Year round Lord Jagannath commands His own room upstairs at New Sankirtan Puri (New Orleans Temple). But once a year, He moves through two sets of massive double doors on His way to the float style Rathayatra cart.
Lord Jagannath is so large that if He were put on an altar He would break through the roof and exceed maximum float height. He is so wide that He fully spans the width of the float. His smile is so attractive and impressive that He is becomming fondly known as "The Smile of Mardi Gras".
Without the visual encumberances of the pulling truck, the rear view position keeps the audience glued to the Rathayatra long after its' passing.
Securely installed in the front of the float, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Lady Subhadra enjoy perpetual arotikes and kirtans.
THE FOLLOWING IS A PLEA FOR HELP
On July 5, as devotees arose for mongal arotike, a fire was discovered that destroyed the Rathayatra float and truck. Dvibhuja found a couple of vandals, with a history of arson, in the area. We are convinced that they are the arsonists. The damage was not confined to the Rathayatra float, but also included some $100,000 worth of farm equipment and stored hay for the cows. We are currently seeking donations for the construction of a new float. I would also like to canvas for anyone interested in the construction of the most fantastic Ratha-float ever conceived.
Please contact me.
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