By Team Mangalorean/Mangalorean.com

Photographs by RK Bhat

MANGALORE: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) held its fourth annual Jagannatha Rathayatra in Mangalore on March 23.

ISKCON holds the Jagannath Ratha Yatras (Festival of the Chariots) all over the world every year in major cities like Moscow, London, New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Rome, as well as Mumbai, Kolkatta, Chennai, New Delhi, and many other cities in India.

A chariot decorated with colorful lights was accompanied by a “safari” of Lord Krishna devotees from around 50 different countries who took part in the Rathayatra and performed bhajans and kirtans during the procession. The group of devotees comprising of more than 200 members had arrived here in Mangalore railway station on 22 March 2007.

The festival started with the chanting of ‘Hare Rama Hare Krishna’ by the devotees, from Bunts Hostel Circle and passed through Kadri Road, Mallikatta, Collectors Gate, Jyothi Circle and culminated at Bunts Hostel.

The chariot festival was inaugurated and blessed by ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj from USA. Lectures were also given by Jayapataka Swami, His Holiness Bhakthi Siddantha Swami from Australia, and His Holiness Vrajendra Nandana Swami from Malyasia.
Source: mangalorean.com