Pune Yatra!

Back from Pune Yatra! All I can say is WOW! I don't know what I have done to be the recipient of such extraordinary mercy. It was just such an incredible experience to be in the association of so many wonderful devotees including HH Radhanath Swami, HH Candramauli Swami, HH Bhakti Caru Swami, HH Bhakti Visvambhara Madhava Swami, HG Sukavaha dd, HG Cintamani dd AND HH Jayapataka Swami! :D

This year was the 22nd year that Pune Yatra took place and it was estimated that over 4500 plus devotees were there! How amazing. HH Radhanath Swami was mentioning in the inaugural address that the entire purpose of Pune Yatra is to hear and chant in the association of devotees. And the lengths these wonderful devotees who organize the festival go to to make one feel so welcome and looked after is unparalleled. The prasadam was nectar, the accommodations were super comfortable and the association was mind-blowing.

On top of all that, it was historic because this was the first preaching program HH JPS attended. And what love there was. When it was announced that Maharaja would be joining us, the applause and "Haribols" that resonated was simply deafening.

My memories of this trip are too countless but some highlights that I hope to etch in my heart (and in no particular order):

1. Feeling how much love the devotees have for HH JPS and how much he in turn loves them.

2. Developing even more faith in Krsna after seeing how amazing HH JPS is. Maharaja is so clear, lucid and humorous. One can see how much Krsna loves Maharaja and the result is that Maharaja bestows that love to everyone.

3. Running into devotee friends that I didn't expect to see and getting to spend quality time with them.

4. Making new friends with the wonderful devotees in Mumbai/Pune etc.

5. Hearing HH Radhanath Swami speak about the importance of devotee association and vaisnava seva

6. Seeing the wonderful Nrsimha deva drama and Bharata Maharaja pantomime.

7. Becoming totally inspired to spend more time serving and worshiping Tulasi devi after hearing HH BV Madhava Swami speak about her.

8. Seeing and experiencing the love and affection all the devotees have for one another.

9. Meeting so many of my godbrothers and godsisters from Ukraine/Russia!

10. Being astounded by the fact that devotees had arranged for 3 FM radio channels that were broadcasting translations of everything going on in Hindi, Russian, Marathi (and perhaps even more!).

I am simply overwhelmed at having had the opportunity to attend Pune Yatra. If you are every in India (or not!) please try to attend. It's an experience that will nourish and inspire you.