Life on the tour or mission trip is filled with activities to make us happy by engaging our body, mind and senses in the loving service of Krishna and His devotees.

We rise early and practice Bhakti-yoga by way of a spiritual morning program that includes mantra meditation (japa), singing devotional songs (kirtana), reading sacred texts and eating sanctified food together (prasadam).

After breakfast, we split into teams and perform daily chores such as cleaning up after meals, preparing the next meal, etc. At festivals such as Ratha-yatras we often help as volunteers to prepare the feast, present sacred music, dance and dramas on stage, staff booths, as well as set up and take down the tents and exhibits.

At temples we’ll often volunteer to help clean the temple building and grounds (dhama seva).

Our motto is “Serve to Love – Love to Serve.” That’s the spirit of bhakti. We believe that by engaging in devotional service together we can become truly happy. It’s an active exchange of love. We deepen friendships, make new friends and are “making memories” getting to know each other in ways we ordinarily wouldn’t.

There’s plenty of time for relaxing, too. Sometimes we’ll play group games or sports, go sightseeing, swim at beaches, hike on mountain (or jungle) trails.

We live on the bus, which becomes our home away from home. There are bunk beds, common areas, showers, toilets, sinks, kitchen facilities. It can get crowded, but somehow we manage.

We’re all volunteering. Every devotional service activity on the festival tour is voluntary. We believe that Krishna consciousness is a voluntary opportunity to revive our love for Krishna through devotional service. We get to love Krishna. We get to serve His devotees. It’s an act of love and should come from the heart. So if you’re too tired to serve, take a nap. If you’re not feeling well, we’ll find a replacement to cover your duties. Opportunities to engage in devotional service are the treasure of the festival tour.