Hare Krishna procession with temple on wheels to begin journey in Ramsgate

The pilgrimage will begin its journey in Ramsgate

Hare Krishna monks and a temple on wheels pulled by two bullocks will lead a six day pilgrimage for peace setting off from Ramsgate next Monday (August 20).

The procession, which will be making its way to Canterbury, will also include music, food, philosophy and dance. It will be received by officials from Canterbury Cathedral on August 25 as part of a week-long, walking ‘Padayatra’ festival.

One of the organisers, former Chatham House student Mantra Chaitanya das, said: “The festival will be a living example of how simple, traditional lifestyle choices based on genuine spiritual values can provide much-needed answers to 21st Century problems.

“The party will include residents of our famous London temples, one of which was donated to us by George Harrison, as well as members of our local community in Canterbury.”

The pilgrimage will be received by Mayor of Ramsgate Trevor Shonk at the East Cliff bandstand with a full Vedic ceremony taking place to mark the beginning of the pilgrimage. A free meal will be distributed to the general public, as well as the Mayors of Broadstairs, Margate and Canterbury.

The event is also being held to promote a new Margate Mantra Lounge, a free community group being run at the Beet Bar cafe in the Old Town. The group will provide free meditation, cake and spiritual discussion groups on the first Thursday of every month from 6pm – 8pm.

The pilgrimage for peace pitstops

Monday, August 20 – 1.30pm – Ramsgate Bandstand  (East Cliff, Wellington Crescent)

Monday, August 20 – 4pm – Broadstairs Bandstand

Tuesday, August 21- noon – Margate Clocktower

Wednesday, August 22 – 12.30pm – Herne Bay Clocktower

Thursday, August 23 – noon – Whitstable High Street

Saturday, August  25- 1pm – Canterbury West Gate, arriving at Canterbury Cathedral by 2pm