Year 7 Visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor
A Day of Culture, Learning, and Fun
On Tuesday 17th June 2025, Year 7 students from Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School had the exciting opportunity to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor, a spiritual and cultural centre for the Hare Krishna movement, nestled in the Hertfordshire countryside.
The day began with a warm welcome address at 10:05am, setting the tone for what would be a rich and engaging experience. After a short break, students were treated to a main presentation at 10:20am, which introduced them to the key beliefs, practices, and values of the Hindu faith. The talk was both informative and interactive, helping students link their classroom learning to real-life religious practice. By 11:10am, the group enjoyed cart rides and guided tours of the stunning grounds and working farm, complete with cows and lush greenery. A particular highlight for many was the face painting session at noon, where students could take part in traditional designs often seen at Hindu festivals. Next on the itinerary was a visit to the souvenir shop, where students were able to purchase small keepsakes and support the Manor’s charitable efforts. At 12:40pm, the group was given the chance to see the shrine—a beautifully ornate space used for worship and meditation. This peaceful moment offered students a chance to reflect on the importance of devotion in Hindu life.
A delicious vegetarian lunch, provided by the Manor, was served at 1:00pm and was much appreciated by everyone after a busy morning. Afterwards, the group enjoyed a lively dressing-up workshop, where students tried on traditional Indian garments, including colourful saris and turbans, giving them a chance to immerse themselves further in the culture. At 2:00pm, it was time to say goodbye to Bhaktivedanta Manor. The group departed feeling enlightened and inspired, arriving back at BHGS at approximately 2:45pm.
This trip was a fantastic way for students to deepen their understanding of Hinduism as part of their Religious Studies curriculum, while also enjoying a hands-on and memorable experience. Many thanks to the staff at Bhaktivedanta Manor for their generous hospitality, and to our school staff for organising such a meaningful visit.
