Processions to celebrate the Rath Yatra festival were held with great fanfare at BAPS centers in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Christchurch, Perth and Sydney with the support of local officials, authorities, community leaders and well-wishers. Pujan of the murtis on beautifully decorated raths (chariots) was performed with the chanting of Vedic verses in the presence of invited dignitaries. Hundreds of devotees pulled the chariots through the streets with great devotion and delight as children and youths wearing traditional costumes rejoiced in traditional dances. After the processions BAPS swamis gave enlightening speeches, explaining that the significance of the Rath Yatra festival is to pray to Bhagwan to guide our chariot of life. The processions concluded with everyone joining in to perform the arti.