The 16^th Annual Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra in Dharwad

Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Ratha Yatra, the chariot procession was organized by ISKCON at Dharwad today(10/2/2018).  The inaugural function was held at Kalabhavan, Dharwad at 4.30 pm in the gracious presence of Sri Siddha Shivayogi Mahaswamigalu of Sri Siddharood Math, Devarhubli and Pandit Sri Bhimsen Acharya Malagi, Madhwa Scholar.  Sri Sadanand Dangannavar, Chairman, NWKRTC was also present

The chariot of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram traversed through the main streets of Dharwad such as Vijaya Road, Gandhi Chowk, Subhas Road, Tikare Road, Line Bazaar and P.B. Road.  Hare Krishna Mahamantra resounded throughout the city lifting the devotional mood in the people.  The procession came to an end at 8.30 pm at Kalabhavan Kadapa Maidan.  A grand Mahamangalarati was performed to their Lordships.  All the assembled devotees were fed with full meal prasadam.

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Glorious Ratha Yatra Festival at Huballi, Karnataka

The glorious procession of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama in a chariot, Ratha Yatra Festival was conducted by ISKCON Hubli-Dharwad on February 3rd  2018.  The procession started with an inaugural function at Durgadbail circle, one of the busiest places in Huballi at 5:30pm.  The Ratha Yatra was flagged off by Sri Sri Abhinava Swamiji of Hosalli Math along with Sriman Madhupandit Dasa, President, ISKCON Bangalore and Pandit Narasimhacharya Korlahalli, Madhwa Scholar. 

The deities, Sri Sri Krishna Balarama were graciously adorned in gorgeous garments with golden embellishment and dazzling jewels.  Seated in a Ratha, colourfully decorated with flowers and fancy lights, their Lordships took their pleasure stroll in the busy streets of Huballi.  An artist ensemble from Kerala lead the procession with chenda melam performance convoyed with gracious dance steps.  The people of Huballi basked in the mood of devotion as Sri Sri Krishna Balaram casted their merciful glances upon them.  

The devotees were totally absorbed in the ecstasy of devotion with constant singing of Hare Krishna Mahamantra accompanied by musical instruments such as cymbals, mridangas, congo drums and flute.  The holy names Hare, Krishna and Rama echoed throughout and engorged the people. 

The Chariot rambled through the busy streets of Huballi such as Maratha Galli, Station Road, Lamington Road, Koppikar Road, Victoria road, Dajibanpet,  Ranichennamma circle, Court circle, Mini vidhan soudha.  Pedestrians and commuters willingly gave way to the procession to progress.  The streets were sprinkled with water and colorful rangoli were laid down by enthusiasts.  Their Lordships were suitably welcomed by the people by showering flower petals and offering fruits & coconut.  About one lakh cups of Kichadi prasadam was served throughout the procession path.   

The Chariot reached Nehru ground at 8:30pm.  The deities were carried on an aesthetically decorated Pallaki from Ratha to the Dias.  Spectacular fireworks were displayed in the premises to welcome the deities.  Sriman Madhupandit Dasa delivered a short engaging discourse on chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra.  The deities gave their darshan to the huge congregation of devotees assembled in the vast stadium at 9:30pm with the accompaniment of roaring kirtans. 

The festival came to a close at 10pm with distribution of sumptuous prasadam to more than  4000 people. 

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Lord Nityananda is the expansion of Lord Balarama
and the eternal associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He is fondly called as Nitai. Lord Nityananda is the cardinal guru of all the universes. Without the mercy of Lord Nityananda, no one can understand Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He appeared two decades before the appearance of Lord Chaitanya in the second half of 15th century in
Ekachakra, West Bengal.

The appearance day of Lord Nityananda was grandly observed at ISKCON Hubli-Dharwad on 29tt Janaury 2018. Special programs like Pallakki Utsav, Mahaabhishekam and a special discourse attracted a huge congregation of devotees to the temple in the evening. The devotees had a spiritual fare with their Lordships Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.

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The auspicious occasion of Sri Nammalvar entering into the Kingdom of God, Vaikuntha, was celebrated with all enthusiasm and gaiety at ISKCON Hubli-Dharwad today(29th December 2017).  The temple was bustling with activities throughout the day. Devotees were pouring in to have the darshan of their Lordships on this auspicious day. 

The day’s celebrations started as early as 4:30am with grand Mahamangalarati to Sri Sri Krishna Balaram.   Hundreds of devotees participated in the programs at such wee hours of the day.  Lord Krishna adorned as Chaturbhuja Vaikuntha Narayana, gave his magnificent darshan at 8:00am.  This was followed by bhajans and kirtans glorifying Lord till 8:30am.  The devotees sang and danced gracefully in front of the deities. The specially erected gold painted Vaikuntha Dwara was opened in the presence of Sri D.K.Chavan, Mayor, HDMC , Dr.Ch. V.S.V. Prasad, MD, Swarna Group of Companies, Sri Rajiv Lochan Dasa, President, ISKCON Hubli-Dharwad and other devotees at 8:30am.  The devotees passing through the Vaikuntha Dwara entered the temple and had the darshan of Vaikuntha Narayana.  They were seen soused in devotional mood. 

A special deity of Sri Srinivas Govinda, made out of mud, especially for this occasion was installed for darshan in a Visesha Mandapa.  The deity was decorated with dazzling jewels and fresh colourful flowers to resemble Tirupati Balaji.  Laksharchana seva – the chanting of 1 lakh names of the Lord, was offered to the deity throughout the day.  All the visitors to the temple were given an opportunity to personally offer flower archana to the kalashas that were aesthetically arranged in front of the Visesha Mantapa in temple cultural hall.

Seeking the blessings of Lord Srinivasa and praying for world peace and harmony, a grand Venkateswara Homa was performed in the Vanamali Lawns.  Hundreds of devotees were seen chanting the holy names of the Lord during the Homa. 

Evening witnessed the artists of North Karnataka coming together to glorify the Lord.  Krishna Bhajans were sung by Sri Anilkumar P. Miskin & group.  Vidushi Sahana Bhat and her team presented a dance drama entitled ‘Sri Krishna Lila’.

Overall, the festival was a majestic spiritual fare with thousands of devotees participating in the day long events with vigour and zeal.  All the visitors to the temple were served with prasadam in leaf cups.