Prabhupad took out the first Rath Yatra in San Francisco, USA in 1968
Bhog of 1008 Different Delicious Items Prepared and Offered to Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra
Thousands of Devotees from Different Countries Participated
GURUGRAM : ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) devotees from Gurugram along with devotees from all over the world celebrated the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra on 25 June 2017 from sector 10A Radha Krishna Temple near the community centre.
In the Brahmanda Puran it is stated “One who participates in the Ratha Yatra Festival, takes darshan of the Lordships, draws their chariot, listens to and chants the holy name will certainly receive liberation from material bondage.”
Elaborate arrangements were made by the Rath Yatra Festival Committee in collaboration with the local administration for smooth management of the annual event.
“As soon as the chariot decorated with flowers, leaves and ribbons brought Lord Jagannath, his brother Balbhadra and sister Subhadra to 10A Radha Krishna Temple near the community centre at around 11 am, they were welcomed with Mahamantra and offered Chappan Bhog. This time bhog of 1008 different delicious items, prepared in desi ghee were offered . The Rath Yatra commenced around 4.pm and passed through different routes like Khandsa Road, Bhuteshar Mandir Chowk, Bada Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Agrasen Chowk and finally it arrived at Gosala ground,” said Madhumangal Das, President Gurugram ISKCON Temple.
“His Grace Mohan Rupa Das, President ISKCON New Delhi temple and several senior devotees from all over the world attended the Rath Yatra. The other attraction of the Ratha Yatra was Rock Band lead by Mani Karuna. Devi Dasi, Rangoli, 1008 Bhog offering to Jagananth, Bhog Offering through a crane on the way, Cultural programme in the evening ,” says Rameshar Giridhari Das.
Devotees from all over the world participateed in the Rath Yatra with fanfare. Devotees from USA, Canada Russia, Belgium, England Argentina, Australia etc arrived in Gurgaon to participate in different events of Ratha Yatra.
ISKCON brings Ratha Yatra to world stage
It was AC Bhakti Vedanta Swami Prabhupad, the founder of ISKCON, who took the traditional Rath Yatra of Orissa to the Western world. In 1968, the Prabhupad took out the first Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra in San Francisco, USA.
The western world was surprised looking at the grand Ratha Yatra. Since then the wheels of Jagannath Rath have not stopped rolling. The chariot has been travelling all the over the world in different cities, conveying to people the rich Vedic heritage of India. The Rath Yatra is taken out in 500 cities and town all over the world.
Rath Yatra gives us the opportunity to renew our bond with the Lord and remind us of His messages. It also brings social harmony. The Yatra also conveys the message that materialistic approach will not lead anywhere, said M K Razdan, a businessman from sector 45.
“If you want to see the spirit of love and brotherhood then come to Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra and see how peacefully everyone participates in the event. It is a wonderful sight to behold. Ratha Yatra brings in social harmony and the spirit to work together. It also symbolizes the spread of our Vedic culture all over the world.” said Parminder Kataria, Ex-Deputy Mayor of Gurgaon.