More than 15000 people chanted Hare Krishna at Trafalgar Square yesterday at the ISKCON Rathayatra

 
Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra arrive for the festival in a car driven by Sambhunatha dasa

This professional actor from India was playing the role of "Prabhupada" while Yadubara filmed him for the Abhay Charan video series.

Over 7000 people followed the parade through London's most prestigious sections.

The Rathayatra cart arrived on time at Trafalgar Square. The tall structure is known as Nelson's column, just near the British Parliament buildings.

CHAKRA (London, UK) - August 16, 1999: Rathayatra in London was bigger than ever yesterday, as 7000 people followed the procession from Marble Arch to Nelson’s Column at Trafalgar Square. It is the same route that Srila Prabhupada danced along in 1973.

This is the first time since the early 1980’s that the festival site and destination of the Rathayatra parade was Trafalgar Square. Years ago, Srila Prabhupada himself, the founder of the Hare Krishna Movement (ISKCON) sat upon the ledge of Nelson’s Column and gave initiation to dozens of enthusiastic new disciples. One of those disciples was Tribhangananda dasa, the main organizer of this year’s Rathayatra festival.

Dignitaries from the British Parliament as well as the UK Ambassador from Nepal attended the function. Twelve ISKCON sannyasis were also in attendance, including Sivarama Swami, Mahavisnu Swami, Jayapataka Swami, Tamal Krishna Goswami, Radhanatha Swami, Sacinandana Swami, Atmanivedana Swami, Amiya Vilasa Swami, etc.

“Many rules had to be broken to allow us to come here today,” said Master of Ceremonies, Kripamoya dasa Adhikari. “We are very appreciative of the Parliamentarians who pulled the right strings to allow this festival to happen here today.” He was speaking before a packed crowd of over 15000 people at the square.

Their Lordships ride upon the cart.

© CHAKRA 29-Nov-2003

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