
Nowadays, the need to ‘Go Green’ has become more significant than ever in the modern world.
For issues such as global warming, population increasing and trees decreasing, drive present-day youngsters and elders to reduce their carbon footprints as much as possible.
However, I always say that life comes “full circle,” because long before the industrial revolution, which began during the eighteenth century, our ancestors lived a lifestyle that bore striking resemblance to today’s eco-friendly aspirants.
‘Voices of the Sacred Earth’
The 5th Annual ‘Voices of the Sacred Earth Festival’ was all about celebrating this age-old ‘green’ lifestyle, bringing together ancient wisdom and ancestral knowledge from different parts of the world, as well as hosting a range of empowering ceremonies and inspirational workshops.
Over 900 people attended the Eco-Festival held at Kawai Purapura, a native bushland located in Albany, Auckland from Friday, March 24 to Sunday, March 26.
Its slogan “Embracing the Global Family,” also expressed ‘unity in diversity’ in a different way, where participants brought in their own unique connection and experience towards the event whilst becoming ‘one’ with their Self, Others and Mother Earth.
Festival Highlights
The festival opened with a Powhiri (traditional welcome ceremony) by the Ngati Whatua tribe of New Zealand’s Northland Peninsula and Auckland regions.
Individuals, couples and families were then exposed to an array of ancient Earth-based traditions, indigenous world music and healing ceremonies, all of which were led by international presenters who guided them on their quest for creating and sharing blissful experiences with each other.
Inspiring people
Franchelle Ofsoské-Wyber introduced the power of ‘Ancestral Responsibility’ and the importance of soul resolution to reveal new possibilities and opportunities.
‘Sustainable Education’ was facilitated by Robina McCurdy who covered topics namely working harmoniously with Nature and creating sustainable human habits.
Coming to sacred healing ceremonies, ‘Sweat Lodge Protocols,’ facilitated by John Vissers, helped participants to cleanse and purify their ‘being’ in all aspects of life, be it physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.
Sound Healing
It is no surprise that music and sound have always been known across the world as powerful mediums of healing, hence a workshop such as ‘Captivating Sound Medicine’ presented by Kailash Kokopelli and Sika, would be an inevitable part of the Eco-Festival programme.
The duo also staged a sacred world music concert who not only helped in connecting members of the audience with one another, but also awakened the Source within themselves via an inner journey of soundscapes.
The Fire of Life
Known to be the ‘fire of transformation,’ the Havan (traditional Hindu ritual) was enabled by Sanyassi Pragyadhara and her members to acknowledge and honour new souls arriving into the material world during its auspicious time.
Supported by prayers, chants and mantras, the Havan was specially conducted to shower blessings on expectant parents and their soon-to-be-born baby souls.
Location, Location, Location
For an Eco-Festival that pays homage to Mother Nature, New Zealand’s natural ‘untouched’ beauty make it a model location for people to generate positive vibes and enjoy each other’s company.
The backdrop of Kawai Purapura thus added to the event’s tranquility and overall success.
Indigenous people like the Māori are also known to have a deep spiritual connection with the natural environment, which is evident in their culture, rituals and storytelling.
Festival 2018
Readers who are interested to attend the next ‘Voices of the Sacred Earth Festival’ can get an idea of what to expect next year by visiting its website: www.sacredearth.nz
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Photo Caption:
- Māori Greeting- The Hongi
- Havan- the process of purification
- Homage to Nature
- Māori Music to comfort the soul and mind
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