When in the morning you can only escape from under the blanket with heroic effort, and your tea cools down faster than you can say “Brrrr,” you can be sure of one thing: autumn has arrived — and with it, the Vata-dominant season. If you don’t know what that means, don’t worry — I’ll explain it! During this period, cold, dry, and mobile energy becomes dominant. In other words: we feel cold, our skin dries out, our hair gets static, and our nerves tend to get a little overstimulated.
But the good news is that according to Ayurveda, there’s a remedy for everything. And what’s more — it can be delicious, fragrant, and wonderfully comforting too!
🥘 1. Eat warm, richer, and softer foods!
This is not the season for salads. Yes — finally a reason to skip the ice-cold morning smoothie! In autumn and winter, your body craves warm, oily, nourishing foods. Imagine that with every bite, you’re gently rekindling your inner fire more and more!
Warm soups, dhals, stews, and oven-baked vegetables are your best friends right now.
Use plenty of ghee (clarified butter) or good-quality olive oil!
Spices are especially important right now: ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves — these quite literally ignite your digestion and inner fire.
And if you’ve ever felt guilty for craving “yet another warm, hearty dish,” you can finally relax: you can go ahead and enjoy it without any guilt whatsoever. 😉 Your body knows exactly what it needs — and right now, it’s giving the green light to exactly these kinds of foods.
🕯️ 2. Warm yourself — inside and out!
According to Ayurveda, cold is not just a temperature — it’s a quality. So don’t rely only on your thermos — protect yourself with your lifestyle too! In the mornings, massage your skin with a little sesame oil, wait a bit, and then take a warm shower! It not only softens the skin, but also helps detoxify through the skin and soothes the nervous system!
And in the evening, a hot ginger tea can help you release the tension of the day.
🌙 3. Rest like a wise little marmot!
In the cold months, nature withdraws — and honestly, we don’t have to heroically keep going until midnight every evening either. If you go to bed earlier and allow your body to regenerate, you’ll experience wonders. Sleep at this time of year is more healing than any herbal capsule. This is when the body processes the day’s experiences, recharges the immune system, and prepares you for the next day.
And if your body doesn’t let go of tension easily, try a simple Ayurvedic evening routine: light a candle, sip warm milk with cardamom and turmeric, then take slow, deep breaths and observe as all inner restlessness and noise gradually quiet down.
☀️ 4. Find a steady rhythm in your day!
During this season, regularity is quite literally life-saving. Vata energy loves variety — but that’s exactly what makes us scattered and restless. The best thing you can do is give your body the safety of consistency:
Eat at roughly the same times,
Go to bed at a consistent hour,
And if possible, set aside a little time each day for some inward-focused “me time”!
This could be a short morning meditation, some breathing exercises, or a peaceful walk in nature. The quiet paths, gardens, and parks of Krishna Valley, for example, offer the perfect setting for this.
💙 5. Krishna-conscious support during the Vata season
In the cold, Vata-dominant season, the body and mind tend toward restlessness and fragmentation. At such times, it’s worth weaving a little Krishna consciousness into your daily life: quietly repeating or chanting the Hare Krishna mahā-mantra helps maintain inner balance.
Another simple but powerful method for winter evenings is to read from Srila Prabhupada’s books. As you follow the lines, you may feel as if our teacher were sitting right beside you, his presence radiating calm and peace. When you turn your attention toward Krishna, the inner noise quiets down, and the harmony between body and soul becomes stronger. Thus, the Vata season is supported not only by Ayurvedic nutrition and routine, but also by inner awareness and Krishna consciousness — bringing true inner warmth and tranquility.
🌸 Slow down, warm up, and love yourself!
Ayurveda’s message during this season is very simple: Slow down, warm up, and love yourself! Your body is not your enemy — it’s your best friend; it’s just asking for a little extra attention right now.
🙋 Come visit us!
If you’d like to immerse yourself more deeply in this lifestyle, come visit Krishna Valley — where you can recharge not only your body but also your soul, with warm meals, peaceful surroundings, and lots and lots of love!
The Deeper Meanings and Timing of Vaishnava Festivals
If you want to deeply experience spiritual festivals throughout the year, the communities of Krishna Valley and the Budapest temple warmly welcome you. These festivals are not just traditions—they are opportunities to experience a higher-quality, joyful life filled with intimate connections, while also immersing yourself in the rhythm of nature and ancient Indian culture. Let’s take a look at these special days, which we honor in Krishna Valley and at the Budapest temple with communal singing (kīrtana), ritual bathing (abhisheka), and festive feasts.
Let’s take a brief look at each of the festivals together!
