Media Release
Mangaluru, February 19: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is a worldwide renowned spiritual and charitable organisation. It has about 400 centres with lakhs of devotees and millions of followers around the world. It’s founder Acharya his divine grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who pioneered in spreading the vedic culture all around the globe had once said, “Our only aim and objective is to provide an opportunity and enlighten the society with a simple experience of a life of contentment, good health, peace, solace and all good virtues through god consciousness.
The ISKCON Mangaluru branch is organising the 12th Annual Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra festival on Saturday, February 21 at Dr TMA Pai Intenational Convention Centre, Mangaluru. His grace Madhu Pandit Dasa, president of ISKCON Bengaluru and chairman of the Akshaya Patra Foundation will preside over the function.
The colourful ratha yatra procession will be flagged off after an inaugural special puja is performed at 05.30 pm. from Dr TMA Pai Convention Centre. The majestically decorated and illuminated spectacular chariot carrying the deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama procession will proceed from Dr TMA Pai Convention Centre MG Road and pass through PVS Circle, Navabharath Circle, KS Rao Road, Hampankatta, Market Road, GHS Road, PM Rao Road, KS Rao Road and back to MG Road and culminate at Dr TMA Pai Convention Centre at 08.30 pm which will be followed by Bhajans, Sankirtans and Maha Mangala Arati and serving of prasadam by the volunteers.
The entire procession will be spiritually powered by the loud and ecstatic chanting and reciting of the Hare Krishna Hare Rama kirtans by the devotees accompanied by dancing in front of the chariot by the followers. The public during the course of ratha yatra can also offer flowers, fruits, puja/arati etc to the lord. They can also additionally spread rangoli in front of their houses/shops along the ratha yatra route.
Devotees from Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharastra and Andhra Pradesh will participate in this festival.