Unfortunately the Belgian part of the Padayatra was cancelled at the last minute, but happily the Dutch part of the festival is still going ahead. The padayatra festival is a wonderful opportunity for a spiritual experience and we welcome everyone to join in the fun. Padayatra is a walking festival between towns with a ox-drawn cart. Devotees sing along the way and distribute prasadam (spiritual food) to passers-by.

SCHEDULE

JUNE

29th Maastricht to Valkenberg

• 10:00 – Leave from Maastricht, Bemelerweg (close to football field Voetbalvereniging “Scharn”)
• 17:30 – Cultural program in Valkenburg (on car-park near to train station Spoorlaan)

30th Valkenburg to Gulpen

• 10:00 – Leave from Valkenburg (on car-park near to train station Spoorlaan)
• 17:30 – Cultural program in Gulpen (on football pitch close to Ringweg)

JULY

1st Gulpen to Vijlen

• 10:00 – Leave from Gulpen (on football pitch close to Ringweg)
• 17:00 – Cultural program in Vijlen (on Harrie Albertiplein, Pastorijweg)

2nd Vijlen to Vaals

• 10:00 – Leave from Viljen (on Harrie Albertiplein, Pastorijweg)
• 17:00 – Cultural program in Vaals (on Speeltuin de Bende, Sneeuwberglaan)

This is the last day of the padayatra. After the cultural progam in Vaals the padayatra team will return to Radhahdesh.

Important Information

• Lunch will be cooked and served each day when the padayatra cart arrives at the place for the cultural program.
• The distance covered each day will be between 7 and 12 kilometers (anyone who is tired can sit on the cart for a bit until they feel sufficiently rested to continue).
• The cultural program each evening consists of melodious bhajans, traditional bharat natyam dance, a drama, and a competition for the kids.
• Please bring clothes for both hot sunny weather, and cold wet weather (don't forget to bring a strong suncream and a sunhat!).
• If you would like to stay with the padayatra team overnight please remember that accommodation facilities will be very simple – i.e. separate dormitory facilities for men and ladies.
• For staying overnight please bring everything you would need for sleeping, including roll-mat (no mattresses provided), sleeping bag, and a wash bag.
• Food will be provided.
• We recommend for you to bring a refillable water bottle (at least 1 liter) that you can reuse each day – when walking all day in the sun please don't forget to drink enough liquids!
• After the cultural program in the evening the padayatra team provide transport to the accommodation facilities (which will be the same place each night).

Everybody is welcome to join the festival!