The big phasi wooden wheel keeps turning 

The chariot cart colourfully rolls 

Here’n the foothills of New Braj 

It’s acknowledged Krsna controls 

Amongst cows and butterflies 

Accompanied by song and dance  

The lovely chariot glides along 

As devotees like peacocks prance and romp

Drums like thunder clapping 

Kartals like lightning in the sun 

Riding there upon his throne 

The most beautiful lotus eyed one  

Taking up the strong ropes 

Everyone gets to lend a hand 

The gargantuan crowds

And by these pastimes of love 

Flames of devotion are fanned       

Stopping for ice cold watermelon 

The Lord’s cart under a tall shade tree 

Someone suggested I write this poem 

I thought maybe Krsna’s talking to me  

So I tried my best to describe in poetry 

Though it’s obvious to all I’m unqualified  

To understand the mood or true significance 

Of taking Lord Krsna on this chariot ride    

I can mention the pleasurable feeling 

Seeing Jagannath’s face smiling so wide  

At Ratha Yatra  it becomes abundantly clear 

The Lord and devotee’s happiness coincide 

Decorated with fragrant garlands 

Food offered to please the Lord’s palate 

Walk becomes dance, talk becomes song 

Where all loving acts of devotion are valid  

I’ll keep it short and sweet 

May we all be caught up in the wave 

Blissfully pulling Sri Krsna back to Braj 

The top most sublime pastoral enclave

• Pratit Kumar Mallick, (P.G. Faculty of Arts, B.H.U)