Written by Janaki Ramachandra Das (JPS Media)

Just now, Guru Maharaja attended the Kolkata Ratha Yatra. Thousands of devotees and local residents awaited to see Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Maharani.

Guru Maharaja first inaugurated Sri Baladeva’s Ratha, performing Atari and sweeping the ground. He then progressed to Subhadra Maharani’s and finally took darsan of Lord Jagannatha.

Guru Maharaja spoke about the importance of serving the Lord. “We usually ask the Lord for help but today is a good opportunity to ask the Lord how we can help Him” he said, encouraging everybody to be in the right mentality to serve. He also spoke about how we are assisting Lord Jagannatha to go back to Vrindavana on this Ratha Yatra.

After Guru Maharaja welcomed the Chief Minister of Kolkata, Mamata Banerjee, and various guest of honors with garlands and folded hands, different pujas were performed. HH Bhakti Caru Swami Maharaja also joined the inauguration and helped to serve the guest of honors. After the guest of honors left, Guru Maharaja and Bhakti Caru Swami together swept the floor in front of Lord Jagannatha and offered puja. The procession began with grand kirtans.