Bhakti Purusottama Swami: I am happy to inform you that this year the Ratha Yatra festival in Puri dhama was celebrated very peacefully without any disturbances. I am very thankful to all the devotees around the world who have come forward with generous donations in response to our appeal for free prasada distribution at Puri during Ratha Yatra.

Every year ISKCON would spend around one hundred thousand rupees for distributing Prasad. Although we had collected more funds, we could distribute prasada only for the yearly budgeted amount of one lakh rupees. As there was lack of proper facilities, we could not spend more than last year budget. The balance funds have been kept in bank deposit for an year to be utilized for next year prasada distribution. We have planned for a bigger venue for next year so that we can provide prasada for at least 50,000 pilgrims.

I am presenting herewith the expenses details for this year’s prasada distribution.

Vegetables: 13775.00

Gas: 6171.00

Potatoes: 10100.00

Grocery 46305

Decorations: 10735.00

Mats & basket: 923.00

Cooks: 7500.00

Spoon: 1041.00

Veichle fuel: 500.00

Volunteers: 1800.00

Misc.: 1610.00

String &bulb: 37.00

Jagannatha puja: 2000.00

Harinam devotees

Travel &

Accommodation: 18000.00

Total - Rs 120697

ISKCON prasada distribution program was much appreciated by local authorities and pilgrims were happy to have sumptuous meal prasad after pulling the Ratha. Many Namahatta devotees arrived at Puri and were doing harinam throughout the Ratha Yatra. It was very attractive and much appreciated. Many pilgrims enthusiastically participated in the harinam.

Our panda Raghunathji performed puja to Lord Jagannatha on Ratha Yatra day, praying for the welfare of all the donors. A list of donors name was offered to the Lord.

Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the devotees for their donations, good wishes and blessings to organize the prasada distribution at Sri Kshetra Puri dhama.

Your humble servant

In the service of Lord Jagannatha

Bhakti Purusottama Swami

Pictures from the event here: http://mayapur.com/node/1138

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