By the immense grace of Sri Jagannath Swamy Parivar, Sri Takurji and Sri Swamiji, Atlanta Namadwaar held Sri Jagannath Swamy Rath Yatra on the 9th of September 2023 at Sri Srinath ji’s Haveli – Gokul Dham.
The preparations for the event began many days ahead of the grant event. On Sep 8th, devotees gathered to get the Rath ready for the event. On the morning of the 9th, the decoration team took over and beautified the Rath to seat the Lord. Sri Jagannath ji Parivar, dressed in a bright yellow and gold attire and sparling jewelry were shining brighter than the Sun. Sri Jagannath ji Parivar were welcomed into Gokul Dham amidst the chanting of Mahamantra and to the sounds of Dhol played by an enthusiastic team of men and women.
Jagannath Parivar was seated on the Rath, along with the picture and Holy Padukas of Sri Swamiji. Priests from Sri Hanuman Mandir offered prayers to the Lordships and the Rath seeking blessings for a successful Rath yatra. Coconuts and Pumpkins were broken in front of the Rath before the commencement of the Rath Yatra.
Mr. John BradBerry – Mayor of the City of John Creek, flagged off the event. Mr. Rupal Vaishnav – State Judge, Forsyth County, Mr. Matt Reeves Georgia State Senator, Mr. Himanshu Karnal – Johnscreek Planning Commissioner and Dr. Syamala Erramilli – AAPI Board of Trustee and GAPI Ex- President were the other Special guests who attended the event.
The Rath carrying the Lordships went around the temple complex at Gokul Dham. Around 200 devotees young and old were dressed in bright and beautiful traditional attire. Everybody assembled joyfully chanted Nama and danced in front of the Rath. Devotees got a wonderful opportunity to pull the rath and seek blessings of the Lordship. The Rath Yatra concluded with Harathi and Pushpa Varsham. The Lordships were then taken inside the temple complex and seated for the Grand Chappan Bhog offering that was very lovingly made the devote Bhaktas. A large variety of food, fruits and snacks were offered to the Lordships.
The dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly to make this event a grand success were honored and lunch prasadham was served for all the guests.
Click on the link below to watch the highlights of the Rath Yatra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An5MEByEeqY
