By Bhakta Nikhil
Gurudaspur is a city situated in the state of Punjab. According to a latest census, the population is just less than 2,300,000. Two rivers flow here: Beas and Raavi and is just 10km from the international border between India and Pakistan.
A grand Ratha Yatra festival for the Lord’s pleasure was arranged on the 22nd August by local devotees. Devotees performed Harinam Sankirtan and book distribution twice daily. Pamphlets for the festival were also distributed simultaneously.
“ Whenever I get report of my book selling I feel strength. Even now in this weakened condition I have got strength from your report. You should know that in this work you have Krishna’s blessings.” SP to Satsvarupa, 8th September 1974.
A yajna was performed in the early hours of the morning on the festival day to create auspiciousness. A stage program was held between 11 am till 3pm. Kirtan, drama, lectures by international devotees and performances by the children inspired all present to take part sincerely in this festival for the Lord’s pleasure.
At 4 o’clock the Lord mounted His chariot which was beautifully decorated with the most fragrant of flowers. It was a feast for the eyes and all were stunned at the picturesque display. Chappan Bhoga was then offered to the Lord. Before the Lord started His journey, invited guests were requested to break coconuts with camphor on, in order to ensure that all obstacles were removed. Vedic hymns were then chanted and conch shells were blown, at that point Jagannath began His 4 hour long walk through the streets of Gurudaspur. 20 policemen were present to ensure that the whole festival flowed smoothly. Fruits and sweets were distributed in abundance to the locals who in turn were greatly satisfied. Ecstatic kirtan was lead by international devotees throughout, in which everyone seemed to be in an ocean of ecstasy. A total of 1000 participated in the Ratha Yatra whilst 10,000 onlookers took darshan of the Lord. At the end of the festival, mass prasad was distributed to all those who came to take part.
“ I thank you all very much for making the ratha yatra festival so successful. Please convey my gratitude to all the boys and girls who participated in this great transcendental service.” SP to Upendra, 4th July 1968.
Our gratitude to devotees who participated in the festival, especially those devotees coming from abroad: Spain, Italy, UK and Bangladesh. Our respect to our chief guests of honour: Dr Ram ji Repaka, Professor at IIT Ropar, Punjab and Dr Raj Kumar Meena,Professor at Bikanar Unviersity, Rajasthan. Especially, we would like to express thanks to Dr Anupam das who spearheaded this whole festival and worked tirelessly in order for it to be a success. Finally our heartfelt gratitude to Srila Prabhupada for pushing forward this Ratha Yatra festival to broadcast the Lord’s glories all over the world. We hope that we could please Him in our humble efforts.
Jagannath Swami ki Jay
Ratha Yatra Mahotava ki Jay
Srila Prabhupada ki Jay
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