All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga

London Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Preaching Programme at
The Big Green Gathering

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Pictures taken between Tuesday 2nd and Sunday 7th August 2005
Webpages by Damayanti Dasi
During the first week of August, a group of London devotees set up camp at the Big Green Gathering, a large new-age, eco-conscious festival held annually in the Sussex countryside, in the south-west of England. The large campsite, holding over 15,000 people, was divided into several different sections: the devotees were posted in the 'Ethics, Spirituality and Philosophy Field' alongside other spiritually minded groups including many groups offering different new-age health and lifestyle alternatives. Amidst this mixture of philosophies, the devotees of the London Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math preached the glorious teachings of our Sri Guru-varga and worldwide Mission for the five day duration of the festival through discussion with spiritual seekers, our books, kirttan and prasadam distribution. Our stall attracted sincere seekers, some of whom came again and again, drawn by the warmth and friendliness of the devotees as well as the strong preaching and the daily free distribution of prasadam.
   
Many of those attending the festival knew something of Krishna consciousness already, so in many cases the people attracted by our stall had less general questions. Instead many asked about the difference between Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math and other groups; the meaning of specific sections of the Gita; the significance of the Mahamantra; the significance of different food products offered to Lord Krishna, etc. Those who knew only a little about Krishna consciousness also enquired enthusiastically, and a number of seekers sat listening and asking questions for over an hour at a time.
   
Sri Govinda Prabhu and Srilekha Didi, two of our strongest preachers.
   
Srilekha Didi is also a natural storyteller. Here she narrates the story of Prahlad Maharaj.
Curiously perusing the book table.....
   
Last minute preparations: Lavanya Mayi Didi, busy as always, at work on the campsite the day before the festival started.
Morning sunrise over the peaceful camp.
   
On one evening the devotees began a small fire outside our stall, holding a kirttan that went on until the early hours of the morning. Before the devotees took rest, Sripad Bhakti Swarup Tridandi Maharaj joined the group and read an excerpt from The Golden Volcano of Divine Love, by His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Passersby came and joined the late night programme chanting the Holy Names around the inviting campfire.
   
A happy cook: Dandakaranya Prabhu...
...and one of the many delicious feasts he prepared every day for the devotees and guests.
   
Ananda Swarupini Didi with her three children, who came from many miles away to participate in the festival.
Yolanda and Penny, two frequent guests who happily volunteered to help with cleaning seva.
   
Some famous landmarks near the festival site in the Sussex countryside: Cheddar Gorge and Wells Cathedral, where the current Archbishop of England lives today.
   
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Nabadwip
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