The Main Vaishnava Festivals
Ekādaśī
Ekādaśī are biweekly fasting and spiritual purification days according to the lunar calendar, which are favorable for meditation, chanting, and other spiritual practices. During this time, it is easier to find inner quiet and develop a deeper connection with Krishna.
Gaura Pūrṇimā
Gaura Pūrṇimā is one of the most important days for Vaishnavas (Krishna devotees), celebrating the appearance of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the incarnation who spread the love of Krishna. According to the lunar calendar, it falls on the full moon day of the Phālguna month (around March in the Gregorian calendar). At this time, in Krishna Valley and the Budapest temple, we remember Lord Caitanya, experiencing the power of community and the spiritual joy He brought into the world.
The Appearance of Lord Varāha Deva
The appearance of Lord Varāha Deva (on the Trayodaśī day of the Māgha or Phālguna month according to the lunar calendar, around January–February) celebrates the divine boar incarnation, in which Lord Krishna takes the form of a boar to rescue the Earth (Bhūmi Devi) from the depths of the ocean after it was abducted by a demon. This incarnation symbolizes the protection of nature and the universe, and reminds us that divine power is always present to uphold justice and protect the righteous.
Śrī Śrī Dayāl-Nitāi Apperance Festival
The Śrī Śrī Dayāl-Nitāi Apperance Festival (the anniversary of the installation of the murtis) in Budapest usually falls in mid to late February, during the Krishna Pakṣa (waning moon) of the Magha or Phālguna month according to the lunar calendar. It can fall on the 10th or 11th day (Dvādaśī or Ekādaśī). This festival brings communal joy, collective singing (kīrtan), and colorful programs, celebrating the installation of the murtis in the temple, which marks the beginning of their spiritual presence.
Rāma Navamī
Rāma Navamī (March–April, on the Navamī day of Shukla Paksha in the Chaitra month according to the lunar calendar) celebrates the appearance of Lord Rāmacandra, the ideal king and embodiment of dharma. He is an exemplar of justice, courage, and duty, who brought peace and harmony to the world by defeating evil forces.
Nṛsiṁha Caturdaśī
Nṛsiṁha Caturdaśī (around May, on the Caturdaśī day of Shukla Pakṣa in the Vaiśākha month according to the lunar calendar) marks the appearance of Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, who appeared in a half-lion, half-human form to protect His devotees and destroy evil, providing safety and security to the faithful in all situations.
Ratha Yātrā
Ratha Yātrā (June–July, in Budapest, usually on the Dvitīyā or Tṛtīyā day of Shukla Paksha in the Āṣāḍha month according to the lunar calendar) is the famous Chariot Festival, when Lord Jagannātha (a form of Kṛṣṇa), Baladeva (Balarāma, Kṛṣṇa’s brother), and Subhadrā (their sister—together representing the divine family and the bond of spiritual love) are paraded through the city on a massive chariot.
During the festival, the path in front of the chariot is ceremonially swept clean before the devotees, while singers and dancers accompany the procession. Everyone can participate in pulling the chariot ropes, which brings spiritual blessings and purification. The procession continues in Városliget, where visitors can enjoy a full day of programs, a market, cultural performances, and a vegetarian feast, creating an authentic Indian festival atmosphere in the heart of Budapest.
Balarāma Pūrṇimā
Balarāma Pūrṇimā (August, usually on the full moon day of the Śrāvaṇa month according to the lunar calendar) The appearance day of Balarāma, Kṛṣṇa’s elder brother. Balarāma, the elder brother of Kṛṣṇa, is a symbol of strength and service, supporting and assisting Kṛṣṇa in all His spiritual and earthly missions. His appearance is a celebration of pure devotion and inner strength, reminding us that on the spiritual path we need both inner power and humble service.
Janmāṣṭamī
Janmāṣṭamī (August–September, usually on the Aṣṭamī day of Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa in the Bhādrapada month according to the lunar calendar) Krishna’s birthday, the most joyous festival of the year, celebrates the appearance of the Supreme Lord, who brings joy and spiritual knowledge to the world.
Rādhāṣṭamī
Rādhāṣṭamī (August–September, on the Aṣṭamī day of Śukla Paksha in the Bhādrapada month) is the birthday of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, Krishna’s eternal companion and the supreme example of devotional service.
Appearance of Vāmanadeva
The appearance of Vāmana Deva (September, on the Dvādaśī day of Śukla Pakṣa in the Bhādrapada month) is a celebration of humility, when Vāmana Deva (an incarnation of Kṛṣṇa) conquered the universe in three steps, demonstrating the power of divine grace.
