The festival of rathyatra was celebrated with great fanfare and enthusiasm on 29 June 2014 at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Sydney.
The festivities began with dhun and prarthana, followed by discourses and kirtans which brought the essence of rathyatra to life for all the devotees.
Based on ancient tradition of parading the murtis of God in a decorated chariot at Jagannathpuri, a beautifully decorated rath (chariot) bearing Harikrishna Maharaj and the murtis of Jagannathji, Baldevji and Subhadraji were pulled by the Sydney Bal Mandal.
Parramatta MP Hon. Dr. Geoff Lee visited the Mandir and on this festive occasion spoke about the importance of community events and how the mandir, in particular, plays an integral role in the development and strengthening of local communities.
The sabha concluded with arti and mahaprasad.