Devotees from Region 10 are encouraged to register for Group 1 (June 23rd to July 2nd)

Message from USA Council President - Jonathan L. Roof

Dear USA Council Members,

Much planning has taken place for the USA Pilgrimages which will occur at the end of June and the beginning of July 2010. Please visit the pilgrimage web site at http://www.saipilgrimageusa.org/ for all of the details. Regional Presidents, please also immediately transmit this message to all of your centers and study groups and request acknowledgement.

Registration will be open for the two dates (June 23 to July 2 and July 4 to July 14) by January 1, 2010. Please note that registration is limited to 1200 pilgrims for each of the two time slots. We are not yet able to guarantee that more than that number can be reasonably accommodated at the ashram. Please also note that registration will be cut off on February 15, 2010. The reason for the cutoff date is that planning must be completed in time to accommodate badges, ordering saris, arranging transportation and accommodations,etc. You should note that inclusion in the pilgrimage is limited to center and study group members. If a devotee does not meet that requirement they may petition their Regional President for inclusion. It should also be noted that this means that only members of the USA Organization are included. Family members joining in India will not be included in the USA group.

When you access the web site you will see that there is a full "Pilgrimage Guide" as well as links to our committee reports from the Travel & Accommodations, Cultural Program, Spiritual Practices, Prasanthi, Service, Medical, and Album Committees. You will find that the pilgrimage programs have been formulated in a disciplined and rigorous manner. In this matter we intend to comply fully with the standards that the ashram expects from visiting foreign groups. The ladies will wear matching saris, there will be badges, and a fairly detailed dress code and program of organizational procedures for activities at the ashram. If your members do not wish to be bound by standards of dress and conduct, then this is not the trip for them.

In the organization and implementation of our pilgrimage plans we will try to maintain some flexibility, but we will conduct ourselves in such a way as to bring credit to the USA and our Organization. Please encourage your members to sign up as soon as possible to be sure they are included within the group size restrictions. It will also be necessary for those who wish to participate in the various cultural programs to make their wishes known to the appropriate subcommittee chairperson very soon.

This USA Pilgrimage represents a wonderful opportunity for USA devotees to represent their country in a pilgrimage to the feet of the incarnate Lord. The opportunity for darshan and for possible inclusion in cultural programs to be performed for the Lord is not to be underestimated. With best wishes for a wonderful and fruitful trip,

Jonathan L. Roof - USA Council President