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Manas Vishwavidyalay

12 August - 20 August 2023

University of Cambridge

Introduction

Ram Katha will be held at Jesus College, University of Cambridge. This recital, is anticipated to be a celebration of the long-standing relationship between the Indian and English civilisations. Cambridge is an inspiring city which is rich in history, culture and world-changing discoveries. It is home to the world’s third oldest university - University of Cambridge and has more Nobel Prize winners than any other city.

Cambridge is a beautiful city with a rich historical heritage and global reputation thanks to its world-renowned University, academic excellence and more recently its status as the UK’s number 1 tech hub, home to 1,500 tech businesses.  The city's cobblestone streets and picturesque River Cam, lined with graceful bridges and punting boats, invite visitors to immerse themselves in the charm of its medieval heritage. With its widely admired architectural beauty, rich cultural and literary heritage along with the famous punting along the river, Cambridge remains an enduring symbol of intellectual excellence and timeless beauty and this city will truly be hosting a historical Katha.

There is opportunity for the thousands of people at the event and the millions of people watching on TV and online all around the world to learn something about culture and spirituality. 

Please note that the katha is open to all on a first come, first served basis.  There are restrictions on the capacity due to the venue limitations and therefore registration is required. Further details below.

Katha Location

Access to the Mandap will be from Jesus Lane via the Porters Lodge, where you will be guided by marshals.

Please be prepared to walk up to 500 metres between the entrance and the mandap.

There is no parking at the katha venue, although there will be a drop-off point close to the Porters Lodge entrance for the elderly and less-able bodied. The parking arrangements for this Katha will be at Madingley Road Park & Ride where shuttles to the Katha venue will be provided, further information below.

Prasad will be served after katha daily at the venue. 

Date and Time

  • Saturday 12th August - 4:00pm onwards
  • Sunday 13th to Sunday 20th August- 10:00am – 1:30pm 

Registration

To support the organisation of the Katha, logistics and College procedures, we kindly ask attendees to register in advance using the link below. 

Volunteering:

If you would like to volunteer, please include this in the registration form above.

Accommodation

RatingHotel NamePostcodeWalking to MandapCycling to MandapLink
4*
The Varsity Hotel & Spa

CB5 8AQ
Distance:
0.4 miles | Time:
7 mins
Distance:
0.4 miles | Time:
3 mins

Book Now
4*
Hilton Cambridge City Centre

CB2 3DT
Distance:
0.69 miles | Time:
9 mins
Distance:
0.75 miles | Time:
9 mins

Book Now
4*
University Arms Hotel

CB2 1AD
Distance:
0.72 miles | Time:
14 mins
Distance:
0.75 miles | Time:
8 mins
Book Now
4*
Graduate Cambridge- to follow

CB2 1RT
Distance:
0.8 miles | Time:
16 mins
Distance:
0.9 miles | Time:
5 mins
To Follow
4*
Gonville Hotel

CB1 1LY
Distance:
0.95 miles | Time:
18 mins
Distance:
1.0 miles | Time:
10 mins
Book Now
4*
Hotel du Vin

CB2 1QA
Distance:
1.05 miles | Time:
20 mins
Distance:
1.25 miles | Time:
10 mins
Book Now

3*

Premier Inn Cambridge East

CB1 3EP
Distance:
1.1 miles | Time:
22 mins
Distance:
1.25 miles | Time:
10 mins
Book Now

3*

Travelodge Cambridge Newmarket Road

CB5 8HF
Distance:
1.1 miles | Time:
22 mins
Distance:
1.25 miles | Time:
10 mins
Book Now

3*

Churchill College

CB3 0DS
Distance:
1.33 miles | Time:
27 mins
Distance:
1.32 miles | Time:
8 mins
Book Now
4*
Clayton Hotel Cambridge

CB1 2FB
Distance:
1.43 miles | Time:
28 mins
Distance:
1.75 miles | Time:
14 mins
Book Now

3*

Ibis Cambridge Central

CB1 2GA
Distance:
1.5 miles | Time:
29 mins
Distance:
1.7 miles | Time:
12 mins
To Follow

