The International Society for Krishna Consciousness of Central New Jersey (ICNJ) marked a significant milestone this week, continuing its 20-year tradition of celebrating the Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra on Ashada Shukla Dwitiya. This tradition continued even in 2020, during COVID, when the Ratha Yatra was halted at many temples due to social distancing. Despite the day falling on a Thursday, July 16, 2026, and facing air quality warnings due to Canadian wildfires, the event drew over 1,400 devoted participants.
The festivities began with the Lord Jagannath being adorned in a traditional floral crown, known as Tahia Darshan, followed by the sacred Pahandi ritual. The atmosphere was one of spiritual fervor as devotees engaged in chariot pulling accompanied by ecstatic kirtan. A Bhoga Mandapa was established, featuring hundreds of offerings from dedicated attendees. The event concluded with Arati, the chanting of Jagannathastakam and Gita Govinda, and a community prasadam feast, leaving attendees feeling deeply moved by the devotional energy.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-of-central-nj-celebrates-two-decades-of-rath-yatra/
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