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By Mathura Lilesvari Devi Dasi
Hundreds of devotees dancing down on one of the busiest streets in Kuala Lumpur was probably one of the best ways to kick start ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary in Malaysia, a country which Prabhupada referred to when speaking of Candan wood. Then known as Malaya, Malaysia had the good fortune of having Srila Prabhupada’s feet touch its soil in 1971.
It was on the 2nd of January and the devotees were all prepared to bring in the year with the great Jagannath parade, Ratha Yatra 2016.
Guest of honour, YB Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam, Minister of Health Malaysia, spoke very highly of ISKCON and was proud to be part of the festival. Other chief guests were Regional Secretary – HG Simheswara dasa, HH Bhakti Vrajendranandana Swami – President of ISKCON Malaysia, HH Janananda Goswami, HG Prabhavishnu Prabhu and YB Senator Dato’ Dr. Loga Bala Mohan (HG Loka Bandhu Gauranga dasa JPS) – Deputy Minister of Federal Territories.
Under the expert guidance of Temple President – HG Kripa Sindhu Krishna das and Festivals Organizing Chairman – HG Siddhi Sadhana Das, the congregation worked together in putting the festival for the pleasure of Their Lordships.
Many tourists and passers-by joined the devotees and danced to the tunes of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra with joy. The main tent where the chariot of Their Lordships Sri Sri Jagannatha Baladeva and Subadhra arrived was smack in the middle of the road. This provided the opportunity for everyone driving or walking pass the main road to catch a glimpse of the Lord. It was a street festival that engaged with the public effectively. Thousands heard the holy names.
Prasadam was served to more than 3000 guests.