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The Ratha Yatra Festival
in Sri Lanka has always given an opportunity for the children of
Gokulam to show off their skills and talents in the cultural arts.
The children are taught the classical dance - Bharata Natyam and
Carnatic Music by qualified teachers.
The Ratha Yatra was
initially celebrated in Puri, Orissa in India. It is the oldest
chariot festival known in the history and it has been celebrated for
over 2500 years. Srila Prabhupada introduced this festival to the
west in the early 70's and it is now celebrated all over the world.
The Ratha Yatra Festival
in Sri Lanka was organized by the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple -
ISKCON Sri Lanka on the
26th September of 2007 for the ninth consecutive time.
The Children of Gokulam
participated in this festival. Chandrika and Paranika were dressed
up as Lord Krishna and Radha and were on a decorated horse cart that
was in the lead.
In the evening, there
was a special program arranged for the Gokulam children where
hundreds of well-wishers attended the program and enjoyed the
performances by the children. The children performed programs in
music and dance. There were group dances and individual performances
also. At the end, Nandarani Devi - the Principal concluded the
program with a speech.
The Festival has left
the children in high spirits and has also increased their enthusiasm
and confidence to continue with their activities in renewed ardor.
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