10th Annual Festival of Chariots in Jacksonville Beach, Florida
by Sukhada dasi
On August 23rd, 2014, when the time arrived for the 10th Annual Rath Yatra Festival of Chariots at Jacksonville Beach, Florida, weather predictions were ominous. But Lord Jagannatha had everything under control. Although hot and humid, the Lord’s servants assembled in full force, and Jacksonville Beach will never be the same as a result.
The Dalchand family decorated the cart with colorful festoons, flowers, and lots of love, City Council member Ms. Christine Hoffman and former mayor, Fland Sharp, were in attendance, glorifying the devotees for bringing the “Festival of the Chariots” to their town.
As the devotees pulled the chariots down the beach, everyone gazed in amazement. Many joined in on the fun, pulling the ropes with enthusiasm. Everyone danced to the rhythms, caught up in the ecstasy of the kirtan. Devotees handed out literature, prasadam, and invitations to all. “Please come to our free vegetarian feast,” they asked. The feast was superb. Jayanti devi oversaw the menu and helped to organize. Shanka das was busy for days cooking the feast to perfection. Devotees distributed prasadam for several hours, from the time we arrived until we left, so hundreds were blessed.
At the festival site there was much to do & see. The famous Fitch family and friends put on an incredible drama. Mangalanda das and Yamini devi sang their songs which floated across the site enveloping everyone with their beautiful lyrics, and melodies. I felt stunned by the potency of the music and so grateful for these wonderful expressions of devotion. Laxmimoni devi and Akuti devi set up a meditation tent, complete with chanting kits and asanas. As people walked by, they were asked: “Would you like to chant with us?” “Yes,” most would respond. We explained the process of bhakti yoga, demonstrating how to chant. The potency of the holy name manifested on their bright faces and they began the process of bhakti yoga.
One young man explained, “I’ve been all over the world. I’ve kayaked down some of the most dangerous rivers, and climbed some of the highest mountains. It was incredible and exhilarating. But today, today I feel that I’ve found God!!” Jaya Jagannatha
Many thanks to Bhadra prabhu for helping to organize such a fabulous festival and to all of the devotees who took part!
You may find it hard to believe, but in 1971, several of us travelled from Gainesville to Jacksonville to perform sankirtan there, simply sitting and having kirtan. We were arrested. Not only there but also in other places like Orlando. Acceptance of the sankirtan movement has come a long way from the early days. Jaya Jagannath.
Pusta Krishna das