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Historic Daytona Beach Rathayatra

by Dvijapriya dasi

Posted September 25, 2009

The first-ever Daytona Beach Rathayatra festival was celebrated on September 12, and in spite of ever-threatening rain, the parade turned out to be a blissful and well-attended affair. The festival was very nicely organized by Bhadra and Balavanta prabhus in conjunction with the Hindu Society of Daytona Beach, and was a huge success. Jarati dasi once again skillfully prepared a sumptuous and delicious feast with help from her daughter and several volunteers at the Hindu cultural center. The cooking had to be done outside on large gas stoves, as the building had no cooking facilities. Nonetheless, many people were happily cutting and helping Jarati prabhu to prepare (it reminded us of the old New Vrindavan "pits" days!) The center's directors also served out a simple meal of chipped rice and sweets to help sustain the devotees until the big feast after the parade. Arriving at the beach site, we found it deserted, due to ominous black storm clouds and high tides. These conditions did not bode well for the Lord's cart ride. Slowly but surely, however, the faithful began to arrive, and the devotees, including many Indian families, became encouraged by the presence of so many participants. Then numerous donors helped to get the parade off to a good start by offerring puja to Their Lordships, and breaking the auspicious coconuts before the carts started to roll. Presentations were made by Bhadra, and everyone blissfully chanted and danced their way down the beachfront. The sounds of ecstatic kirtan brought many curious people out on the balconies of high-rise condos, receiving both the benefit of hearing the Holy name and seeing the merciful Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balaram and Lady Subhadra. Some decided to join the procession, even helping to pull the cart. Devotees passed out small books and invitations to the prasadam feast coming up after the procession at the beach park. With the wonderful success of this new Rathayatra celebration, Bhadra and his crew of volunteers are enthused and excited about making next year's festival even bigger and better. For more pictures, check out my album at http://devalamom.myphotoalbum.com.

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Srivari Brahmotsavams Schedule
	Annual Brahmotsavam Special Programmes Dwajarohanam 21-09-2009 Garuda Seva 25-09-2009 Golden Chariot 26-09-2009 Rathotsavam 28-09-2009 Chakra Snanam 29-09-2009 The Schedule of Srivari Annual Brahmotsavam from 21-09-2009 to 29-09-2009

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Review meeting on ensuing Sri Vari Brahmotsavam

Sri I.Y.R.Krishna Rao, Executive Officer, TTDs have reviewing the Brahmotsavam arrangements with the officials of the TTD, Revenue, Police, RTC, Fire etc. and later inspected four mada streets, parking places near Balaji Nagar, employees dispencery, PAC-III, Barricades works in front of Temple and in front of Asthana Mandapam in connection with ensuing Sri Vari Brahmotsavams.

Tirumala 11 Sep (P.R.O) Sri Vari Brahmotsavams review meeting is held at Annamayya Bhavan, Tirumala on September 11. Sri D.K.Audikesavulu, Chairman TTDs and Sri I.Y.R.Krishna Rao, Executive Officer, TTDs have reviewed the Brahmotsavam arrangements with the officials of the TTD, Revenue, Police, RTC, Fire etc.

Review point wise:-

• Brahmotsavams will be conducted from September 21 to 29.
• Important days of the Brahmotsavams are Dwajarohanam on Sep 21, Garuda Vahanam on Sep 25, Golden Chariot on Sep 26 and Chakrasnanam on Sep 29.
• Minute to Minute bus facility between Tirupati to Tirumala and back by APSRTC.
• Additional 3000 police forces, 2000 Sri Vari Sevaks, 1500 Scouts and Guides and other deputation staff will serve the visiting pilgrims during Brahmotsavams.
• Arjitha Sevas in Sri Vari Temple will be cancelled during Brahmotsavams.
• Mahadhwaram entry facility is cancelled for the aged, physically handicapped and the parent of infants during Brahmotsavams.
• No VIPs break darshan during Brahmotsavam.
• Accommodation will be provided in current booking on first come first serve basis. Advance reservation of accommodation facility is cancelled.
• Pilgrims are requested to utilize the accommodation in Tirupati during heavy rush period in Tirumala.
• Paying utmost attention towards keeping the Tirumala hygiene with necessary preventive measures.
• Arrangements of first aid centers and ambulances in important places.
• Free meals facility for one lakh pilgrims in a day.
• Free tonsuring facility for more than 60,000 pilgrims in a day.
• Decided to keep ready 3lakh laddus for the distribution to the pilgrims.
• Garden and Photo Exhibition at Papavinasanam toll gate.
• Devotional, cultural programmes as well as music concerts at Asthana Mandapam as well as galleries in Tirumala.
• Arrangements of Digital screens in the important junctions in Tirumala as well as in Srinivasam Complex in Tirupati.
• Live telecast of Sri Vari Brahmotsavams in Sri Venkateswara Bhakthi Channel.
• For better media coverage a media centre will be arranged at RBGH-II.
• Electrical illuminations, arches will also be arranged at Tirumala, Tirupati and other places.

Later the Chairman appealed the devotees not to throw coins on the processional deity during vahanam procession as it is a sin.

ri V.Seshadhri, Dist Collector, Dr.N.Yuvaraj, Joint Executive Officer, Sri A.V.Dharma Reddy, Spl Officer, Sri P.V.Ramakrishna, C.V&S.O, Sri Surya Prakash, RM, APSRTC, Sri Jeethender Reddy, DVM, APSRTC and other officials were present.

Tirumala, Aug 29 2009

Release of Sri Vari Brahmotsavam Wall Poster and Booklet

Sri D.K.Audikesavulu, Chairman TTDs has released Sri Vari Annual Brahmotsavam 2009 Wall posters as well as Brahmotsavam programme booklets in front of Sri Vari Temple on Saturday evening.

Tirumala, Aug 23 2009