The Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) displayed priceless treasures from their library collection at the 52nd Kolkata Rath Yatra festival held June 20-28th. The Kolkata Rath Yatra is a grand chariot festival celebrated in West Bengal, India. The annual event is organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and welcomes thousands annually.

The booth highlighted the important aims of BRC to collect, preserve, exhibit, research, publish, and teach the works of the previous Acharyas through the most revered means in contemporary society in collaboration with leading academic institutions and scholars worldwide. 

At their booth, framed copies of the original handwritings of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur’s last will and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s Gaura Arati were displayed for guests to view. Additionally, original handwritten copies of the Mahamantra written by Bhaktivinod Thakur, Srila Bhaktisiddhant Saraswati Thakur’s handwriting on the letterhead of Gaudiya Math, a photocopy of Chaitanya Charitamrita, and zinc plates embossed with the original handwriting of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Gadadhar Pandit were on hand. People were delighted to know more about the services undertaken by BRC to collect and preserve these rare manuscripts and objects.

BRC staff at the Ratha Yatra stall.

In addition to the items mentioned above, informational displays, brochures, and reports highlighted the teaching and research aims of the center. It renders various services, courses, and research work throughout the year. It was overwhelming for some visitors to realize that a library exists where one can read and gather so much knowledge about Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Many visitors became interested in the process of pursuing a master’s degree in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Over 50 people shared their contact information and expressed interest in visiting the BRC library in Kolkata.

The purpose of the booth at the well-attended Ratha Yatra was to increase awareness of the Bhaktivedanta Research Center’s mission and encourage people to contribute to the mission in all ways possible. The initiative of Adopting A Shastra especially interested the visitors and many participated by adopting or donating for a particular scripture for a certain period of time and receiving a certificate of acknowledgement for the same. In addition BRC also distributed copies of  “Svalikhita Jivani,” its first publication which is a reprint of the autobiography of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur.

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Devotees with Balaram Lila Das at the stall.