Giant bulls chief allure in Iskcon nationwide procession

The 800-kilo giant Kankrej bulls, hauling Lord Krishna's chariot, are  the prime attraction at the sixth all India International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon)  procession.  

The procession rolled into Bengaluru 10 days ago, with the chariot leading the way. A  famous bull variety, the Kankrej is bred in Rann of Kutch, Rajasthan and Sindh province of Pakistan.

Ashraya Jagannath Das from Iskcon said the procession began from Dwarka in Gujarat with a team of 32 people and the chariot pulled by bulls Narasimha, Krishna, Jay, Kaliya and Nandu.

The yatra proceeds for just 10 km  a day to offer rest to the 12-year-old bulls, which are given grass and water the team has carried with them. The procession would visit all Iskcon centres in Bengaluru.

"In the past 30 years, the procession had travelled 1.5 lakh km," Das said. "This is the sixth time the procession is going nationwide to spread the message of the Bhagavad Gita."

Despite their imposing presence, the bulls act friendly with the visitors to Iskcon centres,   who take selfies with them.

"Each bull weighs about 800 kg and they have dedicated caretakers to look after their requirements," Das said.

The yatra will be in the city till March 3, after which it will proceed to Tumakuru.