Singapore Ratha Yatra '08 - A Big Preaching Success

BY: RAM GOPAL DAS

The Straits Times newspaper’s Ratha Yatra clipping,
Dated 14th Jul, 2008

Jul 23, SINGAPORE (SUN) — The Singapore Ratha Yatra ’08 or the 'Festival of Chariots' was recently concluded on 13th Jul, 2008. It was held at Toa Payoh Stadium for its third consecutive year. The guest-of-honor for the festival this year, His Honorable Mr. Inderjit Singh, MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, represented the head of state for Singapore and performed the long-standing tradition of sweeping, as is done by the King of Orissa just before the start of pulling of the chariot.

Devotees and visitors alike started streaming into the stadium as early as 4.30 pm and they were kept engaged at the store either by the books, paraphernalia or the Ratha Yatra documentary displayed on a large LCD screen. The three chariots belonging to Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Lady Subhadra were beautifully decorated with newly sewn extravagant embroidery, throngs of strung up fragrant flower garlands and plenty of various colored balloons. At the time of arati when the Deities were on their respective chariots, the space between the stadium tracks and the stadium terraces was packed with so many people that there was hardly any space to maneuver.

His Honourable Mr. Inderjit Singh pulling the chariot rope
Tamil Murasu newspaper, dated 15th Jul 08

After the arati, His Honorable Mr. Inderjit Singh flagged off the pulling of the chariots by sweeping the path leading to the chariot of Lord Jagannath. Thereafter he joined in the pulling of the chariot, much to the surprise of everyone.

As the festival continued, devotees took the opportunity to distribute the transcendental books of Srila Prabhupada as well as other paraphernalia that included Lord Jagannath keychains, pendants, stickers, posters and even T-shirts designed by Sri Krishna Mandir’s own brahmachari. Prasadam was freely distributed to the public along with mouth-watering laddus and cakes.

Visitors spoken to felt that the festival was well organized and they felt happy that they were part of such a wonderful and colorful festival. His Honorable Mr. Inderjit Singh received two books as a token of appreciation for his participation in the festival: The Science of Self-Realization and Bhagavad-Gita As It Is. He is said to be reading The Science of Self-Realization daily, making him one of the highest ranking officials in Singapore reading the transcendental books of Srila Prabhupada.

One of Sri Krishna Mandir objectives was to create awareness among Singaporeans as well as the growing expatriate communities on Ratha Yatra, which is relatively unheard of in this part of the world. Hence, invitations were sent out to established media offices. And by the mercy of Lord Jagannatha, the festival was attended by about 3,500 people, which is a record in the Singapore Yatra history. It was published in color in the largest selling English and regional award-winning newspaper, The Straits Times, as well as in the Tamil newspaper.

The success of this festival attributes to the fact the devotees at Sri Krishna Mandir follow the orders of their spiritual master, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada rigidly and preach accordingly without any liquidation to his work. Lord Jagannatha in that manner becomes pleased when His pure devotee is served properly and so The Lord of the Universe rewards accordingly.

Jai Jagannatha Ratha Yatra ki Jai!
Jai Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!