Vaishnava Seva Society

05/13/2023

Sri Govinda Mela 2023
July 18 through July 25
May 12, 2023
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 [email protected]
We will publish more information as it becomes available. And we value your comments and suggestions.

Thank you,
Hasyapriya das

03/01/2022

Sri Govinda Mela 2022
Dear Devotees and Friends,

We are in the early stages of planning to hold a Govinda Mela festival here at the Soquel Seva Ashram this summer.

In speaking with various devotees, everyone is feeling anxious to again gather together and have each other’s association and the association of the senior Vaishnavas. We are also anxious to have your association.

Camping facilities will be available at the Ashram as in previous years. Guest speakers will also be coming. As we develop our plans, we will post updates.

The dates that we are considering are the July 4th weekend - Friday July 1 through Monday July 4 OR the following weekend Thursday July 7 through Sunday July 10.

Please let me know what you feel about our proposal and which dates would be better for you. Do you have any suggestions for us?

Hasyapriya das

07/26/2020

It's honey harvesting time again at the Seva Ashram!

06/15/2020

Dear Devotees and Friends,

We are very sad to announce that the Sri Govinda Mela festival that we normally hold at the Soquel Seva Ashram in July, is cancelled for 2020. Due to the situation with the corona virus, we do not feel that it is safe to have large gatherings. Also, the time is not available for the advance planning needed to arrange the programs.

We know how much the devotees look forward to coming here and participating in the programs, associating which the senior devotees and engaging in service to Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari. We, here at the Ashram, also look forward to having your association. But considering the current situation, we feel it is only reasonable to cancel this year’s events.

Hasyapriya das

11/05/2018

In honor of Sri Govardhan Puja, which will be celebrated in a few days, here is a short story from the Garga Samhita about the birth of Sri Giriraj Govardhan - Hasyapriya das

Pulastya Muni said to Sri Govardhan: “My son, please sit on my hand and I will carry you to Kashi.”

http://www.sevaashram.net/5817/govardhan-takes-birth-on-earth/

08/27/2018

For photos from Sri Govinda Mela, check out:

Images from Sri Govinda Mela 2018 at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Soquel, California, USA.

08/27/2018

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The Vaishnava Seva Society invites you to Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Soquel, California