Although many Hungarian surnames are related to traditional folk crafts, most of us have no idea how to start felting, making hemp paper or how hard it is to forge. Krishna Valley, now more than 30 years old, will hold the village festival (Búcsú) from 26-28 July 2024. This year the focus will be on traditional crafts and sustainability.
The 320-hectare Krishna Valley in Somogyvamos is an eco-village and organic farm, the largest in Central Europe. It has nearly 150 inhabitants while 300 other devotees live in its neighbourhood, but 30,000 tourists and pilgrims visit it every year – and for good reason. People here are not only environmentally conscious, but their way of life and outlook on life is non-violent, close to nature and sustainable. If all Hungarians lived with an ecological footprint like the people at Krishna Valley, we probably wouldn’t have to worry about what will happen when the Earth’s oil and gas reserves run out, or how to slow down climate change.
Krishna Valley is also special because, although not yet fully attained, they strive for self-sufficiency, to become as independent as possible from the uncertain and often harmful resources of the outside world, and an essential part of this is to preserve the old Hungarian village farming customs and folk crafts that were commonplace in our grandparents’ time and that city dwellers only encounter in open air village museums at most. In addition to folk arts and agricultural activities rooted in the Hungarian landscape, the inhabitants of the Valley follow the ideals of ancient Indian Vedic culture, especially in the area of moral and ethical guidelines.
Crafts include blacksmithing, felting, hemp paper dipping and mudbrick architecture. The Valley is also home to the Syama Handmade Textile Workshop, which produces and decorates garments and textiles grown and made using traditional methods. Their work is unique in our country. For the ladies, there is the Beauty Island and henna (mehndi) painting, while for the children there are playful activities in the local eco-school, the Cow Protection Centre and the calf patting paddock.
The highlight of the weekend is sure to be the Vedic wedding with a fire sacrifice ceremony, with several couples once again timing their weddings for the Fair to receive the blessings of guests as well as family during the ceremony. Gastronomy lovers can choose from lacto-vegetarian and vegan, Indian, Hungarian and Mediterranean menus. There will be desserts, flatbreads, delicious menus and main courses, but you can also visit the Lemonade Shop, where you can taste lemonades flavoured with local herbs. Cool off with vegan ice cream.
The monks of Krishna Valley don’t live only in renunciation either, as they represent the most joyful religion, with singing, dancing, chanting, yoga, delicious snacks and kirtana, or even playing music together, being an integral part of their daily spiritual practice. Friday and Saturday evenings will close with a rousing Kirtan Fest concert. You can also meet the popular TikToker devotee, Vallabhi, who will give guided meditation and will share wisdom based on Vedic scriptures. Krishna Valley offers smart and healthy recreation for families and young people alike, without alcohol and drugs, but all the happier for it.
