July 18 through July 25

Dear Devotees and Friends,

We are very happy to announce that the Govinda Mela festival and retreat will be held here at the Soquel Seva Ashram for 8 days starting Tuesday July 18 through Tuesday July 25. This schedule will allow two days (18 & 19) for arriving and getting tents set up and two days (24 & 25) for packing up and departures. The main programs will be held from Thursday through Sunday (20 to 23).

For those who want to come earlier, we will observe the disappearance anniversary of Srila Guru Maharaj, Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj on Monday July 17 with a grand festival and feast.

The United States immigration rules have changed as of May 9, 2023 wherein non-US citizens travelling to the United States are no longer required to have a Covid vaccination. Last year there were several devotees from around the world who could not attend because of this requirement. So, we are looking forward to seeing you this year!

The programs will include the morning mangal aratis, kirtans and Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita class. Afternoon and evening programs will include the temple programs and special classes. Srila Janardan Maharaj is in the process of organizing these programs. Vishakha Devi has confirmed she will be coming. If their health permits, Sripad Devashis Prabhu and Sripad Nyasi Maharaj will be attending, as well as other devotees from our Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math family.

Harinam sankirtan will be organized. And we will again honor Sri Giriraj with His abhisheka (bathing ceremony) at the Sri Girirajraj mandhir with chanting and dancing parikrama along the Via Govinda path to the top of the hill. Special programs will also be organized for the children by Vaidehi Normand.

We ask that everyone who is planning on coming to please register with us to help us better plan for the events. Also, we humbly request that each participant donate $25 to help cover the costs of the event. But please do not hesitate to register and come even if you cannot afford to give a donation!

Donations can be made on our website at http://SevaAshram.net/donate/ Please enter Govinda Mela in the comments field and the names of the devotees who will be attending. (This site works much better from a computer rather than a phone.)

You can also register by sending me an email at GovindaMela2023@gmail.com

We will publish more information as it becomes available. And we value your comments and suggestions.

Thank you,

Hasyapriya das