Majestic Lord Jagannath blessing Rose Belle.

On September 21, 2024, the streets of Rose Belle, Mauritius, hosted the Rathayatra Festival, an important festival on the Vaishnava calendar. The event featured a procession involving the deities Lord Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra. It was organized by a team of volunteers led by Kaunteya, a prominent figure in ISKCON Mauritius.

Kaunteya’s journey in Krishna consciousness began in 1989 when he joined the temple as a new devotee. His dedication quickly found expression in various services, from book distribution to organizing festivals. “I was initiated by His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami in 1992,” Kaunteya shared, reflecting on the early years of his spiritual journey. He earned his Bhakti Shastri certificate in 1993 at the Vrindavan Institute of Higher Education (VIHE) and later took on roles as a restaurant manager, festival organizer, and Namahatta Director. Today, while running his restaurant, he manages the preaching center in Rose Belle and continues his lifelong service to Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON by organizing one of the most anticipated festivals on the island.

Rathayatra, the Festival of Chariots, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees around the world, and in Mauritius, it’s no different. “Rathayatra is probably the oldest festival,” Kaunteya explained. “A special festival whereby all are attracted, including mayavadis.” The festival is unique in that it brings Lord Jagannath out of the temple to bless everyone, regardless of their spiritual background. This year, Rose Belle witnessed a grand celebration that drew devotees and curious onlookers alike.

Residents of Rose Belle make devotion the key to success in their spiritual lives.

The event was meticulously coordinated, involving a variety of activities such as padayatra (a walking procession), prasadam distribution, and book distribution. “Around 4,000 packets of prasadam were distributed,” Kaunteya revealed, adding that some of the prasadam was outsourced from other Nama Hattas. The procession covered a distance of 4.5 kilometers, with devotees pulling Lord Jagannath’s chariot while chanting and distributing spiritual literature.

Despite the scale of the event, Kaunteya humbly noted, “By the mercy of Lord Jagannath, all went well without any challenge whatsoever.” While there were some minor difficulties in raising the required funds, frequent meetings and a collaborative effort from the local community ensured the festival’s success. “Many devotees helped with the collection of Lakshmi and bhoga,” Kaunteya shared, highlighting the collective spirit that made the event possible.

One of the most striking aspects of the festival was its ability to connect with the local community. “Wherever the cart passed by, many local people came out of their offices, places of work, and homes to offer their respects,” Kaunteya recalled. The sight of people stopping their daily activities to engage with the procession speaks volumes about the spiritual impact the festival had on the broader community. Many participants, even those unfamiliar with the deeper meaning of Rathayatra, were drawn in by the vibrant atmosphere and the palpable sense of devotion.

Passersby, including drivers, eagerly slowed down to receive prasadam and witness the grand procession. “It was a delight to witness their eagerness to have some prasadam,” Kaunteya said, noting how the simple act of sharing food created a bridge between devotees and the local population.

With each step pulling the Chariot we get closer to the spiritual world.

Book distribution, too, was a highlight of the festival. “All the book distributors ran out of books,” he recalled, which spoke towards the community’s enthusiasm for learning more about Krishna consciousness.

Reflecting on the day’s events, Kaunteya shared some memorable moments. “I was really impressed to see other communities favorably accept books, prasadam, or even ask to take selfies with the devotees.” The festival was not only a spiritual gathering but also a platform for cultural exchange, embracing people from diverse backgrounds.

For many of the devotees involved, this was their first time organizing such a large event. “Many devotees are relatively new, so this was their first time being so intimately connected in organizing such a wonderful and successful event,” Kaunteya explained. The experience left them feeling deeply grateful to Lord Jagannath and excited for future festivals.

Sundar Caitanya Goswami looking over the procession.

Perhaps the most significant highlight of the day came at the end of the festival when the Mauritian government granted ISKCON a significant parcel of land to build a permanent center in the area. “The award ceremony was held at the hall where the procession ended,” Kaunteya shared a moment that will undoubtedly shape the future of ISKCON in Mauritius and its ability to expand its outreach.

With the success of this year’s Rathayatra still fresh in everyone’s minds, Kaunteya and the team are already looking ahead to next year’s festival, which will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Mauritius. “Definitely, a grander festival will be organized next year,” Kaunteya promised, envisioning an even more extensive celebration that will involve the broader community.

The success of this year’s Rathayatra has set the stage for even more exciting festivals and events in the future. For more information about the Rose Belle Preaching Center in Mauritius, you can visit their Facebook page and keep up with their regular activities and updates.