4*

The Moller Institute

CB3 0DE
Distance:
1.53 miles | Time:
30 mins
Distance:
1.5 miles | Time:
13 mins
To make a reservation e-mail Moller.Reception@chu.cam.ac.uk
- Quote code KX50457

3*

Premier Inn Cambridge North

CB3 0DL
Distance:
1.73 miles | Time:
35 mins
Distance:
1.75 miles | Time:
12 mins
Book Now

3*

Travelodge Cambridge Central

CB1 7DY
Distance:
1.73 miles | Time:
35 mins
Distance:
1.9 miles | Time:
14 mins
Book Now
4*
Turing Locke, Edington

CB3 1SE
Distance:
2.1 miles | Time:
41 mins
Distance:
2.1 miles | Time:
16 mins
Book Now "click on 'Book', select Turing Locke, select required dates and Promo code is LIVELOCKE
4*
Hyatt Centric Cambridge

CB3 1SE
Distance:
2.23 miles | Time:
45 mins
Distance:
2.25 miles | Time:
18 mins
Book Now

3*

Travelodge Cambridge Orchard Park

CB4 2WR
Distance:
2.48 miles | Time:
49 mins
Distance:
2.25 miles | Time:
20 mins
Book Now
4*
Novotel Cambridge North

CB4 0AE
Distance:
2.67 miles | Time:
44 mins
Distance:
2.25 miles | Time:
19 mins
Book Now

3*

Holiday Inn Express Cambridge West Cambourne

CB23 6LJ
DrivingBook Now

Transportation 

By Air

  • Stansted Airport (STN), London – approximately 30.9 miles from Jesus College 
  • Heathrow Airport (LHR), London – approximately 71.5 miles from Jesus College

For travel from the airport, please contact the following: 

Kindly check the necessary visa requirements for your travel to the UK.

By Coach

We encourage all shrotas to travel sustainably and share travelling with larger groups. For those wishing to arrange a coach, below are contact details for:

  1. London Area: Jayaben of YG Travel on 07808 522157 / sales@ygtravel.co.uk
  2. Leicester: Malaben of Maharajah Tours on 07956 154846 / mala@1st4travel.co.uk
  3. Leicester: Paru Dave on 07854 102963/ paru_bechar@me.com or Nikunj Dave on 07927 892819

By Car

  • From the South & London, Cambridge is a short trip up the M11 motorway with junction 13 being the best route to Madingley Road Park & Ride.​ 
  • From the North, East and West, the A1 and M1 link to the A14 dual carriageway straight to Cambridge. Please proceed to Madingley Road Park & Ride as sign posted. 

Parking

There are many restrictions to parking in Cambridge therefore using the dedicated Park and Ride at Madingley is strongly advised. 

Please use the Park & Ride bus from Madingley to Central Cambridge, disembarking at Jesus Lane. 

  • There will be a supplementary complementary shuttle service from Madingley Park and Ride to outside the Porters Lodge entrance from 7:30am – 10am and after katha until 3:30pm.

By Train

  • There is a fast and frequent rail service from London King’s Cross & London Liverpool Street through to Cambridge. 
  • There are excellent connections from Scotland &​ the North via Peterborough, and regional services from Birmingham & the Midlands & East Anglia. 
  • From Cambridge railway station, to travel into the​ city centre look for Citi 1, Citi 3 or Citi 7 bus services.

Within Cambridge

Cambridge is heavily pedestrianised with limited car parking within the city centre and the narrow streets can be challenging to navigate by car. Therefore, public transportation, walking, and cycling are often more practical and enjoyable options for exploring Cambridge and its attractions. Public transport is the best mode of transport within Cambridge. 

  • Walking – Cambridge is a compact city with many attractions and points of interest within walking distance. Exploring on foot allows you to fully appreciate the historic charm of the city while conveniently navigating through its narrow streets and pedestrian-friendly areas.
  • Bus – Cambridge has a comprehensive bus network operated by several companies. Buses cover various routes, connecting different parts of the city, including the university campuses, city centre, and surrounding areas. Bus travel is an affordable and convenient option, especially for longer distances or when the weather is unfavourable for walking or cycling.
  • Park and Ride – Cambridge's Park and Ride facilities are ideal for visitors arriving by car. These designated parking areas are located on the outskirts of the city and offer frequent bus services that take you directly to the city centre. Park and Ride is a convenient option to avoid parking difficulties and congestion in the city centre.

