PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar joined a large gathering of Hare Krishna devotees for the Ratha Yatra festival at the Nimai- Pandit Academic Preaching Study Centre construction site, in Cummings Lodge.

The festival, the highlight of which is a chariot parade, accompanied by constant singing and chanting of the maha-mantra, commenced when President Ramotar joined Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and other special invitees to light the symbolic lamp.
The festival commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to Gundicha mata’s temple. On that occasion a multitude of devotees escort the huge, colourfully decorated chariots in commemoration.
Booths with sweet meats and vegetarian food and others replete with information to enlighten the public, lined the site.
Following a packed cultural programme in the form of recitals and dance, President Ramotar addressed the gathering speaking proudly of the multiplicity of cultures that help to fashion Guyana’s identity.
He commended the ISKCON Hare Krishna movement for perpetuating the tradition which has become a customary celebration in most major cities of the world dating back to the year 1968.
Its contribution to charity and community development in a world still challenged by poverty and inequality was commended and encouraged to continue by President Ramotar.