By Brian
The Twin Cities area of Minneapolis/St. Paul is well known for many things. There are the snowy and cold winters, professional sports teams, and several Fortune 100 companies based here. Of all the images that the word Minneapolis conjures it’s highly unlikely anyone would even consider Ratha Yatra in their top ten lists. However, on a warm spring afternoon in early May (May 5, 2013) that’s exactly what onlookers to the annual May Day parade were treated to. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Minneapolis Ratha Yatra. Although most parade goers likely didn’t understand what they experienced, for sure we know the sweetness, love and mercy of their Lordships available for willing to accept it – as it has been every year for the last 10 years.
The bright yellow and red cart decorated with dozens of multicolor balloons, garlands, banners and a brightly colored canopy drew the attention of all it passed. More impressive was the Lord Himself beautifully dressed with shining jewelry and multicolored garlands. All the beauty was enhanced by the devotees themselves loudly chanting the Holy Names and dancing and chanting some more. As the cart made the 2 mile journey down the parade route the harinam grew louder and more intense. Whenever there was a pause in the parade, devotees would often reach out to the audience engaging them to join in the call and response chanting. At the direction of the Lord, many were dancing, tapping their toes, clapping and a few even joined in for a brief moment. This was the moment of sweetness for the devotees seeing others from the community enjoying, appreciating and getting involved in this wonderful event.
The parade ends in a local park where devotees host harinam, distribute books and offer Prasad to attendees. This provides a valuable opportunity to connect with attendees on a one to one basis ensuring personal connections are made and those interested receive additional guidance. Over the years, its estimated Minneapolis devotees have distributed over 1000+ plates of Prasad, distributed 400+ books and shared the Lord’s message with countless spiritual seekers, young and old of all nationalities.
The devotees are eager to serve Lord Jagannath for years to come in Minneapolis.