Rāmacandra Vijayotsava
Rāmacandra Vijayotsava (October, usually on the Daśamī day of Śukla Pakṣa in the Āśvina month) is the celebration of Lord Rāma’s victory over the demon Rāvaṇa, proclaiming the triumph of good over evil.
Go-pūjā, Govardhana-pūjā
It falls in October–November, on the Pratipadā day of Śukla Pakṣa in the Kartika month, celebrating the time when Krishna lifted the Govardhana Hill to protect His devotees, and honoring cow protection and respect for nature. On this day, the altar is decorated with mountains of sweets and various delicacies, recalling the lifting of Govardhana Hill and divine care.
Kārtika Month
Kārtika Month (October–November, the Kārtika month, which usually lasts from the day after Śārad Pūrṇimā full moon to the next full moon according to the lunar calendar) is the month of lamp lighting and daily chanting, especially favorable for deepening spiritual life, inner purification, and strengthening one’s connection with Krishna.
Gītā-jayantī
Gītā-jayantī (December, on the Ekādaśī day of Śukla Pakṣa in the Mārgaśīrṣa month) is the celebration of the appearance of the Bhagavad-gītā, when Lord Kṛṣṇa imparted this sacred knowledge to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukṣetra.
Appearance and Disappearance Days of Saints
In the Vaishnava tradition, on the appearance and disappearance days of saints—such as Śrī Advaita Ācārya, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, Śrīla Prabhupāda, Gaura Kiśora dāsa Bābājī, and Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura—lectures and kīrtans are held in remembrance of their teachings and exemplary lives, which inspire those walking the spiritual path. On these days, devotees recall with gratitude and respect the legacy of the masters of the Vaishnava tradition, strengthening their connection to the guru-paramparā and the spiritual unity of the community.
Other frequently celebrated Vaishnava saints include Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī, Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī, and Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura, who are also commemorated by Vaishnavas on their appearance and disappearance days.
Vyāsa-pūjā – The Festival of Spiritual Teachers
In the Vaishnava tradition, every spiritual teacher, or Guru Mahārāja, has their own transcendental appearance or disappearance day, on which disciples remember them with gratitude and love, honoring their exemplary life and teachings.
In parallel, there is Vyāsa-pūjā / Guru Purnima, which is dedicated to honoring the entire guru-paramparā, the sacred lineage of spiritual teachers. It takes place on the full moon day (Pūrṇimā) of the Āṣāḍha month, which falls in June–July, and is observed especially in gratitude to Śrī Vyāsadeva, the source of the Vedas and all spiritual knowledge.
Other Krishna Valley and In-house Programs:
Happy Cow Festival (May) – a celebration of cow protection. Holi (March) – a festival filled with colorful powders and music. Búcsú (July) – the largest event in Krishna Valley. Krishna Valley Cavalcade, Magic of India, Thematic Days Throughout the Year Sankirtan Festival on New Year’s Eve (Budapest) – communal singing and chanting.
The Spiritual Benefits and Messages of the Festivals
Vaishnava festivals are not merely traditions or colourful events, but profound spiritual opportunities. Each appearance or disappearance day, each festival is an invitation to deepen our devotion, purify ourselves, and connect with the Supreme. The message of the festivals is to live selfless love, humility, and inner peace, which help us maintain spiritual balance and joy even amidst the challenges of everyday life.
How should we prepare for the festivals?
Spiritual and physical preparation for the festivals is an important part of deepening the spiritual experience. It may be worthwhile to incorporate fasting, chanting, and meditation in the days leading up to the festival to purify both body and mind. Clothing and outward appearance also reflect inner purity – traditionally, we wear light and clean garments. Participation in the community, through kīrtans and shared meals, enriches the festival experience, fostering a deeper connection among participants and with Krishna.
Volunteering oppertunities
In Krishna Valley and at the Budapest temple, the organization and execution of the festivals become truly special with the help of many volunteers. Volunteering is not only a way to support the community, but also an opportunity for personal spiritual growth. If you would like to take part in this wonderful work, you can contribute to festival preparations, welcoming guests, or organizing cultural programs. This is a wonderful opportunity to build relationships and engage in spiritual service.
These festivals are sources of unity, spiritual renewal, and profound joy. We warmly welcome you to Krishna Valley and our programs in Budapest to experience true spiritual enrichment together!
HEALTH, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND CONSCIOUSNESS ALL IN ONE
In recent years, more and more people have been showing interest in plant-based eating, and many are curious about what impact it could have on their lives, even if they try a vegan diet only for a short period of time. The essence of vegan nutrition is that it completely excludes animal-derived ingredients: not only that it doesn’t contain meat, but also no dairy products, eggs, or other foods of animal origin.
