Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2003 19:06:39 +0100
From: Devashis das, London Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math
Subject: Paramahamsa Maharaj's auspicious arrival


All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga

Sripad Bhakti Amal Paramahamsa Maharaj arrived here in London on schedule from South Africa, safely and well. The devotees gave His Holiness an honourable reception at Heathrow Airport early in the morning.

After arriving at the London Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Sripad Paramahamsa Maharaj spoke to the devotees and guests about the glories of Sri Sanatan Goswami Prabhu (this being his disappearance day). He also shared stories about his recent devotional adventures in Venezuela and South Africa. We then had a lively kirttan, honoured prasadam and soon afterwards drove to Brighton to join in seva at the Temple's stall at the Brighton 'Peace Festival.' A party from our Math had been there since the morning. Everyone busily preached until closing time at 8pm. We finally arrived back at the London Math after midnight due to delays caused by summer holiday traffic and various roadworks along the way.

Yesterday (Monday) evening we held our regular meeting at Hampstead Town Hall. His Holiness spoke there and answered questions along with Sripad Bhakti Swarup Tridandi Maharaj and myself. Sripad Paramahamsa Maharaj then led kirttan with his characteristic enthusiasm. All the crowd were very satisfied by this evening with a difference.

Tomorrow, Sripad Maharaj is billed to speak at the Upton Centre near to our Math. We have arranged a programme there called "The Search for Sri Krishna — Reality the Beautiful."

So this is the news, and I have taken some photographs and will send them to Srila Gurudev shortly.

Now we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Sripad Bhakti Lalita Akinchan Maharaj from South Africa. Everyone here is keen to make the most of the association of these honourable sannyasis during their few days stay en route to the next leg of their Tour: Turkey.

World Tour enthusiasm is setting in, and with just days to go before the arrival of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj and his entourage, hosting this 'advance party' of sannyasis is very welcome. Not only do we have the opportunity to serve the sannyasis and gain from their association, but also this is a chance to test everything is ready for the big event to come.