NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Cumming, GA, July 16, 2025: On June 28, the streets of Cumming came alive with the sights and sounds of devotion as the Gaudiya Vaishnava Association (GVA) held its annual Ratha Yatra festival, drawing over 250 participants. Now in its third decade, GVA continues its mission to spread bhakti-yoga and the chanting of Lord Krishna’s holy names, under the guidance of its Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace Shreela Bhakti Swarupa Tirtha Maharaj.
The celebration, rooted in the centuries-old tradition from Puri, Odisha, featured the chariot procession of the deities Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva and Shreemati Subhadra Devi. With weeks of preparation behind them, Gurukula and youth students of GVA kicked off the event with classical dance, kirtans, and dramatic leelas recounting the Lord’s pastimes. A youth-led presentation distilled the spiritual message behind the Lord’s appearance into simple language that resonated across age groups.
Following an opening arati, the vibrantly decorated chariot—adorned with fresh flowers and silken banners—began its journey. Children led the way pulling the ropes, while devotees surrounded the chariot singing jubilant kirtans to the rhythm of karatalas and mridangas. Volunteers offered refreshments along the route—fresh juices, buttermilk, and water—to help beat the summer heat. In a cherished tradition from Puri, some devotees swept the chariot’s path as a symbolic act of service.
The high point of the procession came during Harinama Sankeertana, as collective chanting led to spontaneous dancing and deep spiritual joy. The chariot eventually returned to the festival grounds for a final arati and a sumptuous feast of prasadam served to all in attendance.
GVA continues to host weekly satsangs, home programs, and monthly gatherings. For more information, the community is encouraged to visit www.bhagavatvani.org or call 1-888-9GVA-USA.
