Date: October 6th, 2024, Location: Ilford, East London
Sunday, 6th October was a very special day as the East London Hare Krishna Community got an opportunity to organize the 11th Jagannath Rathyatra Chariot festival in Ilford.
This was the annual Chariot festival when the Lord of the Universe (Lord Jagannatha) shows his mercy on everyone. There had been a lot of planning and management going around for more than 3 weeks to make this festival a success and a joyful experience for all attendees.
This festival was graced by Mayor of Redbridge Cllr Sheila Bain, Leader of the Council Cllr Kam Rai, MP of Ilford South Mr Jas Athwal, Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr Vanisha Solanki, Cllr Kumud Joshi, Cllr Pushpita Gupta, the Temple President of ISKCON London temple HG Dayal Mora Dasa, the Temple President of ISKCON New Mayapur Temple HG Locanananda Das and Monks from the temple.
Rathayatra or the Chariot festival as it is known was scheduled to start at 12:00pm today from the Ilford Town Hall and finish around 1:00 pm when the Chariot reached its final destination at Valentines Park.
Before the Chariot started, a traditional ceremony of breaking coconuts, performing an Arati (worship) to Lord Jagannatha and sweeping the street was performed by Honored guests for the East London Rathyatra festival.
As the Chariot of the Lord of the Universe started, there was dancing in front of the chariot and singing of Hare Krishna Mahamantra by the devotees. Everyone was so joyful and ecstatic, they shared that it was one of the best days of their life. Full of fun and positivity which is the real need in current day world.
Once the Chariot reached Valentines Park, there were different activities for all age groups starting from 1:00 pm till 5:00 pm. There were various tents set up to host various activities.
The Main tent was the center of attraction for hosting cultural performances. Henna, Face Painting, bless your home, snacks tent, Jagannath Grotto, Bouncy Castle, Kirtan Yoga, Japa walk and Magic shows tents were meant for both Young as well as the Old. The Kirtan Yoga and Meditation tent was meant for giving insights to all the new comers on Mantra meditation, Bhakti Yoga and Spirituality.
Enthusiastic Youths went along the high street performing Kirtan (Mantra Music) and enlivened passers-by for nearly 2 hours. The Book Table tent showcased different books on Yoga and Meditation.
Last but not the least, was the sumptuous Vegetarian Feast that always forms an integral part of this Rathayatra festival.
HG Parasuram Prabhu was phenomenal with his magic performances as well as he led a Magic show and Rocking Kirtan along with his team of devotees. We really thank HG Parasuram Prabhu for supporting us throughout this Rathayatra festival.
Today we witnessed the mercy and the power of the Supreme Lord, by His blessings there were more than 2000 people who participated in this wonderful Chariot festival. As a Congregation we served more than 2500 prasadam (blessed vegetarian food) plates to all the people.
As a token of our gratitude, we expressed our heartfelt thanks to the Council who supported us in our initiative of conducting this Rathayatra festival. We also thanked all the respectable dignitaries who took out time from their busy schedule to participate in this festival.
We pray to the Lord of the Universe that this Rathayatra festival in East London should continue for many more years to come, with every year bringing in something new to this festival.
Jai Jagannatha!!!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada (Founder Acharya of ISKCON)
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=112903
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