Srimad Bhagavatam and Janmashtami Self-Retreat

After a week-long Swadhyaya from 9th to 15th August on Sri M’s teachings from the Srimad Bhagavatam, a three-day Janmashtami retreat was held from 15th to 17th August, at The Sacred Grove. 

The retreat opened with Seva and Shravana sessions on August 15. As noon turned to dusk, a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky as if to bless the gathering assembled for the evening Abhishek and Arti of our beloved Madanagopala. By his grace, the evening unfolded without rain, culminating in the blissful midnight celebration of Sri Krishna Janam.

The next day, 16th August, began with morning puja at the Krishna shrine, followed by Gopuja of the flower-adorned cows from the Sacred Grove Gaushala. A playful Dahi handi ritual celebrating Lord Krishna’s childhood mischief of stealing butter and curd from clay pots, was not forgotten. Participants then came together for a festive feast and later engaged in nature walks, quiet contemplation and Shravana of Sri M’s teachings on the Srimad Bhagavatam. 

On the 17th morning, the retreat and celebrations came to a closure with a promise for the next year. The Self Retreats on Srimad Bhagavatam, followed by the celebration of Janamashtami, seems to be becoming a salient feature of The Sacred Grove.