By Samudrasena das
Batam is the largest city in the Riau Islands Province of Indonesia, across the Strait of Singapore, the third-largest city in Sumatra region and the eighth largest city in Indonesia. Located 20 km off Singapore’s south coast, it is an industrial boomtown, an emerging transport hub and part of a free trade zone, the Indonesia-Malaysia-Singapore Growth Triangle. Previously in 2015, there were only five families practising Krishna Consciousness in Batam, however now there are many more devotees who make up a wonderful and sincere congregation.
“”A person who follows the Ratha-yatra car when the Rathas (Deities) pass in front or from behind, even if born of a lowly family, will surely be elevated to the position of achieving equal opulence with Vi?? u” Srila Prabhupada, Nectar of Devotion, Verse 9.
On Saturday 19th November 2022, over one hundred devotees gathered together from Singapore and Batam for the three day carnival festival at the Harbour Bay Port Area, Sei Jodah Batam The festival annually hosts a variety of participants, such as dances, exotic food stalls, and the Jagannath Ratha Yatra was invited to be a main participant. This year marked the 8th annual Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Batam Island. The devotees of Batam were invited by the Batam Hotel Association themselves to partake in this festival, and so devotees travelled from various places to help in the preparations, and together, wonderful arrangements were made. The Batam Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival was to be held in the greatest opulence.
On the day of the procession, more special guests and senior devotees arrived. With a grand welcome and cheers of excitement from the crowd, Jagannath made His majestic arrival into the carnival. Jagannath’s cart had been specifically decorated with a special fruit and flower decoration, which captivated the public with its unique beauty. Devotees danced blissfully to the melodic kirtan and giant colourful flags and banners danced in the wind. There was some anxiety, as it was forecasted to rain the same day, however the sun shone brightly, and spirits were high. Jagannath and His brother and sister were seated, and the offerings to Him commenced.
“For the present, you endeavor to make the Ratha Yatra Festival grand successful. You should arrange the procession and procedure so nicely that all the neighboring people may be attracted to join the procession.” Srila Prabhupada letter to Upendra -1st June 1968.
Before the procession began, a small stage program took place and HH Subhag Swami Maharaj welcomed and addressed the public gathered on the big stage through a video message, warmly introducing the special guests and public that had attended the festival. Ten international students from the Singapore University also attended and were also welcomed by the devotees. Proceeding this, the devotees of Batam offered traditional gifts to the Singapore coordinator as well as the Batam Indian congregation, who were thankful for the devotees’ sincere endeavours. The youth then performed a beautiful Jagannathastakam odissi dance for the pleasure of 6Their Lordships, which amazed the onlookers who had never seen a traditional Indian dance being performed live. Ten coconuts were then ceremoniously offered to the deities, by ten representative Singapore and Batam devotees.
It was then time for the grand Ratha Yatra to start! The procession began, and the entire crowd enthusiastically participated. Hundreds danced and chanted behind the cart, some pulling along, and others singing loudly “Jai Jagannath!”, blissfully responding to the ecstatic kirtan led by HG Sundar Gopal Prabhu. Hotel residents and onlookers stared out in awe at this giant procession. The youth and matajis from Batam had also prepared 3000 small food for life packets of prashadam, which were packed and distributed along the way!
“Your purpose in coming has been fulfilled, for you have seen the lotus feet of the Lord. Therefore, after seeing Lord Jagannatha on the Ratha-yatra car, you can leave” Sri Caitanya-caritamrta CC Antya-lila.
The procession went on for 1.5 Km and after one joyous hour of chanting and dancing for the pleasure of Lord Jagannath, the chariot rolled to a stop at the finishing point, Harbour Bay ferry. A sumptuous Indian and Indonesian feast was then distributed to the delighted devotees and public. Everyone was jubilant and took prashadam all together, recalling the beautiful day they had. After a long magical day, the public and devotees returned to their homes, 8blissed out in happiness. The Batam Hotel Association sent a big thank you to the Batam Ratha Yatra and invited Lord Jagannath much in advance to have a Ratha yatra next year.
We humbly thank all the devotees who participated in the festival and who worked tirelessly in order for the festival to be a success. We are especially indebted to the local devotees who arranged and facilitated the event. Our ever grateful obeisances unto HH Kavicandra Swami and Ramai Swami; the GBC’s of Indonesia, for their support and guidance. Our sincere humble obeisances unto HH Subhag Swami for his inspiration, as well as his constant reminder on the importance of the Sankirtan Movement of Mahaprabhu. Maharaj has also inspired us by emphasising and recalling the dedication of Sriman Jayananda prabhu, as well as bringing us closer to Srila Prabhupada and keeping us united in the family of ISKCON.
More photos: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1D_qGk0LH_jFRAowNFNogxB6ltbacsMl5
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=104040
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