By Anasuya Devi Dasi
During the Labor day weekend of 2018, The International Society for Krishna Consciousness in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, were preparing for our Annual Ratha Yatra festival. ISKCON of Harrisburg, formerly Institute of Higher Understanding (IOHU), will be celebrating its 10th Annual Ratha Yatra (Festival of Chariots) on Saturday, Sept 1st, 2018 with a parade on City Island, Harrisburg, PA.
The night before the festival, it rained all afternoon into the late evening and devotees braved the cold rains and winds to complete all the set-up at the Ratha Yatra site to welcome the Lord of the Universe . Rain was forecasted on the day of Ratha Yatra. Still, organizers and volunteers kept a positive spirit hoping for a rain-free festival.
On the day of the festival, the clouds were setting in, threatening for rainfall. This did not stop the volunteers and organizers from carrying out their services. Cart decorating began at 9am. Lord Jagannath along with Lord Baladeva and Mother Subhadara arrived at the site at 9.30am. Vendors started to arrive around 10am. Kirtaniyas were rolling in around 11am. By noon, the procession started around City Island of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with Lord Jagannath, Sri Baladeva and Subhadra Maharani. HG Akhilananda prabhu was controlling the speed and course of the chariot. Devotees and well-wishers enthusiastically danced and sang for the Lord. Our GBC, HG Anuttama prabhu, graced his presence on our 10th year of the celebration. HG Visnugada prabhu and HG Shastivara Prabhu led the processional kirtan followed by Anuttama prabhu and Pariksit prabhu.
Around 2pm, the procession returned to the site with a final rocking kirtan by Harichakra prabhu of Gita Nagari, followed by cultural performances on the entertainment stage. The entertainment stage opened its’ first performance by little dancers depicting Lord Krishna’s childhood pastimes. We had lively bhajans and kirtans by our youth who enjoyed singing for the Lord and his devotees.
Hungry devotees and guests lined up for a sumptuous vegetarian feast which served free plates of delectable and sanctified prasadam to the public. We had many vendor stalls like the temple gift stall, book stall, jewelry shop, Chaat stall, Dosa stall, and other snack stalls. We also had a Mantra Meditation booth. Here, a visitor will be given chanting bead and taught to chant the Maha Mantra, thus, completing one round.
We also had Henna and Facial tents which drew a lot of ladies to get some pampering while the festivities were going on.
Our Sunday School bake sale sold delicious homemade cookies, desserts and sodas.
Each year for the past 10 years, this Vedic cultural event attracted hundreds of people in the small city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and hopes to continue to do so in the preaching mission of Srila Prabhupada. Everybody left with a wonderful experience!