ISKCON Noida organized a Padayatra from Noida to Vrindavana
NOIDA ROHIT SHARMA
ISKCON Noida organized a Padayatra from Noida to Vrindavana from 2nd October to 15th October. Hon’ble Minister of State for Tourism and Culture (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma inaugurated this yatra on 2nd October and congratulated ISKCON’s endeavor in the good spirit of nation. Yatra started from temple premises of ISKCON Noida. Padayatris walked through village to village and cities to cities while chanting and dancing on the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and spreading the message of peace. It took them 14 days to reach Vrindavana, while Padayatris were in ecstasy to walk more and spread the message of peace through chanting of the Holy Name. A beautifully decorated Sankirtan Rath with Bullock Cart were also there in Padayatra, giving this Padayatra an ethnic look. Bullock cart was being pulled by very beautiful pair of ox named Krishna and Balarama. Very beautiful deities of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, incarnation of Lord Krishna and Balarama in this age of Kali, were there on the cart.
Around 100s Padayatris started this Padayatra. As the Padayatra moved on the No. of Padayatris gone on to increase. Listening to the popularity of this Yatra, devotees from France, Paris, Mauritius and Australia also joined this and experienced the village life of devotees. Be it a village or a city, devotees got a very warm welcome. Though India is developing and walking with the technologies of World, village life is yet very simple. Plain hearted villagers accepted the Holy Name very enthusiastically. Many of them accepted Vedic Books such as Bhagawad Gita and pledged to live a life as directed by Lord Krishna. Around 5000 books were distributed in all along the Padayatra. Devotees performed Harinam on the streets of Villages and distributed prasadam to everyone, who ever came into the contact of this Yatra. India is a country of different languages and religions, however devotees were welcomed by the residents of all languages and different religions. Around 50000 plates of prasadam were distributed in different villages and cities. Everyone honored prasadam besides their language and religion.
During their 14 days of travel, devotees conducted many teaching programmes in schools, on chaupal, at home and at common places in the villages. Residents listen to the glories of the Holy Name very carefully and pledged to spread this message of peace to all. Many respected members of the society and celebrities welcomed the Padayatris in their town/village. Former education minister of U.P. Govt. Shri Nawab Singh Nagar welcomed the devotees and offered his prayer. Travelling through Military Camp Resort, ISKCON Gr. Noida, Azampur Garhi Village, Dronacharya Temple–Dankaur, Zewar, Tappal, Jadpura, Bazna, Barot, Naujheel, Taiti Village, Maunt, Bhandir Vana and Kaliya Dah this yatra reached Vrindavana on 15th October.
ISKCON is conducting this type of Padayatra all around the world. This Padayatra was conducted by the inspiration of His Holiness Lokanath Swami Maharaj, who himself has conducted hundreds of Padayatra through out the world. Around 550 years ago, Lord Chaitanya, who is Krishna Himself, predicted that His name will be chanted in every village and city of this world. The desire and prediction of Lord Chaitanya came true through this Padayatra.
His Grace Vanshidhar Das, Temple President, ISKCON Noida, on behalf of all the Padayatris humbly offered his prayer at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Govind Dev for protection of everyone & peace. He declared this yatra a great success and announced to conduct this type of Padayatra in near future also.
