A group of volunteers from our Centre arranged a trip to Wellingborough Mandir

for some elderly members of our community . The trip started by providing

transport to our guests from their homes to Soar Valley College in time for

departure at 9:30. Everyone was excited and got to the departure venue in good

time, all 70 of us (40 guests & 30 volunteers from our Centre).

Despite getting 'lost' ( the driver claimed he took the scenic route! Bless him!),

we made it the Mandir in good time. Everyone had ample time to have a peaceful

darshan in the Mandir.

We were given the opportunity to sing Swami's bhajans. We had taken our own harmonium and tablas, and we were allowed to use Mandir's PA system - this helped to create good atmosphere in the Mandir.

Hanuman chalisa was recited by all, followed by nice bhajans. The bhajans were sung very well, of note was  the bhajan sung by 10 year old Ritesh Patel which was particularly good. Well done everyone! After the bhajans we joined in the Aarti performed by the priest of the Mandir. The priest then gave a small talk about the month of 'parsotum' - this is a very holy period in the Hindu calendar. He also affectionately invited us back.

The Mandir devotees had prepared excellent Prashadam for us. This was most welcome and everyone enjoyed it very much. We were all moved by the excellent hospitality offered to us and appreciated it very much.

With Swami's grace, the weather was very good and we decided that we would take our guests to Wicksteed Park for picnic. We made 'masala tea' at the Mandir and carried it in flasks to the park. The guests were treated to the train ride, and the volunteers' children went on the rides in the park. Great time was had by everyone. We then had the picnic - masala tea, cold water, home-made biscuits, cheesy biscuits, gathia, fresh fruits, roasted nuts, and chocolates! Catered for everyone! And there was also time for garbas - very enjoyable in the shade under the trees!

It was soon time to go home - the guests had enjoyed themselves and were quite happy to comment on their personal experiences - 'taken very good care for us all', 'good to be amongst friends', 'thank you all for giving us opportunity of Mandir darshan', 'remember us for any other function where we have chance to participate in'.

And finally, one guest said she was so impressed by our organisational skills (and general caring/disciplined  attitude) that we should organise a trip to Switzerland!!    Any takers.........

Seven photographs on this page. Follow the link below to view further photographs.