Budapest’s Ratha Yatra illuminates the city

By Swiderski Tibor (bh. Tibor)

Please visit this link to obtain copyright free photos of the event:
http://picasaweb.google.com/antal.zolnai/2010_RathaYatra

Hungary

Budapest’s ‘Ratha-yatra’ Festival of Chariot returned to the streets of the capital on Sunday 11th July 2010. Budapest was illuminated by the wonderful colours and sounds of the annual Hare Krishna festival, a vibrant celebration of Indian culture and spirituality in our city.

Thousands of festival-goers, pilgrims, and devotees from all over the world hand-pulled the 40-foot high colourful chariot carrying the sacred deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama from Hősök tere to Vörömarthy tér. The giant chariot were accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians, and dancers. Among them were three ISKCON sannyasis. Budapest pulsated to Indian spiritual sounds with instruments from across the globe.
Programme:

14.00 Opening speech
14.15 Indian dance performance
14.25 Drum show
14.40 Bollywood dancing show
14.50 Yoga show
15.00 Budapest children theatre
15.15 Bhajana
15.25 Traditional Indian dancing performance
15.35 Drum show
15.50 Indian dance performance
16.00 Yoga show
16.15 Bollywood dancing show
16.30 Lecture from the Bhagavada Ghita
16.55 Traditional Indian dancing performance
17.10 Bhajana
17.25 Yoga show
17.35 Bollywood dancing show
17.45 Drum show
18.00 Traditional Indian dancing performance
18.15 Bhajana, Khirtana ( Russian Devotees, drum show, hubbub )

At Vörösmarthy tér, where the procession concluded, families enjoyed cultural and educational displays and exhibitions, revealing the spiritual heart of Vaishnavism. Revellers participated in lively workshops, sample music, food, and literature, or try sari-draping and face-painting. From the stage, festival-goers were treated to traditional temple dance, drama, and music. In addition to all this, free prasad was added to a special family outing. It was indeed a feast for the eyes, ears and the palate!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aeve29XIPTk&feature=related

Video:

Hungary Ratha Yatra Website: http://krisna.hu/w/?q=node/3208

Hare Krishna!
Yurs servant,

Swiderski Tibor
bh. Tibor