The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple, Boston, MA organized it’s Annual grand Jagannath Rath Yatra known as the festival of Chariot Procession on Saturday, Jun 24, 2023. Boston City witnessed a unique spectacle as the Rath Yatra proceeded from 1 Cambria Street to Boston Commons. The festival symbolizes the journey of Lord Jagannath from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in Odisha. It also represents the celebration of spirituality, devotion, inclusiveness, and the unity of people from diverse backgrounds and spreading the message of peace, joy, and unity in the world.

Kicking off the celebrations, hundreds of devotees gathered at 1 Cambria Street, where installation of deities on a beautifully decorated chariot and chanting of a soul-stirring devotional Kirtans took place. Then, the Rath Yatra parade began with devotees who immersed themselves in the melodious rhythms, connecting with their inner selves and embracing and enjoying the power of collective devotion. Devotees enthusiastically pulled the magnificent chariot carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Lady Subhadra, symbolizing the journey of divine love and one by one swept the street for the chariot to roll on. Along the procession, the experience of seeing the devotees dressed up in colorful traditional dresses, singing in chorus and dancing to the rhythms of the devotional Sankirtans was very delightful. One could see the spiritual energy as devotees and onlookers joined together for an ecstatic Kirtan. The vibrant chanting and dancing infused the busy atmosphere of Copley Square with a feeling of joy and tranquility, captivating the attention of all who passed by.

After reaching the Boston Commons, devotees witnessed an amazing scene of various tents in the festival area - including a special tent for Deity darshan, and Festival Events tent, Prasadam tent, Questions &Answer tent, Bhagwat Gita tents, Yoga tent that was meant to have a 20 minute Yoga routine for every beginner and celebrated International Yoga Day as well, Chanting Tent, The Science of  Incarnation tent, Spiritual Fashion Tent, Children’s books and fun activity tent, Henna and face painting tents and many other tents. The experience was further enhanced by a delightful Prasadam provided by ISKCON kitchen team fostering a sense of community and sharing.

The events of the day started with a welcome Kirtan by HG Param Rupa Das, followed by a spiritual talk by HH Niranjan Swami who highlighted main objectives of ISKCON and the Maha Prabhu Prabhupada efforts in spreading spirituality in the West after landing in Boston. Radhapriya Thakur presented a beautiful Bharatnatyam dance on Madhurashtakam. Sunday school kinds lead by Anjum sang a melodious Jagannathashtakam Bhajan and received a great appreciation by the audiences. Then came a Kuchipudi dance on Bridababa Nilaye by Subhadra Sontha. She displayed her matured dance skills and graceful body movements. Purav and Gopal Mamdyal presented Jai Jai Jagannath Sachirnandana bhajan to audiences. Another lovely Bharatnatyam dance on Bala Gopal Tarangam was presorted by Radha Biswas. Padmagopika, Subhadra, Radha and Purav sang an enchanting Hari Haraye Namah bhajan. Kusumangi brought to the stage a new style of Hip Hop dance on a Krishna devotional song. Outstanding Odissi dance on Madhurashtakam was presented by Mahek. Uddhava Prema Prabhu and other devotees sang a Krishna bhajan with enormous energy and made the devotees on the stage and off the stage get up and dance to his melody and rhythms of the instruments.

Maha Prema moderated the cultural programs very thoughtfully and diligently. Kavitha Rajan decorated Deity tent and coordinated the sponsorship program as well. She thanked all the sponsors for their generous contribution and their support to the grand event. ISKCON temple president, Vanamali Prabhu thanked all the volunteers, sponsors, devotees and participants from the greater Boston area who made the event a grand success.

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