Historic Rathyatra & Record Book distribution in Surat

Dear devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glory to Srila Prabhupada.

Jay Jagannath… Jay Baldeva… Jay Subhadra…

This year, Surat experienced the largest and grandest Rathyatra in the past 25 years.

The day dawned with brilliant sunshine, illuminating the Rath and creating an atmosphere of transcendental happiness and celebration.

The city was filled with devotees rushing to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannatha. There was a very heavy rush throughout the path to see the Lords of the universe on the chariot.

In the Ratyatra Pared many kirtan parties were there and many idols were there to display Lord’s pastimes.

The whole Rathyatra parade was about 2 kilometres long.

Thus, Lord Jagannath embarked on His 15 km-long journey, accompanied by the soldiers of Prabhupada’s army, who held books in their hands. Amidst the enthusiastic crowds. The devotees
were searching and giving books to the fortunate souls. In the six hours of dedicated book distribution service, two book vans with 15 devotees were supplying books and about 150 devotees were running in the crowd or in the shops to distribute books enthusiastically. By the mercy of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra, they achieved the highest-ever record score for book distribution during any Rath Yatra Mahotsav in Gujarat.

The devotees organized a one-week book distribution marathon, starting from 11-06-2023 and culminating on the Rath Yatra auspicious day with a target of 51 sets of Srimad Bhagavatam and hundreds of transcendental books.

During Rathyatra Marathon, everyday devotees use to recite Jagannatha Ashtakam followed by reading Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on book distribution after Mangala aarti.

A few quotes are as follows;

“There is no doubt about it, distributing books is our most important activity. A temple is a place not for eating and sleeping, but as a base from which we send out our soldiers to fight with Maya. So you are the expert in this field.

I like also your programme of sending out your best men to teach the others. That is the actual process of Krishna Consciousness. To train others, continue this programme so that in the future every devotee in our movement will know the art of distributing books. This is approved by me.”

– Srila Prabhupada’s letter on August 3rd, 1973 to Rameswara Das Brahmachari, Los Angeles California, USA.

They distributed books with utmost enthusiasm, resulting in an awesome score:

89- Sets of Srimad Bhagavatam (18 Vol Set)
22- Set of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrta (9 Vol Set)
3798- Maha Big Books
384- Medium Books
2116-Small Books
200- Loose BTG copies

The whole Rathyatra was efficiently administered by HG Vrindavan Prabhu (President), Sachisuta Prabhu and HG Chandra-Govind Prabhu. Additionally, senior devotees from Surat graced the event with their presence. The book distribution parties were well-managed by HG Radhesh Prabhu and HG Arvindaksh Prabhu.

All glory to Srila Prabhupada and his transcendental book distribution.

For photos of the event, please follow this link: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=109632
https://photos.app.goo.gl/CN1zD3wpnvk7F3Sy6

With utmost humility,
Jagannath Damodar Das
On behalf of ISKCON Surat