Lord Jagannatha along with Big brother Baladeva and Sister Subhadra Devi happily sat on the roof of the driver’s cabin and went on their 1st Rath Yatra in Nairobi on a truck in 1984. A canopy was stitched and nicely decorated. This covered the whole truck leaving a small space for the truck driver to see the road. This marked the humble beginning of the festival of the chariots in Nairobi.
On Their 35th Yatra this year, Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi looked extremely stunning and attracted the whole of Nairobi city to join in with the devotees dancing and singing to the Maha mantra, which echoed throughout the Central Business District on Saturday 25th May 2019. Every year the Festival is getting bigger with many members of the public joining in not just to sing and dance but also pull the chariot with all their hearts and soul. It was a wonderful display of Love and Surrender. The Lord of the universe once again showered His unconditional Love and affection to all the living entities who were either part of the grand procession or were by standers completely captivated by the beauty of the festival. This annual festival was blessed by the presence of H.H. Bhakti Dhira Damodara swami, H.H. Bhakti Narsimha swami, H.G. Gudakesh prabhu and the master of Saxaphone H.G. Nruhari prabhu
Rathayatra in Nairobi, Kenya (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Chanting the holy name is the chief means of attaining love of Godhead. This chanting or devotional service does not depend on any paraphernalia, nor on ones having taken birth in a good family. By humility and meekness one attracts the attention of Krishna. That is the verdict of all the Vedas. (Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 4.71 purport)
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