Leicester Ratha Yatra
Leicester Ratha Yatra 2008 was indeed a magnificent festival, marking the second largest city in Europe after London to host this festival on a large scale. Thousands of devotees attended the festival which had a lively and stunning atmosphere. Devotees were very ecstatic and thrilled to see three richly decorated chariots of Jaganath, Baladev and Subhadra Maharani.
Devotees and many other people across the streets joined the procession pulling the chariots, which ended at Cossington Park. At the park there were displays in tents accompanied by devotional songs, stage performances, exquisite dancers, vibrating mrdangas and kartals, and the usual delicious feast.
Among many beautiful stalls, the Mayapur stall stood out with unique pictures of Lord Nrsimhadev, Panctattva and Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Much enthusiasm and curiosity about Mayapur (Navadvip) dham was expressed by those gathered, ranging from the young and old to local councillors and sanyasis. Young kids were playfully engaged in chanting the holy names of the Lord as we distributed 1008 copies of the maha-mantra. Others were eager to hear the pastimes of Lord Caitanya and his relationship with Lord Jagannatha.
This colourful festival was truly a spectacular and will stay forever as a sweet memory in our minds. The entire Ratha Yatra team was very hospitable. They gave us a warm welcome. They were very supportive of our project. We were invited by Pradyumna das (Temple President – Leicester) to promote Mayapur dham at Leicester temple and he warmly welcomed us to next years Ratha Yatra. Our voluntary work so inspired a non-devotee who is our printer, that he donated the 1008 copies of the Maha-mantra.
