Compiled by London Swaminathan
Date:27 July 2016
Post No. 3012
Time uploaded in London :– 21-37
( Pictures are taken by London swaminathan)
DON’T REBLOG IT AT LEAST FOR A WEEK! DON’T USE THE PICTURES; THEY ARE COPYRIGHTED BY SOMEONE.
(for old articles go to tamilandvedas.com OR swamiindology.blogspot.com)
Annual Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival of Iskcon) was held on 17th July 2016 in Central London. Like previous years, thousands of people gathered in Central London. Three Chariots started from Hyde Park and finished in Trafalgar Square. Through out the route thousands and thousands had the darshan of the three chariots. Tourists were amazed to see such a thing in central London. They took lot of pictures and selfies with the chariots, devotees and onlookers.
Hare Krishna devotes prostrated before the Rathas on the roads. Food was distributed to thousands of people at the finishing place. Throughout the route Bhagavad Gita and other books were distributed for a token donation. Devotees from other European cities also took part in it. Senior White and Black devotees were sitting on the Ratha at the foot of Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Dancing and singing added colour to the Rath Yatra. Several Bhajan groups were singing the name of Lord Krishna and Lord Rama. Even white women came in sarees. It was a colourful show. Children also joined their parents by walk and riding on their shoulders. I saw a few pregnant devotees and women with children in Prams.
Though twenty other Tamil Temples also conduct Chariot Festivals every summer, they use the local routes around their temples. Hare Krishna people are the only devotees allowed in Central London. Their discipline is well known. Very few police were visible. Crowd control and traffic control were done efficiently by the volunteers. It was an enjoyable day for the devotees and the tourists.
Though I have posted lot of pictures on face book, I have selected some good pictures and post here.
Namaskar to all devotees.
–Subham–
Tamil and Vedas 
R.Nanjappa (@Nanjundasarma)
/ July 29, 2016These pictures sure convey the joy of the occasion and gladden our hearts !
After all, Krishna is the embodiment of Ananda ! Whatever may be the philosophical nuance, Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON have spread this Ananda aspect of Krishna worship throughout the world !
These pictures bring to mind several scenes from the Bhagavata and other scriptures.
Jayati te adhikam Krishna janmana vraja :
Shrayata indira Krishna shashvadatra hi
O Krishna ! Because of your birth, this vrajabhumi.has become hallowed because Lakshmi always resides here !
Prahasitam priya premavikahanam
Viharanam cha te dhyana mangalam
Dear! Your smile. kind looks and lilas confer auspiciousness when we think of them.
Tava kathaamrutam tapta jeevanam
Kavi biriditam kalmashapakam
Sravana mangalam srimadaatatam
Bhuvi grunanti te bhurida janaa : [ Srimad Bhagavatam ]
The nectar of your stories infuse life into those troubled by the three afflictions. It is praised by great poets.It removes our sins. it is sweet and auspicious to listen to. Those who recite and spread it are the really fortunate ones.
Satatam kirtayanto maam yatantascha drudavrata
Namasyantascha maam bhaktya nityayukta upaasate Gita 9.14
Always singing My glories, striving with firm resolve, bowing down to Me in devotion, always steadfast, they worship Me.
Matchitta madhgataprana bodhayanta parasparam
Kathayanthascha Maam nityam thushyanticha ramanticha Gita 10.9
With their minds wholly on Me, with their senses focused on Me, enlightening one another, always speaking of Me, they are happy and delighted.
Thava vikreeditam Krishna nrunaam parama mangalam UddhavaGita. 6.44
Krishna! Every sport of yours confers auspiciousness on people!
It is really delightful to watch people in a different land celebrate Krishna with such joyous abandon! It is infectious !