By Radhanath Krishna dasa
ISKCON Batticaloa in eastern province of Sri Lanka celebrated its second annual Ratha Yatra on 23rd May 2015. More than 2500 people participated in this grand event. The main road of the city was blocked by the procession and a tumultuous kirtan led by HG Haripada Prabhu. People were awestruck on seeing devotees from all over the world jumping and dancing in ecstasy, while chanting the holy names of the Lord.
The program was graced by HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami Maharaja who participated in the entire procession and delivered a powerful lecture at the program. Famous kirtaniyas and Srila Prabhupada disciples HG Haripada Prabhu and HG Phalini Mataji led the kirtans at the event. HG Mahakarta Prabhu, president of ISKCON Colombo temple also graced the event and praised the efforts of the devotees in organizing this event and their continued efforts in spreading Krishna consciousness in the eastern province. The member of parliament Mr. Pon Selvaraja delivered a speech and encouraged the audience to give full support to ISKCON’s movement and help them to acquire a suitable land for building a temple.
The program also had a drama titled “Who is a fool”, a thought provoking drama by Srila Prabhupada theaters from Chennai led by HG Damodar Gauranga Dasa, also known as Danush who is a TV serial director based in Chennai.
The event was covered by major newspapers esp. Veerakesari, the most prominent Tamil newspaper of the country.
The Ratha Yatra was not the end, rather it was just the beginning of a dynamic and exciting one month preaching tour with 15 member drama crew, Haripada Prabhu’s kirtan & lecture and book distribution. Devotees plan to cover all the major cities of Sri Lanka targeting mainly youth.
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All glories to Srila Prabhupada & his sincere servants who are making “Every town & village” prophesy, true.
Thank you for this nice article and many photos, Radhanath Krishna Prabhu. The Ratha-yatra was a great success, by Srila Prabhupada’s, Lord Caitanya’s, and Jagannatha’s mercy. Thanks to all the devotees who helped to make it a glorious event. We were blessed to have been allowed to participate.