Ratha Yatra debuts in Botswana
Dumisani Ncube | Monday June 6, 2016 18:00
The International Society organised the religious and cultural festival for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON Botswana). The event is hosted in over 500 countries in the world. Locally, it was held in Gaborone.
The Ratha Yatra, which was well attended by a multi cultural audience of devotees parading around the residential area of Phase II as they pulled a 14-metre high chariot as they sang devotional songs, played instruments such as drums, tambourines and trumpets.
Inside the chariot were three statues; the first one representing the Supreme Being Lord Jagannath and the other two typified his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Devotees took turns to pull the chariot, as it is highly believed that the moment one holds the rope to pull the chariot, their sins will be forgiven. Inside the chariot were officials who distributed fruits to the devotees and people around the Phase II area.
“On this day the Lord comes out of the temple or church to see the people just like when the King is going to see the people, he will be on a decorated chariot,” said Ashish Bhatia one of the Ratha Yatra Botswana organisers.
After the parade there was a huge feast and everyone was catered for as Hindu vegetarian dishes were served.
Bhatia explained that they made vegetarian dishes, because they do not believe in killing animals. “It’s on the basis of compassion; the animals are innocent and we cannot kill them for our personal gains,” he said.
Later on there was a cultural programme that comprised drama, dance and musical performances.
The festival also marked 50 Years of ISKON which has been coincided with the country’s 50 years of independence.