Vrindavan: Vrindavan witnessed a beautiful blend of devotion and selfless service on Saturday as the ISKCON temple organised a grand Rath Yatra of Lord Krishna and Balaram to mark the disappearance festival of Srila Prabhupada. Foreign devotees participating in the procession attracted attention by performing Sohni Seva, a traditional Braj practice of sweeping and cleaning the procession route.
Some devotees were seen clearing the road ahead of the chariot, while others enthusiastically participated in Harinam Sankirtan, dancing to the rhythms of mridang and kartal while chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
How did the Rath Yatra begin?
The procession commenced from the central park of Omaxe Colony, where the deities of Lord Krishna and Balaram were worshipped amid Vedic chants. After the offering of Chhappan Bhog, the deities were placed on a beautifully decorated chariot adorned with flowers.
Devotees then accompanied the chariot with devotional songs, religious slogans and continuous chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Several foreign devotees dressed in traditional Indian attire, with tilak on their foreheads, participated in the celebrations with great enthusiasm.
Foreign devotees embrace Braj’s tradition of service
One of the most striking features of the procession was the participation of foreign devotees in Sohni Seva. They swept and cleaned the road ahead of the chariot, following a traditional practice deeply associated with the culture of Braj.
Members of the kirtan group were also seen dancing, singing devotional songs and raising slogans in praise of Lord Krishna. Inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, thousands of people from India and abroad have embraced Krishna consciousness and Vaishnav traditions, a spirit that was clearly reflected during the procession.
Rath Yatra concludes at ISKCON Gaushala
From Omaxe Colony, the chariot proceeded through Prem Mandir before reaching the ISKCON temple, where the deities were welcomed with an aarti. Devotees visiting Vrindavan during the holy month of Kartik also gradually joined the procession.
At around 5 pm, the chariot reached Vidyapeeth Chowk before moving through Atalla Chungi and the Parikrama Marg towards the ISKCON Gaushala. Upon reaching the destination, the deities of Lord Krishna and Balaram were brought down from the chariot and aarti was performed.
The programme concluded with the distribution of prasad among devotees. The participation of Indian and international followers once again reflected how devotion to Lord Krishna transcends geographical boundaries.
