By Subuddhi Krsna dasa
Chicago, 12th August 2006
Hundreds of thousands of people had lined up for seeing the legendary Bud Billiken parade in South side of Chicago. This parade takes place on second Saturday of August since last 76 years. It is one of the biggest parades in North America. An estimated 1.2 million are lined up on the two and half mile route, 65000 people take part in the parade itself and more than 225 floats take part. And millions watch the parade live on various national and local TV channels.
This year Lord Jagannatha made its first appearance in the parade and what an appearance! Hare Krishna Temple of Heart, South Chicago had booked a slot for a float and invited devotees to partticipate.More than 150 chanting and dancing devotees from all over america created waves after waves of ecstacy. The 7 feet tall Jagannatha attracted attention of everyone and it was a sight to behold. His infectious smile captured the hearts and won their admiration.
The tireless band of devotees kept everyone on their toes and made them chant the holy names. Our float got more than one minute of TV coverage and even the TV anchor chanted Hare Krishna few times!
The parade ended into a picnic spot where devotees had pitched up tents and were distributing Krishna Prasadam. More than 1000 plates of prasadam was distributed.
Devotees vowed that they will make this event an annual affair and make it bigger and bigger.Mark this date in the calendar for next year and come join this unforgettable experience.
Lord Jagannatha Ki Jaya! Samasta Bhakta Vrinda Ki Jaya!!
Dear Devotees,
Pamho! Agtsp!
Never underestimate the determination of the sincere servants of the Lord. For quite a number of years Gauramani Prabhu and his wife Syama Priya Devi (co-founders of South side Hare Krishna Temple of the Heart) have made urgent requests for help to participate in the annual “Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic” in south Chicago. Listed as the 2ND largest parade in the country, with 1.2 million local observers and 25 million national viewers, in 2005, a handful of devotees performed a 5 hour long Harinama in the park where the parade ends. After that, it was clear what the next step would be. By now you have probably heard, maybe even seen photos on dandavat.com or the video clip from NBC5.com along with various other photos floating around on emails. We tried to describe the Harinama from last year but you just had to be there. This year even the photos and clips of Lord Jagannath and the over 150 kirtaniyas only remind us of what we experienced in person on Martin Luther KIng Blvd, August 12Th.
I personally with fully prostrated obeisances thank Gauramani das and Syama Priya dasi for bringing the Lord and His devotees to the 77Th annual Bud Billiken parade. Thanks to the all the Chicago Temple devotees and Kalki Prabhu and Vrsab Prabhu for their assistance. And much thanks to all the devotees that came from New Rochelle and New York City, Dallas, Detroit, Cleveland, Washington D.C., Alachua, Gita Nagari, New Vrndavan, St. Louis, Columbus OH, Towaco N.J., forgive me if I left out anyplace.
Also personally I have to offer thanks. I have always been the runt of the litter so to speak but my godbrothers and sisters have been extra kind to let me tag along with them. Vaisnavananda Prabhu, Shastivara Prabhu, Bhumipati Prabhu, Sankara Pandit Prabhu, Mother Krsnanandini Devi, Mother Kamagiri Devi, Vakresvara Pandit Prabhu who has been a great inspiration to us all and Bhaktivinode Prabhu who delivered Lord Jagannath, stayed up 2 nights cooking and still lead drummers during the parade.
Indeed an overwhelming assurance was created seeing you all together. Can I speak for everyone that a whole year is too long to wait for this to happen again? We are truly sorry for circumstances that prevented others that really wanted to come. So we implore everyone to please keep close watch for any events in your areas. This should be a continued nationwide effort. And please keep in close touch by all means available so we can hear every ones ideas. How can we improve our strategies? How can we continue to make these festivals undeniably sweet? We are fulfilling Lord Chaitanya’s statement,
prthivite ache yata nagaradi grama
sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama
“In every town and village the chanting of My name will be heard.” This is awesome! This is Bhakti-yoga! This is love of God! This is how we can try to repay the debt to Srila Prabhupada! Hare Krsna!
Please forgive my offenses.
Ys, Kulasekhara das