New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

This past Saturday night, the streets of Athens, Ohio was filled with the annual hordes of The Halloween Street Party, a Mardi-Gras type of shindig where the crazy youth of America dress and act even crazier than usual, which is saying a lot. What a perfect time for the all-merciful Lord Jagannatha to make an appearance , courtesy of the Vegan Cooking crew and a few inclined souls from New Vrindaban.

As we came into town, we were the only ones not drunk. We soon became drunk-on the spirit of harinama. Lord Jagannatha towered over the proceedings, as the harinama crew braved rainy weather, intoxicated enthusiasm, ornery policemen, and much more to bring the Holy Names and Their Smiling Face to all the people of Athens, Ohio.

As Soma Prabhu deftly observed, the main reaction for most people to seeing Jagannatha towering over them on this festive evening was “Oh My God!” We can’t say it any better ourselves.

The “Puppet Masters” (Chase and Balarama Chandra) putting the finishing touches on

Mauricio Prabhu, with full gusto, protected Jagannatha from those who wanted to get too close. His ksatriya spirit was a big hit all evening.

Even Jesus approves!