Nov 05, JAGANNATHA PURI, ORISSA — The atmosphere at Puri emanated spiritual ecstasy as the three-day Srikshetra Parikrama by ISKCON kicked off here on Thursday. Not less than 50,000 ISKCON pilgrims from India and abroad have taken part in the annual religious rally, this year's event being fifth in a series).Even though the Puri Parikrama programme is scheduled to be held on Saturday, the ISKCON devotees on Thursday brought out a huge procession on the Grand Road facing the Jagannath Temple to mark the beginning of the annual event.Chanting the ‘Hare Krsna’ Mahamantra, the pilgrims danced down the Grand Road with great enthusiasm.On the inaugural day, ISKCON devotees gathered at Nigamananda Ashram and Kubera Dharmashala early in the morning and took part in Sankirtan on the Grand Road. Later they organised a religious drama and discussions at Jagannath Ballabh garden.
Bhajan, Kirtan among other religious activities are lined up for Friday and Saturday.The Puri district administration made adequate security arrangement for the smooth conduct of the annual ISKCON event.It may be noted that on the eve of last year's Puri Parikrama, some Jagannath Temple priests as well as culture enthusiasts had burnt the effigy of Srila Prabhupada in protest against the untimely celebration of Ratha Yatra by ISKCON devotees at some places.The ISKCON devotees who participated in the event last year flayed such activity of so-called priests.
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