This was the first time Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra came to Fremont and gave Their merciful darshan to all the people in Kali yuga. There was a big Parade for India's independence day celebration and the Lordships were on one ratha yatra cart. There was ecstatic kirtan led by several devotees including H.G Vaisesika Prabhu. Everyone were amazed by the kirtan. We distributed several books during the parade and many devotees participated during the parade book distribution.
After the parade, we set up a booth and we distributed quite some books and meditation kits. We gave meditation lessons and made friends with the neighbors. Sri Krsna Purusottama Prabhu was there for two days setting up the table, transporting the books and making friends with people from the other booths. He even distributed books shop to shop with in the festival. He was very merciful and gave Bhagavad Gita to the people in Art of living booth. He alone transported the books from the car to the festival site and back which shows his dedication to the Sankirtan movement of Lord Chaitanya.
We also had Vrindavan Priya Prabhu and Bhavani Mataji who took care of our table during the parade even before we asked them. They voluntarily came and stayed at the booth while everyone was at the Ratha yatra enjoying the darshan of Lord Jagannath. Vrindavan Priya prabhu distributed 35 books while we were in Parade and collected over a $100 in donation.
Kamesvari Mataji and Shailesh Prabhu were also there to set up the table on Saturday and they were in the festival both the days. Kamesveri was distributing while everyone was waiting for the parade to start and she collected $84. Damodar Prabhu was also dancing enthusiastically in the Kirtan and distributed lots of books.
Many devotees distributed books during the parade and at the booth. Rohini (Biswa Prabhu's daughter) seems very quiet, but she is a very good book distributor. She distributes books very expertly and collects nice donation as well. I have noticed her many times that she is eager to join the book distribution party. She came with us even when her parents were at the temple program during the BVT marathon.
Niral Prabhu and Khyathi Matji were distributing books and when it got very hot in the afternoon, they got water for all the devotees in the Parade. Then Tirtha Prabhu got a cart and picked up all the empty water bottles. Titha Prabhu as usual was dancing ecstatically in the kirtan. So was Bhumi’s mom.
Yash was also very enthusiastic and distributed many books in the parade. Bhumis' parents were there for two days and helped in distributing books. Chandra Prabhu, Nirja Mataji, Prurusottama Prabhu's friend also were distributing books. I may not have all the names who helped, but we are grateful to all the devotees who helped during this festival.
Janmastami Flyers: These were the most beautiful flyers that I have seen. Originally designed by Nitai Krpa Prabhu and modified by Bharani Mataji in a short notice and printed by Krsna Dharma Prabhu were super hit in the parade. Everyone wanted the flyers and we ran out of them. We distributed almost 1500 flyers during the parade.
Ys
Malini devi dasi.
