Wednesday, June 01, 2005
RATHA YATRA FESTIVAL ON THE 10TH July 2005 AT RACE COURSE ROAD. BETWEEN 4PM AND 10 PMChariot FestivalWe are planning to hold this annual festival of the chariots on the above date as part of our Temple’s annual program commemorating the pastimes of Lord Jagannath’s travel to Kurushetra.This year we are planning to have the festival for the first time in Little India i.e. in the open ground between Race Course road and Northumberland road between 4pm to 6pm.Three beautiful Chariots of 27feet high will be the center of the festival, where Their Lordship Lord Jagannath, Lady Subhdra and Lord Balaram will be seated and be hand drawn by the devotees around the open ground. There would be Kirtan or the accompaniment of devotees singing to the tune of traditional musical instruments like the Mridanga and KartalsThis very lively and entertaining event would last for about 2 hours over a one kilometer of open space.The significance of this festival is, anyone participating would secure a place in the Spiritual world, either by pulling the Chariot or by simply seeing them. This accrues the participant immense benefit. It is like redeeming one self from all sinful reactions. This is known to all Indians, it is a must attend festival. The avenue been in Little India itself is a blessing for them as it is very conveniently located.Crowd ExpectedWe are expecting a turnout crowd of about 5,000 over people, as it is normally celebrated as a grand festival in Jagannath Puri, Orissa India. There some 2 million people get together to celebrate this festival in grand style.Being one of its kind of festival here Singapore we are expecting a good turn out from the various Indian community such as the Oriya community coming from Orissa, the birth place of Lord Jagannath, The Bengali community coming from Bengal East India, the Gujarati community coming from Gujarat west India, the Bangla desh Hindus coming from Bangla Desh and the Tamilians from Singapore as well as from south India are all expected to attend.We do have a high number of Expatriate Indians professionals who are in the high income bracket, they too are expected to turn out in full force.In short we are expecting a good number to attend.Free RefreshmentsFor anyone attending the festival, free refreshment will be served which is expected to comprise of a full meal of Rice, vegetables, a sweet dessert and drinks.This would be a further enticement for the crowd.CostThe overall estimation for this festival is expected to be in the region of $100,000.We are appealing to everyone for their generous help and support to make it a successful event. Krishna Mandir
posted by krsna at Sunday, May 29, 2005