Health and Lightness
A plant-based diet is easy to digest and full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Many people report feeling more energetic and refreshed, and that their digestion improves. A plant-based diet can help balance body weight, stabilize blood sugar levels, and also support cardiovascular health. Thanks to lighter digestion, many people experience less fatigue and greater vitality in their daily lives.
Environmental Protection and Sustainability
Choosing a vegan diet not only has a positive effect on an individual’s health but also helps protect the planet. Animal farming requires enormous amounts of water and feed, and it also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, producing plant-based foods has a much smaller ecological footprint. Those who consume more plant-based foods reduce water and land use and contribute to the preservation of natural resources. Those who consume more plant-based foods reduce water and land use and contribute to the preservation of natural resources. With such a conscious choice, we not only protect the planet’s resources but also contribute to mitigating climate change and creating a more livable future for everyone.
Compassion and Consciousness
Behind vegan nutrition, there is often a deeper conviction: compassion for all living beings. Giving up meat and animal products is a conscious choice that expresses respect for the sanctity of life. This lifestyle helps us live in harmony not only with our body but also with our soul, as the principle of non-violence (ahimsā) is one of the most important spiritual foundations. Those who eat this way not only take care of their own health but also of the world as a whole: they cause less suffering to animals, protect nature, and develop a more conscious relationship with food. A vegan or vegetarian lifestyle is thus also a path of inner growth, connecting the body, mind, and soul.
What do Krishna devotees eat – and what don’t they eat?
Krishna devotees follow a strict vegetarian diet, completely excluding meat, fish, and eggs. In addition, they avoid consuming alliums—such as onions, garlic, and leeks—because, according to tradition, these negatively affect the mind and can disturb meditation and spiritual practices.
The foundation of their meals consists of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts, and various spices. Our culinary art is varied and flavorful: we prepare hearty vegetable main dishes, delicious sauces, freshly baked breads (such as chapati), fragrant rice dishes, and a wide range of desserts.
A special feature is that every dish is prepared with love and a pure heart, and then offered to Krishna. Only after this offering do we eat, so the meal becomes not just physical nourishment but also a spiritual experience and a connection with the Divine.
A Taste of the Spiritual Kitchen
If you’d like to taste food prepared by Krishna devotees, visit the Govinda Restaurant, located in the heart of Krishna Valley! Here, you will always find fresh, flavorful, and nourishing vegetarian dishes. The dishes are not only delicious but also carry a special energy, as they are prepared with an offering.
The Govinda Restaurant is an ideal place to explore the variety of plant-based cuisine, while experiencing the peaceful, spiritual atmosphere of Krishna Valley and enjoying the comfort of our guesthouses.
Taste Consciousness at Govinda in Krishna Valley!
Trying a vegan or vegetarian diet can bring not only physical and mental refreshment but also guide you toward a more conscious and compassionate lifestyle. At the Govinda Restaurant in Krishna Valley, you can experience all of this in practice—with fresh, delicious, lovingly prepared meals in a unique, spiritual environment.
Come visit us!
If you’d like to experience and try the benefits of a vegan diet up close, book a room at the Krishna Valley Guesthouses and spend a few days on the farm! At the Govinda Restaurant, everything is provided for you to taste fresh, delicious plant-based meals, while the spiritual environment and ancient wisdom help you rediscover your inner balance and harmonize with yourself and nature.
Ayurveda, the science of life, is an ancient Indian healing system dating back more than five thousand years, which has preserved its relevance and power to this day. Although many new sciences and technologies have emerged over time, the profound wisdom of Ayurveda still helps us live in harmony amidst the noise, stress, and challenges of the modern world. How can we incorporate this ancient system into our fast-paced modern lives? What treasures do the Ayurvedic teachings hold that support our physical and spiritual well-being? Let’s examine this together!
What is ayurveda?
The literal meaning of the word Ayurveda is: “ayus” = life, “veda” = knowledge, that is, the “science of life.” This holistic system of health preservation teaches that a person’s physical, mental, and spiritual aspects form a close unity, and we can only be truly healthy when these components are in balance.
According to Ayurveda, every person is unique, so there is no single method suitable for everyone — our body and mind each have a unique “dosha” combination, which determines the lifestyle and diet that will benefit us most.
Dosha types: the key to individuality
Ayurveda distinguishes three fundamental energies, or doshas:
Vata – the element of air and ether, which governs the nervous system, movement, and respiration. People with a Vata constitution are generally slender, quick-thinking, and creative, but they tend to be prone to anxiety and feeling cold.
