Crowds filling Yonge Street to get the mercy of Their Lordships.

ISKCON Toronto celebrated its much-anticipated 52nd annual Ratha Yatra festival this past month, marking the event as the largest in its history and in North America with over 60,000 participants.

Commencing on Friday, July 12th, the festivities kicked off with its famous 12-Hour Kirtan from 10am to 10pm. Participants from around the world flew in to be part of this epic day of dancing and chanting, led by renowned kirtan leaders. This year’s theme, “Spark your bhakti flame by chanting the holy name,” set the tone for a spiritually enriching experience. The temple room was transformed with lights, lanterns, and red, orange, and pink fabrics to give the feel of warmth and light of a blazing fire of bhakti. The kirtan was an ecstatic, immersive, and transformative experience for all, with hundreds in attendance.

Prasadam was served in the park behind the temple, and Govinda’s, the temple’s restaurant, offered special treats and eats for the attendees throughout the day. For those unable to attend in person, the kirtan was broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube.

The following day, Saturday, July 13th, Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra were placed on magnificent chariots adorned with garlands and decorations. Devotees, emotional and excited to see Their Lordships after a two-week sojourn, joyfully pulled the chariots down Yonge Street, accompanied by energetic and soul-stirring kirtan in front of each one. The vibrant parade was attended by thousands and created an awe-inspiring spectacle for onlookers. The procession culminated at the Harbourfront, where attendees gathered to board ferries to Centre Island, where the festivities continued on Saturday and Sunday, July 14th. Their Lordships were transported across Lake Ontario after the parade to the “Temple on the Island,” giving a unique opportunity to have a close-up darshan of the deities.

Centre Island became a hub of celebration, with numerous tents offering various displays, activities, and products. The Arts & Culture tent took center stage, featuring mesmerizing performances, including Bharatanatyam dances, captivating dramas by Bhaktimarga Swami, a devotee rock band, a live art show, and many ecstatic kirtans. Caru Das from Utah kept the crowd engaged with his unique Krishna Conscious rap.

Delicious prasadam was served throughout the festivities. Govinda’s food booth was a constant hub of activity, offering scrumptious items such as their famous naanzas, aloo tikki burgers, samosas, chaats, and exotic drinks. New offerings included quesadillas and paneer tikka on naan bread. 

Meanwhile, in the prasadam tent, dedicated devotee cooks prepared a sumptuous feast behind the scenes in huge pots. Prasadam plates were served to thousands, with lines reaching the ferry docks.

The Gopi Dots tent allowed participants to adorn their faces with beautiful designs, adding to the festive spirit. Shopping enthusiasts found delight in the numerous vendors and booths offering a range of devotional items, including jewelry, Vedic art, altar paraphernalia, and more. The Toronto Sankirtan Team also displayed books at the festival, distributing hundreds of Bhagavad Gitas, Krsna books, and other titles throughout the weekend. Additionally, Yoga Meltdown classes allowed registrants to practice yoga near the serene waters on the island.

At the Seminar and Q&A tents, participants had the chance to interact with many spiritual scholars, engage in thought-provoking discussions on Bhakti Yoga and the Bhagavad-gita, and deepen their understanding of spiritual teachings. Other activities that took place at the island included a children’s tent, a Kirtan tent with lively and energetic Kirtan throughout the weekend, as well as an information booth providing details about the ISKCON Toronto Temple.

ISKCON Toronto’s 52nd Annual Ratha Yatra Festival was truly an engaging and unforgettable festival that brought together people from around the world and from diverse backgrounds to experience Lord Jagannatha’s mercy. From the 12-hour Kirtan to the grand parade and the joyous celebrations on Centre Island, the festival offered a rich tapestry of spiritual, cultural, and culinary delights that left attendees with cherished memories and a deep sense of spiritual fulfillment.

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