NEW YORK WITH A 50 & A 60

Saturday, June 13th, 2026

Manhattan, New York

Over all these years, the one chariot that our dear guru, Prabhupada, sat in during that iconic 1976 Ratha-yatra, is still around. Actually, the New York community in ISKCON is celebrating their 50th, so seeing a preserved conveyance like this makes this three-chariot fest quite special.

Crowds thronged! They sweat in the heat. I experienced it firsthand. My kurta got white crusted lines on the front and back. It can be hard work, putting out all that energy, especially when leading the chant. It was nice to see pilgrims come from Florida, California, Vancouver, Montreal, and all in between.

The other item that makes this summer event so unique is that sixty years ago ISKCON got incorporated in New York City, making it quite the celebration.

Going back to the crowds, it can be a bit taxing being a sannyasi, a monk in the final order. Every ten seconds and you have someone approaching and offering reverences.

Though I liked the event, I won't hesitate to critique. The musical instruments were lacking (not enough drums). There was a schedule for kirtan leads, but it wasn't followed. The stage drew people, but there was no shade for the audience. The food was plenty, but it would be nice to go a bit more healthy with the menu.

Despite all, joy did burst out.

Our two buses made it back for parking in Towaco, New Jersey. A good effort was put out. There was a lot of joy in the air.

MONKS IN NEW YORK.

A DAY TO DRINK THE BEST.

MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU

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