Kurma

If you've just tuned in to this virtual diary of mine and you're pacing the floors waiting for the next entry, remember that it all started on June 2.

There's only enough space for 10 days entries at a time on this side of the page. To read 'back issues', go to the calendar on the top right (or bottom) of this page and click on earlier July dates, (or click on 'June', scroll down, then click on any date after June 2).

Help is on the way!

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Moishe is driving in Jerusalem. He's late for a meeting, he's looking for a parking place, and can't find one.

In desperation, he turns towards heaven and says, "God, if you find me a parking place, I promise that I'll eat only kosher, respect the sabbath, and observe all the Holy days."

Miraculously, a parking place opens up just in front of him.

Moishe turns his face up to heaven and says, "Never mind, I just found one."

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Yesterday's Festival of the Chariots through central London was one of the most awesome, moving and spectacular events of my life. It certainly gave the City welcome relief from the last 10 terror-filled days.

Perfect weather greeted the massive Rathas (chariots) as they assembled at noon in Hyde Park. Over 10,000 attendees gathered to escort the parade on it's 3 hour route through the city.

Meanwhile a massive feast was being prepared at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Here Parasurama fries fresh chilies, ginger and cumin seeds with fresh tomato puree in one of ten woks of eggplant and panir cheese curry.

The kitchen pulled out their biggest pots and strongest men for the task. These boys from Russia are preparing 1500kg of mashed potatoes for the Ekadasi (grain-free) free feast.

Lord Balarama, bestower of spiritual strength, ever-smiling, surveys the scene as the parade moves off from its starting point.

The three 5-tonne chariots, each equipped with elaborate steering and hydraulic canopy-raising and brake facilities, rumble down the main thoroughfares of London. The huge police presence and the appropriate traffic re-directions made for a smooth seamless parade. I have never seen so many smiling policeman in one day. Surely this was a welcome relief from the recent heavy events.

Each Ratha had it's own huge group of accompanying musicians, each with it's own unique flavour, resounding percussion and sweet melodies. I got the opportunity of leading the singing in all three groups throughout the afternoon.

Beat that drum, brother!

The local Bill enjoyed the day as much as we did. I met my old friend Parama from Australia who posed with this blissed-out Bobby.

On the last leg of the parade, passing the Theatre Royal in Haymarket.

Lord Nelson played host to the festival in Trafalgar Square. Stage events, musical performances, information booths, face-painting tents, and question-and-answer sessions were well attended throughout the afternoon. The massive and most delectable feast for 10,000 was very well received.

Locals say this was the biggest, best, warmest and most exciting Rathayatra in London's 37+ year history of the Parade.

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