On October 11, 2024, a magnificent Gaur-Nitai Shobha Yatra was organized in Karnal, Haryana. This grand procession saw the participation of thousands of people, all coming together to celebrate and express their devotion to Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai.

The deities of Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai, standing in a joyful, dancing posture, were placed on a beautifully adorned chariot that was carried throughout the city. The atmosphere was charged with spiritual energy as the holy names of the Lord echoed in the air, creating a blissful environment that touched the hearts of everyone present.

The celebration wasn’t just a one-day event; it was the highlight of a week-long festival that began on October 5th and continued until October 13, 2024. Local devotees from Karnal had been diligently preparing for the event for over a month. Every evening leading up to the festival, they took to the streets for sankirtan, distributing invitations, and gathering donations to ensure the event’s success. Their dedication and commitment were evident in every aspect of the festival’s organization.

A smaller Shobha Yatra was also held on October 6, 2024, in the quaint village of Rindal, located about 18 km from Karnal. Rindal, surrounded by lush agricultural fields, is home to a thriving community of devotees, thanks to a small preaching center that has been active in the village for the past seven years. The villagers, deeply devoted to the Lord, joined the Shobha Yatra with great enthusiasm, adding to the spiritual fervor of the event.

As the main Shobha Yatra in Karnal drew near, the preparations gained momentum. Flex boards announcing the event were displayed at key intersections across the city, creating awareness and inviting more people to join the celebration. Devotees worked tirelessly to gather fruits and sweets for distribution on the chariot during the procession. Throughout the week, sankirtan sessions were held along the designated route, uplifting the spirits of those who were eagerly anticipating the grand event.

When the day of the Shobha Yatra finally arrived, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The chariot, adorned with an abundance of fresh flowers, was a sight to behold. It was a moment of immense pride and joy as newly elected MLA Jagmohan Anand Ji and Himmat Singh Ji, Chairman of the HSSC Board, graced the occasion as the chief guests. Several other dignitaries, including various honorable guests, joined the procession to inaugurate the yatra, making the event even more special and memorable.

As the chariot moved through the streets of Karnal, the sound of joyous chanting filled the air. Devotees and onlookers alike were captivated by the divine presence of Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai, whose darshan brought smiles and spiritual joy to everyone. Continuous book distribution was carried out alongside the Shobha Yatra, sharing the wisdom of the scriptures with all who were interested. The entire city seemed to come alive as people danced to the rhythm of the holy names, their hearts overflowing with devotion and love.

The Shobha Yatra concluded on a high note, with a grand feast of prasadam served to all participants. The smiles on the devotees’ faces and the sense of community fostered during this festival were testaments to the power of devotion and collective effort.

The week-long event not only brought together the devotees of Karnal and Rindal but also inspired countless others to experience the joy of spiritual life through the blissful chanting and the divine presence of Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai. The festival, organized by the disciples of Srila Subhag Swami, truly left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who attended, making it a celebration to remember. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!!!

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