Shri Adi Shakti Puja, 2006

We have just been blessed with the most wonderful weekend with Our Holy Mother in the UK, celebrating the great occasion of Shri Adi Shakti Puja 2006 in the lush green countryside of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Over 1,800 brothers and sisters from around the globe – some from as far away as Australia – gathered at the Swiss Farm International Campsite in this pretty boating town by the side of the glittering and sacred River Thames.

Sahaja Yogis from the eight hosting countries - Belgium, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the UK – worked tirelessly together to create a perfect Sahaj village of white marquees decked with fairy lights and coloured flags, set in green fields. The main pendal even had turrets, 11 in all.

And the sun shone! It was hot, hot, hot and the sky was blue, rare weather in England these days as anyone who has visited these shores will know. The glorious sunshine lasted for days and if there were clouds in the sky they were wispy and spiral-shaped.

The festivities began in earnest on Friday evening with a packed programme of music, song and dance by our brothers and sisters in the main pendal. On Saturday morning there was a havan and in the evening the Sahaja Yogis had the chance to show their talents once again. The programme was broadcast live by video link to Chiswick House, where Shri Mataji and Sir CP were able to watch in comfort.

The Spanish collective gave a captivating performance, in dance, about the life of Shri Krishna and, as is the tradition on these occasions, the Sahaja Yogis were treated to a spellbinding performance by professional Indian musicians, this time accomplished sitarist and vocalist Mehboob Nadeem and tabla player Shahbaz Hussain Khan, who also played at Sahasrara Puja.

Sunday was a busy, busy day with lots of preparation for the puja. For those lucky enough to be able to take a break they could cool off in the river, just a short walk away, or just enjoy watching the swans, rowing boats and motor boats cruising down the river.

And then, as nightfall came, the great moment we had all been waiting for came. Shri Mataji’s car glided onto the campsite down a long, candle-lit avenue of Sahaja Yogis, led by drummers and young men waving huge coloured flags. The Goddess had arrived!

We spent about two hours in the glorious presence of Our Holy Mother. Children rushed to the stage to shower petals on Her Feet, we sang bhajans and danced before Her, and marvelled at the wonderful gifts presented from around the world.

Sir CP then stood and, addressing the Sahaja Yogis as angels as he has before, once again urged each of us to spread the message of Sahaja Yoga around the world.

It was a joyful occasion, here in the Land of Shiva, and it felt gentle, and loving, and soft. Just like being wrapped in Our Mother’s arms.

Words cannot express our feelings on these occasions, but we are truly grateful and wholeheartedly thankful to Our Holy Mother for allowing us to worship Her here in this green and pleasant land once more.

Jai Shri Mataji!

Christine, UK