Pitta – the element of fire and water, which is the center of digestion, metabolism, and energy. People with a Pitta constitution often have a medium build, strong will, and intense nature, but they tend to be prone to inflammation and irritability.
Kapha – the element of earth and water, responsible for the body’s structure, stability, and immunity. People with a Kapha constitution are generally sturdily built, calm, and loyal, but they tend to be prone to weight gain and lethargy.
The doshas are present in each of us in different proportions, and the foundation of Ayurveda is to recognize our own constitutional type and then tailor our lifestyle accordingly.
Ayurvedic lifestyle in practice – simple, yet effective
Ayurveda is not an abstract philosophy, but a very practical guide that helps maintain the harmony of our body and mind in daily life. Here are some fundamental areas where ancient wisdom can be easily incorporated into your daily routine:
1. Nutrition – the healing power
According to Ayurveda, food is not only a source of nutrients but also a source of energy and medicine. It is recommended to eat seasonal, fresh, local, and unprocessed foods, and to ensure that our meals align with our dosha. For example, it is important for Vata types to consume warm, oily, and nourishing foods, while Ayurveda recommends cooling, milder flavors for Pitta types. For Kapha types, light, spiced foods can help maintain balance.
2. Morning rituals
Morning is a perfect time to cleanse our body and prepare it for the day. Ayurvedic practices include oil pulling – rinsing with a small amount of sesame or coconut oil, which supports oral hygiene and helps remove toxins. It is also recommended to clean the tongue and drink warm water, which awakens the digestive system.
3. Movement and breathing
Physical activity – whether yoga, walking, or another gentle form of exercise – is essential for the health of both body and mind. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of breathing exercises (pranayama), which help harmonize energy flow, reduce stress, and improve concentration.
4. Sleep and rest
The quality of sleep fundamentally affects our health. Ayurveda recommends going to bed by around 10 PM so that the body can properly regenerate. Winding down before bed, through meditation or a warm bath, helps promote restful sleep.
5. Mental cleansing
According to Ayurvedic teachings, a clear and balanced mind is essential for good health. Meditation, mindfulness, and regular inward reflection support mental harmony and help manage the stresses of modern life.
The intertwining of Ayurveda and spiritual life in Krishna Valley
The Krishna Valley Guesthouses are not just accommodations, but spiritual oases where creating physical and mental harmony is the primary goal. For the first time this year, our guests have the opportunity to learn about the Ayurvedic lifestyle during a weekend program, while for years we have been hosting spiritual, meditation, and yoga retreats. With us, you can experience the closeness of nature, which in itself has a healing power.
In our restaurant, we offer the flavors of traditional, vegetarian Ayurvedic cuisine, which not only nourish but also energize the body. We believe that the balance of body and soul arises from a conscious lifestyle, and that every small decision, meal, or habit contributes to creating it.
How to get started?
Ayurveda does not demand sudden changes; rather, it recommends small, step-by-step habits that can be gradually incorporated. With a little attention, listening to ourselves, and practicing acceptance, we can already begin the path toward a more balanced and healthier life.
Come visit us!
If you want to explore the Ayurvedic lifestyle more deeply, receive personalized guidance, or simply rejuvenate your body and mind, we warmly welcome you to the Krishna Valley Guesthouses! Everything here is in place for you to rediscover your inner balance with the help of ancient wisdom and to find harmony with yourself and nature.
We all have probably felt the feeling that we could not find our place in the world. It is if a space was inside of us, which we would like to fill with the great questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? How can I be happy? These questions are not only philosophical reflections but are the defining elements of our daily lives that guide us.
Krishna Valley, one of Hungary’s most unique spiritual and ecological centres, is located near Somogyvámos. If you are interested in Eastern culture, sustainable living or simply want to relax in a peaceful place close to nature, this is the place to visit. To make your trip go smoothly, here are some practical tips to help you prepare.
1. INTRODUCTION TO THE MYSTERIES OF THE HARE KRISHNA MANTRA
The Hare Krishna Mantra, also known as the Maha Mantra, is the most famous and important holy chant of Krishna consciousness. As part of a tradition that spans thousands of years, the mantra aims to bring people closer to divine consciousness and spiritual enlightenment.
In the rush and stress of modern life, it is easy to lose focus on the good things that surround us. Often we get caught up in everyday problems and challenges, and forget to notice the little miracles that sweeten our lives. In a world dominated by negative news, it’s especially important to be intentional about looking for the positive. Keeping a gratitude journal can be an effective way to do this, as it consciously guides us to notice and appreciate life’s little joys. But what is there to be grateful for every day, and how can a gratitude journal help?
