#Jagannatha
Lord Jagannatha is the most joyful form of God: His eyes are wide open with love, His smile stretches across His entire face, and even His arms are retracted into His body out of sheer ecstasy at seeing His devotees glorifying Him. Joy also floods everyone participating in the festival: to the sound of the Hare Krishna mantra, drums, cymbals, and other instruments, people dance with happiness, bringing that mood to the passersby. People are often surprised and delighted – they have never seen so much genuine joy, even though this festival is celebrated without any intoxicants!
rathārūḍho gacchan pathi milita-bhūdeva-paṭalaiḥ
stuti-prādurbhāvam
prati-padam upākarṇya sadayaḥ
dayā-sindhur bandhuḥ sakala jagatāṁ
sindhu-sutayā
jagannāthah svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me (5)“When Lord Jagannatha moves along the road in His Ratha-yatra chariot, at every step large assemblies of brahmanas loudly chant prayers and sing songs for His pleasure. Hearing their hymns, Lord Jagannatha becomes very favorably disposed toward them. He is the ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the worlds. May that Lord Jagannatha, along with His consort Lakshmi, born of the ocean of nectar, appear before my eyes.” (“Sri Jagannatha Ashtaka, 5”)