© 1999 VNN
|
WORLD August 8, 1999 VNN4457 Comment on this story Toronto Rathayatra '99 A Huge Success BY KESHAV SHARMA  TORONTO, CANADA, Aug 8 (VNN) — Three glorious chariots donning Their Lordships Sri Jagannatha, Sri Baladeva & Srimati Subhadra Devi sat majestically at Yonge & Bloor as thousands of people crowded around to join the festivities. In what was easily one of the best Rathayatras in years, the three chariots loomed over thousands of people who were chanting, dancing, and singing the glories of the Lord! The parade then cruised down Yonge St. until it reached Harbourfront and from there the festivities continued to Centre Island for the remainder of the day and the weekend. The public was very receptive of the parade as they craned their necks to see what was going on, tapped their feet to the sounds of countless mrdangas banging away, and stood in awe of the colourful chariots as they were pulled down the road. The atmosphere was wondrous as Their Lordships graced downtown Toronto with Their presence. The chariots glistened in the sun and by the grace of Lord Jagannatha, the parade was a complete success. Devotees from all around the world came and celebrated the Festival of Chariots and they were greeted with a beautiful day where the sun was beaming down on thousands upon thousands of people who were rejoicing in God's presence. The parade was not the only aspect of the festivities though. The festival continued to Centre Island where everyone who came was greeted with the smell of a free vegetarian feast! Peoples' eyes were greeted with many exhibits featuring such topics as reincarnation, vegetarianism, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhativedanta Swami Prabhupada, and more! As one walked through the maze of exhibits one was able to view a vast array of different shows on the main-stages. Classical Indian dancing was carried out by several veteran dancers and the sounds of ancient India were brought back to life via the music and tinkle of anklebells emanating from the dancers' feet. The crowd was awed by the display of such expert and beautiful displays of dance. Everyone in attendance was in for a treat as Professor O'Connell from the University of Toronto came to talk about Hinduism and how wonderful the International Society for Krishna Consciousness was. He elaborately explained many facets of Hinduism and displayed a fraction of his vast amount of knowledge pertaining to ancient Hinduism and modern Krishna Consciousness. He talked about the impact that Lord Caitanya had on modern-day beliefs and practices in Hinduism and praised the teachings of Lord Caitanya. Professor O'Connell also mentioned events and influential people from the past who have greatly affected the ideals of Hinduism. He spoke wonderfully and was warmly accepted by everyone on the island. Meanwhile, throughout the days, almost at any given point-in-time, there was heart-thumping kirtan going on! His Grace Vaiyasaki Das had a tremendous kirtan going on that had everyone on their feet clapping and/or dancing. The sounds of Krsna reverberated throughout the area and you couldn't help but tap your foot along with the rhythmic beat of the mrdangas! All in all, Rathayatra 1999 was a huge success and it was evident that Krsna-kirtan was in the air as, throughout the weekend, the public was drawn-in by the sounds of the chanting and singing going on. We, at ISKCON Toronto, are looking forward to next year's Rathayatra which should be extra special as it will be Rathayatra in the year 2000!!! We hope to see you there! Links to Note: ISKCON Toronto Online: http://www.iskcon.net/toronto/ Rathayatra '99 Videos: http://www.iskcon.net/toronto/festivals/rath_gallery_vid.html Rathayatra '99 Pictures: http://www.iskcon.net/toronto/festivals/rath_gallery_pic.html This Year's Poster For Toronto Rathayatra http://www.iskcon.net/toronto/rathpost.jpg Comment on this story  Contact VNN about this storySend this story to a friend
|