Cambridge Information

Beyond the city’s academic assets, Cambridge is a vibrant spot filled with cafes, restaurants and museums. Delve into the picturesque passages set around the historic market place and colleges, where a unique blend of independent shops can be found along familiar high street brands. Catch a theatrical student production, or a show at the Arts Theatre; otherwise there’s live music or comedy at the Corn Exchange.

For detailed information, please visit - https://www.visitcambridge.org/

Nature & Parks

Cambridge truly is a green city – the natural landscape flows right into the centre along the river Cam, cows grazing within sight of Kings College Chapel. You can picnic under the trees along The Backs and admire the beautifully kept College grounds and Fellows gardens.

The public parks and commons provide a paradise for children with play equipment, football pitches and tennis courts. Riverside parks, grassy commons, cool meadows and flower-filled gardens shape the city as much as its history and heritage. 

Attractions & Entertainment

Cambridge lays claim to having one of the highest concentrations of preserved historic buildings, where most of the architectural splendour is centred around Cambridge University’s 31 colleges. Apart from that, the city includes a range of entertainment options; theatres, film and cinemas, a range of live comedy venues and dance productions from traditional to opera, ballet and contemporary.

Attractions:

Entertainment:

Weather

  • In August the temperature ranges between 13° C - 23° C, light showers can be expected occasionally.

History 

Cambridge City

Cambridge, with its captivating historical nature, stands as a testament to centuries of intellectual and cultural significance.  The area has Its origins as a Roman settlement around the 1st century AD, where the Romans established a settlement called Duroliponte, which served as a regional centre for trade and governance.

After the decline of Roman influence, the area went through a period of relative obscurity until the 10th century when the Vikings invaded the region. The Vikings established a settlement known as "Granta Brygge" near the River Cam, which played a crucial role in the city's development.

Cambridge gained further prominence with the arrival of the Normans in the 11th century. The construction of a castle in 1068, ordered by William the Conqueror, marked the beginning of the city's growth. The castle served as a symbol of Norman authority and power in the region. 

In the 13th century, the University of Cambridge was founded, which brought about significant changes to the city. The university rapidly expanded, attracting scholars from across Europe. The presence of the university led to the establishment of colleges, which became centres of learning and influenced the growth of Cambridge.

Throughout the medieval and Renaissance periods, Cambridge experienced economic prosperity and cultural development. The wool trade, river transport, and the arrival of printing presses contributed to the city's growth. The intellectual and cultural movements of the time left a lasting impact on Cambridge, shaping its identity as a centre of learning and innovation.  In later centuries, Cambridge continued to evolve, witnessing industrialisation, urban expansion, and advancements in science and technology. 

University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge, established in 1209, stands as a pinnacle of academic excellence and a beacon of intellectual pursuit. Its rich history spans over eight centuries, leaving an indelible mark on the world. From its modest beginnings as a group of scholars seeking knowledge and theological studies, Cambridge evolved into a globally recognised institution. 

Throughout the centuries, the university nurtured some of the brightest minds, fostering ground-breaking advancements in various fields. It became a hotbed of scientific inquiry, with luminaries like Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Stephen Hawking pushing the boundaries of human understanding. The university's 31 colleges, each with its own distinctive character and traditions, are steeped in history and architectural splendour. 

Cambridge's academic achievements and cultural contributions have made it a cherished institution, earning its place as one of the world's most esteemed centres of learning. Today, the University of Cambridge continues to inspire and educate generations, upholding its legacy as a bastion of knowledge and innovation.

Jesus College, Cambridge

Jesus College, Cambridge, holds a compelling history that spans over five centuries. Founded in 1496 by Bishop John Alcock, on the site of a former Benedictine nunnery, as a community for scholars and theologians. The college’s official name is the College of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St John the Evangelist and the Glorious Virgin St Radegund, but it became commonly known as Jesus College after a small chapel dedicated to Jesus in the Nunnery Chapel open to pilgrims travelling through Cambridge.


For questions related to Ram Katha please contact: info@ramkathacambridge.com or +44745 9434 134

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