The Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) of Lord Jagannatha has begun in Sri Jagannatha Puri Dhama. Every year students of Chaitanya Academy send an offering for the service of Lord Jagannatha on the day of His Suna Vesha (golden attire) ceremony at the culmination of the Ratha Yatra, to welcome Sri Krsna on his return to the flower-pavilion (nikunja-bhavan) of Srimati Radhika.

Contributions go directly to the main organizer and chief servant of Sri Jagannatha Deva during the Ratha Yatra, our dear family friend, Raja Dayitapati (see photo 1), the present-day descendant and representative of Visvavasu, the first servant of Lord Jagannatha when He appeared in this world in ancient times. The contributions will be used especially for the lavish decorations and bhoga offerings made by Srimati Radhika and Her sakhis on the occasion of their joyful reunion with Sri Krsna.

Whatever amount you send, no matter how big or small, will contribute to the beauty of this wonderful festival. Anyone wishing to support this service and be blessed by Sri Jagannatha Deva is welcome to send a contribution with a note "for Sri Jagannatha seva" by Paypal to prem108@gmail.com
(select the "friends and family" option to avoid charges).

WE ARE ALL PLAYTHINGS IN THE HANDS OF FATE....daiva-kridanaka
"Just as the wind brings together masses of clouds, blades of grass, wisps of cotton and particles of dust, only to scatter them all again, so the creator deals with His created beings in the same way."
ŚB 10.82.43

Sri Krsna spoke these words to the sweetheart of his youth, Sri Radha, when meeting at Kuruksetra for the first time after years of separation due to the conflict between the Yadu dynasty and the allies of Jarasandha. Denying culpability for his long absence, Sri Krsna admitted, we are simply daiva-kridanaka, like toys in the hands of fate.

The dairy maidens objected, "O Sri Krsna! We have heard that you are that very Lord of the fate whom you blame." Even accepting this conclusion, Sri Krsna absolved himself of responsibility for his absence.

"If you suggest that I am Bhagavan, I am still not to blame. It is my nature to be subordinate to your affection - I am prema-kridanaka, a plaything in the hands of love. I am like dust, helplessly banished from your presence by the wind of your feelings of separation."

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu revealed such an unparalleled conception of the Absolute Truth during the Chariot Festival of Lord Jagannatha in Puri.