The vibrant streets of Ilford came alive with colour, music, and fervent spirituality as the community gathered to celebrate the 10th Annual Jagannath Rathayatra, the Chariot Festival. This auspicious event, steeped in tradition and devotion, marked a decade of joyous processions and community celebration.The day commenced with the melodious sounds of traditional Kirtans and the sweet fragrance of incense wafting through the air. Devotees, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, eagerly gathered around elaborately decorated chariots, there was one small chariot with small Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhdra deities for children and big chariot was for bigger deities. Both the chariots were so astonishingly decorated with flowers, garland and balloons.
As the day was so nice and with perfect weather without any heat or cold, the grand procession began. The beginning ceremony was conducted by HG Yadubara Das (disciple of HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada) and HG Doyal Mora Das (ISKCON London President) by doing worship of Jagannath and breaking the coconut to mark the start of procession. Deputy Mayor of Redbridge Saira Zamil was the chief guest of the event and she worshipped Lord Jagannath and sweeped the street to welcome Lord Jagannath on the streets of Ilford and all our hearts. Cllr Pushpita Gupta, Cllr Kumud Joshi and Cllr Pushpa Makwana were the other guests from the council and all worshipped Lord Jagannath to start the Festival.
HG Yadubara Das, HG Doyal Mora Das and HG Parasuram Das inaugurated the festival
The rhythmic beats of drums and the chanting of prayers filled the atmosphere as the colourful chariots, adorned with flowers and intricate artwork, made their way through the heart of Ilford. Spectators lined the streets, capturing the essence of the divine celebration with awe and reverence. Thousands of devotees pulled the chariots and sang and danced with their hearts to celebrate the amazing day of the Lord of the Universe. As the procession went through Cranbook Road towards Valentines Park, all neighbourhood people and shopkeepers and passer by people were awestruck to see this grand festival of singing and dancing and pulling the chariots on the street. Everyone seemed so happy and taking part in this festival.
Children and all community members were so well dressed up for this festival
After reaching to Valentines Park, the most awaited Park festival began. There were so many wonderful eye catching colourful stalls. There was Japa garden where visitors were chanting Hare Krishna Mantra on 108 steps with beautiful journey of spiritual life. Children tent was full of fun and ecstasy with their amazing dance, drama, singing, sloka recitation. It included Arts/crafts, Henna, Mehandi and much more. This year the organisers added kids game called escape room where children had to escape the illusion of the material world and feel the bliss of spiritual life. Bouncy castle was also attracting all children’s attention. Kirtan Yoga tent was giving great vibration of mantra meditation with sweet melodious singing. All visitors were registering their interest in upcoming events in the congregation tent.
Children were so excited for face paint – simple ecstasy
In the Main tent where all cultural performances for the pleasure of Lordships happen, Deputy Mayor and other councillors addressed the visitors and thanked them for participating in the event. There were dance performances by children, drama by seniors, singing by the youth band followed by a spiritual talk by HG Doyal Mora Das who launched the concept of “Bless your Home” by inviting Krishna in the upcoming November month.
Launch of “Bless your home” with blessings of Krishna by Doyal Mora Das
Dancing children simply attracted everyone and the Lordships
The most attractive tent was the Jagannath Darshan where the Lordships Jagannath Baladeva and Subhdra maharani and Sri Nitai Gaura blessed all the visitors. Every visitor paid their obeisances to the deities and took mahaprasadam and spiritual literature by Srila Prabhupada. All the visitors were so ecstatic taking darshan of many deities of Nitai Gaura who was offered nearly 150 different varieties of Bhoga offerings.
There was free vegetarian prasadam distribution where nearly 4000 plates of scrumptious prasadam distributed to all visitors. Many other stalls in Bazaar were also attracting visitors to buy some traditional outfits and spiritual items.
Nearly 4000 free vegetarian sanctified prasadam were distributed to all visitors
A notable highlight of the event was the involvement of the younger generation. Children, with faces painted in vibrant colors, enthusiastically participated in the procession, symbolizing the passing on of cultural heritage and values to the next wave of devotees.
The organizers took the opportunity to express their gratitude to the community for a decade of unwavering support. Speeches were delivered, acknowledging the growth of the festival over the years and its role in fostering unity and understanding among diverse groups.
No one could hold their smile and laugh, such a great and joyful day
As the day drew to a close, there was a final rocking kirtan by Parasuram Das and Tribhangananda Das, marking the sweet end of a memorable celebration. The 10th Annual Chariot Festival in Ilford not only celebrated a decade of devotion but also served as a testament to the power of community, faith, and the enduring spirit of tradition in the heart of East London.
This East London Rathayatra festival is dedicated to His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who brought this wonderful festival to the western world and there are thousands of such festivals are celebrated every year around the world.
Hare Krishna!
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Another great example of showcasing the peaceful and all inclusive aspect from one of tge branches of our ancient religions. The presentation, historic significance, art, colours and humility all combined in the Ratha Yatra on the streets of Ilford is real boost for more of our youngsters to keep abreast to our roots