Prabhupada was like a General overlooking his troops

In picture, Madhudvisa, behind with beanie and sunglasses Russel Looker (Nanda Gokul), Srila Prabhupada, Mohini Shakti Dasi, Satsvarupa Dasa, Bhakta George self-appointed body guard.

Kurma Dasa : As the parade drew closer and the devotees saw Srila Prabhupada, the kirtana became tumultuous. Devotees beat on new clay mridangas. Large bass drums rumbled like thunder.

Prabhupada surveyed the scene like a General overlooking his troops. Behind Lord Chaitanya was Lord Balarama's gorgeous crimson and aquamarine chariot, topped with a palm tree motif. Lord Jagannatha's crimson and bright orange chariot, decorated with conch and lotus, followed close behind.

Lady Subhadra's cart, a little smaller than the others and decked with a deep sea green and crimson canopy, proceeded at the rear of the parade. On top of each chariot Prabhupada saw a series of beautiful golden kalashas, topped with a spire and flag and flanked with green parrots. The chariots were swathed with long garlands of carnations, colourful festoons and multi-coloured decorative flags.

Each cart had a marshall equipped with a megaphone, four wheel guards, and a man to guide the steering. A separate group of devotees chanted before each cart; and two pujaris tended to the needs of each Deity. All three chariots were equipped with buckets of burning frankincense. Devotees stood on the surrounding decking armed with various auspicious substances - rose water, coloured dyes and prasadam - ready to be launched into the crowds.