By Sita Thakurani Devi Dasi (Senior Preacher and Guide)
On Saturday, August 10, 2024, ISKCON Noida held a one-day Vaishnavi padayatra, which was a grand success by the mercy of Guru and Gauranga.
The padayatra commenced at 4:30pm from the ISKCON temple, as devotees enthusiastically distributed books, prasadam and invitation pamphlets to the societies and markets along the route. Despite the heavy rain more than 500 devotees participated, walking more than 3 km while chanting harinamasankirtan.
The event saw Vaishnavis from various groups, including the ISKCON Girls’ Forum and the Manjari Group, travelling from Kurukshetra, Jalandhar, Sambhal and Delhi to join the padayatra. The Vaishnavis were divided into six groups: Radhika, Vishakha, myself, Lalita, Pavani Yamuna, and Vishnu Priya. The padayatra featured beautifully decorated jhankis (floats), including Ashta Sakhi and Radha Krishna, with a splendid rath carrying the deities of RadhaKrishna.
Throughout the padayatra, ten to fifteenbhoga offerings were made to Their Lordships, along with offerings of beautiful turbans, dresses and garlands. Snacks, cold drinks and fruits were distributed along the way. The Vaishnavis danced and sang together in blissful kirtan, accompanied by fourmridangas, fiftykartals and one bumper. More than forty-five small books and five big books were distributed.
We were honoured by the presence of our chief guest, as we gave a message to society on real women empowerment through the acceptance of Krishna consciousness. The protection and support of women is crucial for maintaining the chastity of society, ensuring a good generation for peace, tranquillity and progress.
All matajis took part, including those from the NTPC Bureau (India’s leading power generation company), as well as doctors, teachers, homemakers, newsreaders, mothers, and engineers. Padayatra was successful due to the cooperation of Vedanta Caitanya Dasa, Vamsidhar Dasa and Radhakund Dasa. All groups enthusiastically joined in despite the rain and throughout we were protected and supported by the police and the prabhujis from our group.
Padayatra concluded at 6:30pm as we returned to the temple, ending with a heartfelt Narsingh arati .To conclude the programme, the first of its kind on such a large scale in our temple’s history,sumptuous prasadam was served to the devotees.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the devotees who served and participated in this one-day padayatra, making it a memorable and spiritually uplifting occasion.
One-day Vaishnavi padayatra ki jai.
Srila Prabhupada ki jai.
