(RNS) — New Yorkers expecting to see Knicks celebrations and visitors in town for the World Cup were surprised Saturday (June 13) to encounter a series of colorful chariots adorned with jewel-toned balloons, surrounded by thousands of singing and chanting worshippers.
More than 25,000 devotees of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) attended the parade, according to organizers. Worshippers wrapped in silk saris and patterned tunics pulled three 25-foot-high chariots displaying the statues of Krishna, his older brother Balarama and his younger sister Subhadra down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The procession marked the 50-year anniversary of ISKCON’s first Ratha Yatra, or “Chariot Journey.”
With over 1 million devotees in more than 80 countries, ISKCON has historic roots in Hinduism but places itself under Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a monotheistic tradition within Hinduism dating back to 15th century India. The movement anchors itself in venerating Krishna through bhakti yoga, which features meditation, kirtan (devotional chanting) and Vedic principles and began in New York City in 1966.
Around 10 a.m., monks readied the deities and the chariots as worshippers arrived. Devotees crowded into slivers of shade to escape the beating sun. Hundreds danced, chanting “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare.”
By 11 a.m., the Yatra was ready to commence. Saffron-robed monks offered a blessing. Devotees picked up ropes tied to each side of the wooden chariots. As a priest …