Strong First Week for Chariot
The Ratha Yatra (chariot) is nearing completion of the first week of its 50-day journey through the state of Odisha, India, to promote the upcoming Chaturveda Yajna. In each city the momentum continues to grow, with crowds of devotees greeting the chariot at the outskirts of each destination and escorting it through the streets, dancing and singing and chanting.
The chariot remains in each place for less than 24 hours, arriving to great fanfare in late afternoon or evening, often followed by a talk by Swamiji and leaders from the local spiritual organizations. The chariot team is usually provided with guest lodging, and otherwise sleeps in tents.
The morning schedule continues to be fine-tuned as the team adjusts to life on the road. By 6 am the chanting of the Sri Vishnu Sahasranam and Bhagavad Gita has begun, followed by mini Veda yajna lasting about one hour.
After breakfast, the chariot winds through the streets led by cymbal-playing devotees announcing the opportunity to contribute to the Chaturveda Yajna. Prasad (blessed food) is distributed to all, whether or not they put any money into the offering boxes that are carried from door to door on both sides of the street. The momentum of this material support also keeps expanding, with each day’s collections consistently higher than the day before.
National television and state newspapers covered the launch of the chariot, and local media continue to provide daily coverage.
Follow the chariot online at Instagram.com/Satyachetana
[Posted by Vishnudash]