and banners painted with symbols and formulas are so numerous that they hide the rays of the sun. The main streets, side streets, walkways, markets and public meeting places were all cleaned up and washed down with scented water. And everywhere, to receive the Lord, fruits, flowers and whole seeds have been poured out. At all the doors of the dwellings, various offerings have been arranged: curds, whole fruits, sugar canes, pots filled with water, as well as objects of worship, incense, lamps, ceramics and candles.
The way to receive the Lord does not lack brilliance. It is not enough to decorate avenues and paths, but the very heart of the reception is to worship the Lord, with all the required elements, incense, lamps, flowers, sweets, fruits and other tasty food. Each one makes an offering to the Lord according to his means, and the reliefs of the food thus consecrated are then distributed to all the assembled people. Nothing cold and drab, like in today's official receptions. Each house is ready to receive the Lord as it should, and each distributes the reliefs of the offering made to the Lord to all present; so that the ceremony is perfectly successful. For, no ceremony or celebration is complete if it is not accompanied by a distribution of food; so does the spiritual culture.
Hearing that Krishna, the infinitely dear, will soon be returning to Dvaraka, Vasudeva, Akrura, Ugrasena, Balarama, to the superhuman power, Pradyumna, Carudesna and Samba, son of Jambavati, all magnanimous souls, give up, in their joy if big, who's diaper, whose seat, which is his meal. All these sons, together with other relatives of Lord Krishna, each left their palace to hasten to meet Him, the supreme father, abandoning all occupation, whether they were lying down, sitting or taking their meals. Accompanied by learned sages, carriers of various objects, all auspicious [thus flowers], and preceded by elephants, which are emblems of good fortune, all climb on their chariot and hasten happily to the Lord. Conches and bugles ring in unison, and Vedic hymns are sung; the atmosphere brings respect and saturates the merry troop of affection for the Lord. At this moment, several hundred famous courtesans set off on various vehicles. They burn with desire to meet the Lord; their exquisite faces are adorned with dazzling jewels, which enhance the beauty of their cheeks. Artists of all kinds, comedians, dancers and singers, historians, genealogists and learned speakers, all of the greatest skill, use their respective talents to portray the superhuman entertainment of the Lord. Their verve is unfolding, inexhaustible.
Then Krishna, the Supreme Lord, approaches them, who have come to receive and welcome him. And to each one, friends, relatives, subjects, He offers the respects or the honors which are due to him. By nodding or by warm words, or by hugs, handshakes, smiling looks, encouragement or blessings, the Almighty Lord greets those who are present according to the desire of each, until lowest rank. Then, in person, the Lord enters the city. They escort the elders of his relatives, the wise learned invalids accompanied by their wives, who offer him their blessings, and many others, all singing his glories. As Lord Krishna walks the avenues of Dvaraka, all the ladies of a respectable family go up to the roofs of their palaces, only to see him.