This weekend we had our 3rd annual kids Ratha Yatra. For the past 6 weeks in Sunday School we've been reading the story of how Lord Jagannath appeared. All last week Mother Kamalini and Mother Maha Mantra headed up a Jagannatha camp for the kids. Daily from 9-1 the kids heard stories, chanted, had bhajans, offered arati, cut fruit offerings for Lord Jagannatha, Snana Yatra, arts & crafts and nature outings. This was such a sweet week for all to be absorbed in the service of the Lord of the Universe. Dayavira pr built a nice bigger cart.
The kids and some matajis were also busy the past couple of weeks in play practice- the appearance of Lord Jagannatha. I am happy Vrndavan & Lakshmi really like being in the plays. Everyone did such a great job. Everyone was very happy.
Unfortunately I missed the procession again because of having to be at the ballet studio. Pati took the kiddies though and he video taped it. Apurva prabhu & Gaurangi Priya cooked an amazing feast. There were so many people this year- each year this festival is growing. The weather was really nice- not too hot. Govinda pr and Maha-Mantra with their guitars led the Jagannatha-astakam prayers. There were about 5 sets of Lord Jagannatha deities in the temple room and as soon as the the singing of "Jaya Jagannatha" started everyone simultaneously stood up and danced with great enthusiasm. The festival led into the Sunday night feast. The play was performed again, esp for those that weren't here the previous day. We brought our Deities and this time I did a dance for Them since I couldn't on Saturday. Kalayan pr and his wife cooked a very opulent feast.
Today Mother Kamalini did a girls camp. They got nice gopi dots, did some cooking, and played Gopi games. Life has been so sweet & festive here! Jaya Jagannatha!!!!
