Newsletter September 2024
Dear friends and devotees,
We hope this newsletter finds you in the best of health and happiness. We would like to warmly inform you of some wonderful events that have recently taken place in our beloved Goloka Dhama and other special moments that await us in the coming month.
Pandava Senas - A time of youth and experiences
The Pandava Senas are a group of young devotees, mainly from the London area. Every year some of these young devotees travel to a temple for about two weeks and hold a retreat there. This year they chose Goloka Dhama. About 100 devotees came, held seminars, cooked, sang kirtan, went on excursions and much more.
EuroBustour - A journey of inspiration
From 9 to 12 August 2024, Goloka Dhama was visited by a wonderful group of young devotees: the EuroBustour2024. With around 50 devotees from all over the world - from Europe, the USA, Canada, India, New Zealand, Australia and many other countries - our temple was transformed into a true centre of international devotion. The participants of this tour, aged between 18 and 30, spend a whole month travelling by bus through Europe to visit temples and spread the spirit of bhakti. Their visit to Goloka Dhama was a source of great joy and deep spiritual connection.
Ratha-Yatra in Trier - A day of dance
On 10 August 2024, the Ratha-Yatra took place again in Trier, an event that filled all our hearts with infinite joy. The deities from Radhadesh, accompanied by a bus full of devotees from Radhadesh, the Pandava Senas, the Eurobustour and other guests, paraded through the streets of Trier. A total of over 300 devotees took part in this float festival. This time we were even able to enjoy a grandiose feast, as we had rented a large space especially for it. It was an unforgettable day, where the atmosphere was filled with deep devotion and shared joy.
Janmastami - A festival of love and devotion
This year's Janmastami festival was simply beautiful. The Goloka Dhama temple shone in festive splendour, lovingly decorated and filled with many devotees. The whole festival lasted for five days. Radha Madhan Mohan were taken across the river in a boat, after which everyone had the opportunity to swing the deities themselves. The night darshan on Janmastami was accompanied by a beautiful kirtan by Amala Harinama. And Gour Krishna, Ramanaji, Kishor Gopal and many other great singers enriched the evening. The lectures and seminars given by Sacinandana Swami were also particularly inspiring and provided wonderful insights.
A special highlight of this year was the organisation of the festival by Valentina, who took on the entire responsibility for the first time and organised the festival with great success and much love.
Prabhupada's appearance day was also beautiful and was accompanied by inspired offerings, ecstatic kirtan and a beautiful Pushpanjali ceremony.
And the prasadam was great!
Tulasi House - A place of care
We are very happy to report that our Tulasi house is finished! On more than 25 square metres, our tulasi plants now have a protected space where they can thrive all year round without suffering from cold or lack of light. It is a place of care and devotion that will enrich our spiritual community.
Shell of the terrace - a space for community
The shell of our new terrace has also been completed! Soon this space will serve as a large prasadam and lounge area where we can eat, discuss and enjoy fellowship together. We are looking forward to filling this space with life and love soon.
What's happening next month?
Radhastami - A festival of love
On 11 September 2024, we celebrate Radhastami, the appearance day of Srimati Radharani, in Goloka Dhama. You are all cordially invited to take part in this special festival. We can see the importance of Radharani's appearance day from the teachings of the previous acaryas. Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura once said that we turn to Krsna mainly because Krishna is so dear to Radharani. Some even say that we celebrate Janmastami to remember Radhastami or Radharani, who has her appearance day 15 days later.
Be a Monk Challenge - A special kind of experience
From 15 to 20 September 2024 we are organising the ‘Be a Monk Challenge’ in Goloka Dhama. Everyone is cordially invited. Would you like to join us? In a week full of community and spiritual experience, you will have the opportunity to experience life in the temple up close. You will immerse yourself in the philosophy of Bhakti Yoga, practise mantra chanting and meditation and take part in additional activities such as Hatha Yoga, joint excursions and campfires. Of course, your physical well-being will also be catered for, with rich, vegan and vegetarian meals twice a day. It will be a week you won't forget in a hurry!
These events have filled and will fill Goloka Dhama with vibrant energy and devotion, and we feel blessed to be part of this wonderful community. May this time of spiritual encounters remain in
our hearts and continue to inspire us on our path.
With deep connection and warmest regards,
For and on behalf of Goloka Dhama.
Yours in seva
Bhakta Elias
Upcoming events:
- 11 September Radhastami
- 15th - 20th September Be a monk challenge
- 3rd - 6th October Kirtanmela with H.H. Sacinandana Swami
- 17th October - 15th November Kartik
- 2nd November Govardhana Puja
- 5th November Srila Prabhupada Disappearance
- 28th December 2024 - 1st January 2025 Sangamela with H.H. Sacinandana Swami
"Similarly, you must read Bhagavad-gita at least a few verses every day and think about them throughout the day. The best thing is to read one chapter daily, but if you can meditate upon a few verses of Bhagavad-gita every day, that is better than reading for simply one hour and then forgetting the topics until the next reading."
Letter to: Paramananda — Los Angeles 29 July, 1969