20080119-20 Moscow Winter Ratha-yātrā

I went to Moscow on 19^th and 20^th of January, 2008. It was 3 degrees below zero, but there was little snow. When I arrived I was given a nice carnation flower garland at the airport. That night we had a class in the new Jagannātha Temple. It was so packed in the temple room!

The next morning we had a seminar class on the holy name reading and discussing Kṛṣṇa-nāmāṣṭakam by Rūpa Gosvāmī. At the end we chanted some rounds of japa together.

Last night it had snowed so everything was white. Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja dāsa's Bhakti-vṛkṣa group had prepared a palenquin take carry small Jagannātha, Subhadrā and Baladeva Deities. We had a winter Ratha-yātrā in downtown Moscow with over 500 devotees chanting and dancing. I also led kīrtana for sometime.

Lord Jagannātha was dressed up in warm clothing and looked very beautiful. Ladies were dancing in front of Their Lordships Jagannātha, Baladeva and Subhadrā. It wasn't so cold so my hands stayed warm from the vibration of the large whompers.

In the 2^nd evening a hall was rented in a nice Hotel. It was filled with devotees and I gave a class and at the end we had questions and answers session. There was also an introduction from different leaders of the local Bhakti-vṛkṣa groups and Nāmahaṭṭas. Their testimonials were very motivating and enlivening. We gave out sweet prasāda. Everyone was very enthusiastic.

After the program I met some Indian students studying medicine in Russia. They are chanting and have a program in their campus. On Monday morning we had a class at the temporary temple which ISKCON Moscow still stays at while the new temple is being arranged. The temple was full.

After class we had darśana with the devotees. Then I flew back to my zone. This is the brief history of the first winter Ratha-yātrā in Moscow! I was hosted by Acyuta dāsa and Vilāsinī devī dāsī, who who very kind. Cooking was done by a large team of whom leaders were Lavaṅga Rādhikā devī dāsī and Ānanda Līlā devī dāsī.

Thanks to all devotees and to Aṅgīra Muni dāsa who coordinated everything on behalf of ISKCON Moscow. My personal service was done by Ajita Caitanya dāsa and Mādhurya Kādambinī devī dāsī, who also did translation. Travelling Secretary was Hema Lāvaṇya dāsa.

Your well-wisher always,

Jayapatākā Swami