The beating of traditional drums, the dancing flying of colorful flags, and the aroma of delicious food filled the air as Semarang City in Central Java Province prepared to celebrate the cultural parade and festival. This festival was held in In collaboration with Parisada Hindu Dharma Indonesia (PHDI) and the Department of Tourism and Culture Semarang, the festival aimedwith the aim to commemorateof Nyepicommemorating Nyepi Day and the 476th Anniversary of Semarang City while promoting inter-religious harmony. As part of the festival, Lord Jagannath was to parade the streets of Semarang City, and the streets were lined with eager spectators, eagerly anticipating the commencement of the festivities. to begin. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the parade preparations, the atmosphere was surcharged with excitement as various dignitaries began to arrived to attend the event. The Mayor of Semarang, Hevearita Gunaryanti, set the tone for the festivities by officially opening the event. Joining her were esteemed guests, including Central Java High Court I Made Suanarwan, Head of BNI Regional Office 46 Central Java IGN Darma Putra (Gustra), Chair of Central Java PHDI Anak Agung Ketut Darmaja, and Chair of the Semarang City Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB) KH. N. Mustam Aji. The presence of these esteemed personalities reflected the cultural and social significance of the event. Chairman of PHDI Semarang City and Deputy FKUB of Semarang City I Nengah Wirta Dharmayana, and Head of the Committee Ananta Wijaya also graced the event with their presence, adding to the already elevated aura of the occasion.
But if anyone sincerely sees the Ratha-yatra festival and understands how K???a visited Kuruk?etra aalong with His brother and sister, that is very nice. That is K???a consciousness. ( SPL on SB 6.1.15 — London, August 3, 1971) The parade started at Pemuda Street, proceeded along Pandanaran Street, and culminated at Simpanglima, an iconic area in Semarang City. The parade route was overflowing with spectators who were Spectators overflowed along the parade route, eager to witness the festivities. The much-awaited moment had finally arrived as Lord Jagannath, along with Baladev and Subhadra, made Ttheir grand entrance. The captivating beauty of Lord Jagannath was indeed a sight to behold, leaving theand the crowd was awe entire crowd awestruck. The excitement in the air was palpable as the crowd eagerly waited for the Ratha Yatra to commence. The stunning display of colors, the mesmerising kirtan, and the charming deities filled the atmosphere with an aura of divine grace and left everyone spellbound. The Lord’s chariot was also wonderfully decorated by with the effort of all all the devotees.
At Simpanglima, the Saraswati Art Studio presented a dance-drama entitled Roro Jongrang, adding to the festivities. It was also an excellent opportunity to distribute Jagannath prasadam to many people in attendancethe crowds of spectators. The prasadam was sponsored by a generous donation from one of thea well-wisher in s of Semarang who gave a very generous donation. Everyone relished the Lord’s mercy! So this Jagannatha Ratha-yatra is a part of this K???a consciousness movement because Lord Caitanya preached this K???a consciousness movement within five hundred years. ( SPL San Francisco, July 4, 1970)
The event in Semarang was a beautiful display of cultural diversity and religious harmony. The Ratha Yatra is not only a religious festival but a cultural phenomenon that transcends religious boundaries. It is a time for people of all faiths to come together and celebrate the beauty of life.
In conclusion, the cultural parade and festival in Semarang City, in ccollaboration with PHDI and the Department of Tourism and Culture Semarang, was a remarkable event. The festival not only celebrated Nyepi Day and the 476 th Anniversary of Semarang City but also promoted inter-religious harmony. Ratha Yatra is a beautiful celebration of Lord Jagannath and his siblings, and it was heartwarmingheart-warming to see people of all faiths come together to celebrate this joyous occasion.
So this Ratha-yatra Festival is a mass movement for enlightening people to this K???a consciousness movement. ( SP-Ratha-yatra — San Francisco, July 5, 1970)
We offer our Our ever grateful obeisances are due to HH Kavichandra Swami and HH Ramai Swami, the GBCs of Indonesia, for their support and guidance and for inspiring us to constantly to always look forexplore new avenues for Ssankirtan.
Our humble obeisances to HH Subhag Swami for always reminding us of the importance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s the Sankirtan movement of Mahaprabu , for and inspiring us with the example of dedication of Sriman Jayananda Prabhu’ dedication, for bringing us closer to Srila Prabhupada and for keeping us united in the family of ISKCON.
Jaya Sri Sri Jagannatha, …Jay Baladeva…Jay Subadra devi ki….Jaya! …. Jaya Srila Prabhupada ki..Jaya!…..
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