CHARIOTS JUST NOW COMING

Thursday, July 10th, 2025

Ramsden Park, Toronto

In the late 70s, our Los Angeles community organized what was probably the biggest Ratha Yatra to date, especially in the western world.  It was promoted in such a dynamic way.  The whole town was curious about a fest involving chariots.  Is it like the second coming of “Ben Hur?”  Alice Coltrane, legendary jazz musician, was going to appear and present mantras on the stage (I remember the melody she sang of the maha mantra from a recording).  Ramesvara Swami, the leader of the LA community, described the event as phenomenal.  I recall the hype before the show but heard less of the turnout and the level of success.  I assume it was good and reached many souls.

Now, back at the home frontier in Toronto, Canada, local community members are organizing their 53^rd year and will include three chariots rolling down iconic Yonge Street this Saturday.  There will not be a big celeb belching out Vedic music jazz style, but there is a promise of a lineup of great singers on harmonium and drum.  And to excite a crowd of bhakti yogis, a twelve-hour killer kirtan will kickstart the three-day function at 243 Avenue Road.  Day 2 in the parade ion Yonge followed by Saturday and Sunday’s Centre Island fun.

At this point of my writing, the grand chariots are not yet assembled, however, the temple on Ave is decorated to please the visitors coming from around the world.  It really has become an event of great anticipation.  Historical, cultural, and ‘adventural’ are ways to describe the importance of boosting the spiritual by way of engaging some impressive chariots.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU!

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