By Jaya Govinda Das
Threatening Weather with a heavy overcast sky loomed above the Lords Chariots.
Then at the precise moment their Lordships Chariots began to roll, the clouds opened their gates and a torrent of mercy fell upon the Chariots, devotees, well wishers, spectators, passersby and media hounds.
To many, the visit was un-welcomed and brought anxiety and anguish. Others lauded the event as the blessings of Lord Jagannatha.
And blessings they were! As the parade passed the five minute mark the rainfall abated and the Chariot Parade came to full life on a freshly cleansed city.
A venture only the Supreme Lord could discharge.
The Scottish pipers lead the parade with the regality of a victory March.
The Clear FM Community Cruiser followed next. The cruiser is a satellite communications chariot of one of the most popular Radio stations in Vancouver.
Throughout the day the cruiser sent broadcasts of the Chariot Festival over the FM airwaves informing the multitudes of the Lords spectacular event.
Like the main “Lion” Entrance of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the place of origin of this ancient celebration, two Chinese Lions moved with Classic steps creating a vestibule to the also moving temple in the form of Lord Jagannatha’s magnificent Chariots.
A Horse Drawn Chariot afforded some relief for weary walkers who needed periodic rest along the 3 km journey along Beach Ave into world famous Stanley Park.
Lord Jagannatha in His original form as Baby Krishna appeared for the occasion on His Lotus Flower Chariot much to the delight of blessing seekers who rushed toward Him like paparazzi after celebrities.
The real splendor of the whole event however was the magnificent Chariots of the Lord, His brother and His sister.
The three colourful flower and balloon bedecked chariots were the pride of the parade.
The Lord of the universe reigned under their huge telescoping canopies exhibiting His smiling glances of liberation amidst the splendorous transcendental sounds of the holy name resounding off the peak like buildings of Vancouver’s densely populated West End.
At the conclusion of the parade, phase two of the Chariot Festival leaped to life.
Two stages hosted an ensemble of classic entertainment.
The Hare Krishna Youth Tour demonstrated their incredible skilled performances of Bhart Natyam dance, Drama and music.
The children were entertained with “Neat Tie” (Nitai) the clown who potently told tales of the divine while making balloon art.
Mendhi hand tattoo’s, face painting and vegetarian cooking demonstrations were just some of the interactive cultural exhibitions that people thronged too on the festival compound.
Michael Cremo, world class author and lecturer gave technologically enhanced presentations on the “Hidden History of Archeology” and the “Origins of Man” to standing room only audiences.
A free vegetarian feast was distributed to an estimated 15,000 and the presence of three swamis gave added spiritual potency to the already incredibly potent celebration.
Lord Jagannatha Ratha-Yatra Ki Jai!
To see more pictures of the event please click below:
http://vanchariotfestival.com/Vancouver%20Chariot%20Festival%2007/