Prague, Czech Republic Rathayatra: One of the best! (Album of photos)
Urmila Devi Dasi: Rathayatra! Among the dozens of Rathayatras I have attended in the last 45 years, this was one of the most astonishing, amazing, and uplifting.
The kirtana leaders were those who are deeply devoted to kirtana such as Janananda Goswami and the members of Hari Nama Ruci. Nearly all the participants were fully immersed in the kirtana during the whole parade and the spiritual happiness expanded everywhere.
The festival filled the streets, which overflowed with tourists and residents. Every member of the public who we passed took photos, or danced, or sang, or at least smiled or stared. Every one participated to some extent. It was a total absorption.
The route was very pleasing, though one of the most beautiful cities of the world. The weather was sunny but not oppressively hot, with many opportunities for shade along the way.
The pujaris informed me that although they have had the same cart, arrangements, Deities, and route for many years, it was only this year that they were unable to control the dancing on the cart of Jagannatha and Balarama.
It was one of those many days and experiences where I am so grateful to my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, and for the life I have chosen.
Several times I wanted to take a video of the dancing and kirtana, but I couldn’t bear to pull my attention away from participating in the kirtana itself. The deep ecstasy of some of the members of the kirtana party was quite visible and nothing I have ever witnessed before–only read about in Caitanya Caritamrta.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/B2rfom