New York City Rathayatra

Next, we headed to NYC! For the ecstatic, colorful, blissful Festival of Chariots — an epic spiritual festival full of dancing, spiritual joy, great food, and the association of deeply realized souls. In this festival the deities of Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra are pulled down 5th Avenue in the most magnificent chariots by thousands of devotees. I was overwhelmed that my family and I got to spend some time with our Guru Maharaj, His Holiness Radhanath Swami. We received his guidance and blessings on this beautiful journey on the path of Bhakti. He gave a wonderful lecture at the Bhakti Center in NYC on the subject of deepening our spiritual understanding of Bhakti Yoga. The Bhakti center is a very special place in NYC which focuses completely on bringing the knowledge of the ancient scriptures to the modern world in a way that is relishable to every walk of life. Radhanath Swami is absolutely expert in presenting this very esoteric knowledge in a way that everyone can understand and apply to their daily life.

I did astrological readings and spoke with so many wonderful people at the festival. People were so interested in the topic of astrology, reincarnation, and karma. I explained that the birth chart is basically a map of our past good and bad karma that is manifest in this life. The astrological readings I did that day were so helpful in giving guidance to many people about deeply personal matters in their life. I am always humbled and joyful that I get to assist people on their journey of life. There is always something that stands out whenever I do readings, especially among people who don’t know much about astrology. I had one man ask me in a very challenging mood, “I am moving in 3 months, where am I going to move? If you get this right I will take this seriously,” he said. This science is so particular and clear. Evaluating his chart I was clearly able to see that he was going to move Southwest from his current location. He was speechless! We then had a long and very heartfelt discussion about his life and his desire for spiritual growth. Through the guide and words of our spiritual master, it is most rewarding to be able to help someone on their personal journey toward God. I feel humbled and honored to be able to do this. Thank you.