Ratha Yatra Paris 2023

By Rasānanda Sankīrtana Dāsa

Jaya Jaganatha Jaya jaganatha Jaya Baladeva Jaya Subhadra!

On the the 25th of June, the city of Love was inundated by the Names of Jaganatha, Baladeva and Subhadra in what is known as the Ratha Yatra—the procession of the Lord of the universe. During this 35th annual Jaganatha festival, thousands of devotees gathered in place the la Chapelle to pull the chariot of Lord Jaganatha Baladeva and Subhadra into the streets of Paris. “Everyone was astonished to see the decorations on the Ratha car.

The car appeared to be newly made of gold, and it was as high as Mount Sumeru.” (CC Madhya 13.19). In this case, we may say that the chariot was as high as the Eiffel Tower, and everyone could see its grandeur from miles away. People were astonished. Some of them would stop in their tracks and wonder “what is this?” Some would come out of their balcony and wave and smile in reciprocity. Some would dance to the sound of the Mrdangas and Kartals and jump off the ground in ecstasy. “What is this?” “What is this?” Jaya Jaganatha Jaya Jaganatha Jaya Baladeva Jaya Subhadra! On one front, Mahavishnu Swami Maharaj was leading the kirtan with devotees from Harinam Ruci.

His unpredictability steals everyone’s mind. Don’t think, just chant! An unspoken imperative that emanates from his every move. Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Don’t think, just chant! On the other front, Janananda Gosvami Maharaj was leading the book distributors in all directions. His attention to detail impresses upon us how important book distribution is. He reminds us: “Our spiritual master Srila prabhupada so much emphasised the importance of celebrating this Jaganatha festival in all major cities of the world.”

It is in moments like these, in the association of pure devotees, that we awaken a taste for devotional service. As Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita: “The thoughts of My pure devotees’ dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” (Bg. 10.7). “The purpose of the Ratha Yatra is to bring devotees together” says Janananda Goswami Maharaj.

“It cultivates a mood of devotion, unification and great happiness. A mood of appreciation and compassion.” In the light of the tragic events that happened in Paris following the death of a young boy killed by the police, Nitai Gaura Sundar Prabhu (the architect behind the festival) comments: “we know what we are trying to share with people. It is an eternal message of happiness. Outside of that, the material world will go on.” Feedback from people who live in Paris show that they particularly appreciate the yatra mood of sharing. With an estimated crowd of 6000 people, 4000 plates of prasad (food offered to Jaganatha) were distributed. A total of 671 books found their home in the hands of their new owner. “Our hope is to improve the public image of the movement in France. But more than hope, we need concrete action. And that action is the festival.” Confides Nitai gaura Sundar Prabhu. Another name for Paris is the city of lights. Therefore, let us enlighten each other about the glories of Lord Jaganatha!

Jaya Jaganatha Jaya Jaganatha Jaya Baladeva Jaya Subhadra!