When you think of the vibrant and awe-inspiring Rathayatra posters that grace festivals across the globe, one name stands out: Chakra Nadi Dasi. Her artistic rendition of Lord Jagannath, with those extra large eyes, has become a symbol synonymous with the joyous celebration of Rathayatra. This iconic image was even seen in China on a harinam banner and became the Food For Life logo in the country. It has also been used on many ISKCON festival posters, t-shirts, and various festival memorabilia. This all speaks to the artistic devotion that has defined Chakra Nadi’s life in service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission.

Chakra Nadi’s journey into Krishna Consciousness began in Newcastle in 1981. Guided by Janananda Goswami, she was the first to join the local temple as a full-time devotee. Her early years were marked by her diverse service to the Deities and the devotees. By 1983, she was living in the London Temple ashram, dressing Sri-Sri Radha-Londonisvara and cooking for Them, a service that she cherished deeply. She also liked going on the daily harinams in London and distributing books.

In 1987, Chakra Nadi married Titiksu Das, who was serving as the Sankirtan leader at the time. He also cared for the Rathayatra chariot in London, a service they have both continued until now.

In 1988, the couple moved to Liverpool, where they undertook the formidable task of opening a new temple. Here, Chakra Nadi’s artistic abilities truly flourished. She was not only the temple’s newsletter editor and Love Feast cook but also continued to be the creative force behind the Rathayatra posters that brought vibrancy and joy to the festival. Her dedication to the Liverpool temple continued for over a decade. During that time, she also raised two children, Niladri Dasi and Sanatan Dasa.

Chakra Nadi’s commitment to art and devotion is maybe most vividly demonstrated in her work for the London Rathayatra. In 2004, she was part of a monumental project to build two additional chariots. “We had one chariot up until that point,” she recalled. “One day, my husband went to the authorities, and they suggested it might be nice to have three chariots for the procession. He was surprised, having suggested it to them for years, but we knew we had to act quickly before they changed their minds.”

This project saw Chakra Nadi participate in the mammoth task of sewing the canopies for the chariots. “It was crazy,” she said, describing the effort involved. “Just to lay them out, we had to borrow the Manor’s big prasadam room to draw and measure everything.” The canopies, made from a lightweight, silky material similar to that used for hot air balloons, were a significant departure from the heavier materials used previously. Chakra Nadi’s living room became a sea of rustling fabric for three months, with the intricate shapes and seams consuming every spare space and moment.

She continued, “We had a core team of ten devotees who came together to help build the two chariots. They worked tirelessly as a devoted team. Their contributions are etched into the fabric—literally and figuratively—of this remarkable endeavor.” The result was a sight to behold: three chariots, adorned with the devotee’s artistry, sitting majestically in Trafalgar Square, a testament to the devotion and teamwork that had made it all possible.

Beyond her work with the Rathayatras, Chakra Nadi’s artistic spirit finds expression in other ways. Her daughter, Niladri, has followed in her mother’s footsteps. She designs book covers for a professional company. She also joins the family tradition of decorating Rathayatra chariots and creating leaflet designs. Her son, too, has taken up the creative mantle, working as a photographer. His photos of the Rathayatra chariots are featured in the current “Chant and Be Happy” book.

In 2013, Chakra Nadi earned a BA Honours in English Literature, fulfilling a long-held dream. This academic pursuit, she says, was inspired by her early love for poetry and writing. “I used to write poetry and things of that sort,” she reflected. “It was something I always wanted to do.” Her degree took six years to complete, during which she balanced her studies with her service as an art teacher at Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Gurukula and doing artwork for London Rathayatra.

As she looks to the future, Chakra Nadi remains deeply engaged in her service. One upcoming project involves sewing a new canopy for Lord Jagannath’s chariot, a task she approaches with the same enthusiasm and devotion that has characterized her work for decades. “Jagannath’s canopy goes to so many Rathayatras around the UK,” she explained. “It’s a big project, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Chakra Nadi’s life is a tapestry woven with threads of devotion, artistry, and community. Her contributions to Srila Prabhupada’s mission have left an indelible mark, not just on the festivals and celebrations that bring joy to so many, but on the hearts of those who have served alongside her. Indeed, through her art and service, Chakra Nadi continues to uplift and inspire, embodying the very essence of Krishna Consciousness in all she does. To view some of her artistic works, you can find and follow Chakra Nadi on Instagram and Facebook.