Saṃskṛta Saṃbhāṣaṇa Śibiram 2023

Saṃskṛta Bhāratī UK invites you to participate in the 13th annual Saṃskṛta Saṃbhāṣaṇa Śibiram (residential Spoken Sanskrit Camp) at Leicester over the upcoming Easter long-weekend (3 days & 2 nights, spanning nearly 40 hours of learning and speaking sanskrit).

In our residential camps (Śibiram) attendees will get to stay in a beautiful natural setting, learn and speak Saṃskṛtam without any distractions. Such camps have proved to be very successful in not just learning the language, but also imbibing the cultural values and also re-energize oneself. More importantly, one gets to network and form friendship with others with similar interests.

For improving the Saṃskṛtam that you may have learned, this is the best opportunity. Even if you have never participated in a saṃbhāṣaṇa śibiram before, this opportunity will give you a jump-start to your spoken sanskrit skills.

Registration fee:
Ages 10 and below: Free
Ages 11-15:  £40
Ages 16 and over = £75

Registration Form: https://forms.gle/QmLE9GkfTDZJeakW7

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is this Saṃskṛta Sambhāṣana Śibiram all about?
   This is a family oriented 3-day residential Samskritam camp for both Adults and Kids (ages 5 and above) held at Beaumanor Hall located at Woodhouse, Leicestershire. Camp is designed by Samskrita Bharati UK to impart Samskritam language skills using modern teaching techniques in a friendly, informal atmosphere. It is held at least once every year, usually in the Easter long weekend. In the prior camps we had participants from various places in the UK and even from continental Europe.
   
2. Who is organizing this event and why?
   Samskrita Bharati UK is a non-profit organization committed to educating people on and about Samskritam (i.e. the Sanskrit language). The speciality of learning Sanskrit with Samskrita Bharati UK is the focus on speaking it (and thereby internalizing its grammar) and seeing the language come alive as in day-to-day speech (which is how it used to be and is still is used in traditional pāṭhaśālās in India) — rather than simply treating it as purely of academic interest. Sanskrit is the oldest (and once the largest in terms of speakers) continuously spoken natural language in the world, and its spoken tradition (which had by the last century, dwindled to a very low number) is now being revived among the masses by the efforts of Samskrita Bharati (in several countries around the world). Spoken Sanskrit is hugely advantageous in getting to a strong grip over its grammatical structure, and reading Sanskrit texts becomes significantly easier when it is spoken and its phonetic and grammatical structure is internalized.
3. Where and When is it held?
   This year it will be held at the Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leicestershire, LE12 8TX  from April 7th to April 9th 2023.
4. How do I reach Beaumanor Hall?
   By Public transport: There is a train station in nearby Loughborough which is approx 4 miles from Beaumanor Hall, taxis are available at the station. Bus routes between Loughborough and Leicester stop near the top of Beaumanor’s drive.
   Driving: From M1 Junction 22 (Markfield) — Join the A511 towards Coalville. At the first roundabout, turn right into the B591. After approx. 2 miles take the right-hand turn signposted ‘Woodhouse Eaves’ (formerly the B591, this road is now declassified). Carry straight on, crossing the B5330, continuing down Beacon Road (passing the turning into Woodhouse Eaves) on into Woodhouse on the Forest Road. Beaumanor Hall is signposted within the village, and the turning into Beaumanor’s drive is on the left-hand side, heading out towards Quorn.
5. Who can attend?
   Anyone can attend, and no prior knowledge of Samskritam is required for the beginner level. Familiarity with an Indian language is recommended. Many words in Samskritam are easily understood by an Indian language speaker because of the enormous amount of Sanskrit vocabulary that Indian languages have. This has been leveraged in designing the Samskrita Bharati curriculum. However even those who dont speak an Indian language can acquire new vocabulary at the Camp.
6. You’ve mentioned ‘beginner level’ above. Are there other levels?
   Yes, depending on the number of registrations received, we will have more advanced levels for those who already are familiar with basic Sanskrit and wish to learn higher level Sanskrit. Currently therefore we are planning to have one Beginner level and one Intermediate level group in the camp. The events will be tailored accordingly for each group.
7. What are the specific times for the camp?
   Those who register are expected to arrive between 9 & 10 am on the 7th April. The sessions start by 10 am and will go on until around 9.30pm. On 8th the sessions will start by 7.30 am and end by 9.30pm. On 9th, the sessons will start by 7.30 am and end by 3.30 pm.
8. What kind of food will be served?
   We will be providing a sattvic vegetarian diet, however if you have any additional dietary requirements such as gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance or any allergies please specify in the registration form.
9. Is it held indoors or outdoors?
   The events are held mostly indoors.
10. What kind of accommodation is provided?
    The accommodation is a residential dormitory-style communal accommodation (not individual hotel-style rooms). For the sake of privacy, women and men are accommodated separately. If you come as a family and want to stay together, please indicate it in the form or in a separate email to us so we can explore the possibilities.
11. Is staying at the site overnight compulsory for those who want to attend?
    We encourage participants to stay on-site. However if you live close by Leicester or have other accommodation arranged – you can stay overnight elsewhere if you wish.
12. Is there parking available at the site?
    Yes, there is plenty of free parking space available on-site.
13. Should I compulsorily wear Indian/ethnic clothing while at the camp?
    No, you can wear any decent normal clothing of your choice depending on the weather, however if you wish to wear Indian ethnic clothing, you are welcome to do so.
14. Will adults and children be in the same class?
    No. Adults and Kids have different ways and needs of learning and we may be arranging some separate children’s classes depending on registration counts. However they can remain with parents if the parents so wish.
15. What are the methods of payments?
    We accept bank transfers (see registration form for more details of the bank account). If you don’t have a UK bank account you can use an international funds transfer service (such as wise.com).
16. I live in continental Europe and wish to attend. Can I?
    You are welcome to attend however you will need to arrange your own transport to and from the site.
17. Will there be a refund if I wish to cancel after payment?
    If you are unable to attend after making payment, we encourage you to let us know at least a week in advance as we would have spent the money to make arrangements for your arrival. We may not be able to refund last-minute cancellations but can refund if we get sufficient advance notice. Please email us in any case.
18. What should I bring?
    – Light duvet and/or blanket, pillow, bed sheet.
    – Personal medicines if any
    – Toiletry items (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, comb, towels etc.)
    – Cosmetics, Insect repellants, umbrellas/raincoats/ponchos.
    – Shoes/Sneakers are strongly recommended.
    – Clothes for 3 days (There is no laundry facility)
    – Alarm Clock (if you require)
    – Notebook and pens/pencils
19. What should I not bring?
    Please do not bring any alcohol, tobacco, meat or intoxicants. Please do not bring any TV, Radio, Video games, iPods, expensive jewelry and other valuables. Samskrita Bharati UK is not responsible for any item that is lost in the camp site. This is a no-smoke facility.
20. How do I register & pay for it?
    Please see the registration form at https://forms.gle/QmLE9GkfTDZJeakW7
21. What if I have other questions?
    Email namaste@samskritabharatiuk.org