New York Ratha Yatra is a special occasion for many devotees all over the world. I remember His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja mentioning in one lecture how he had to miss the NY Ratha yatra once against his wishes, because of his having to attend the GBC (Governing Body Commission of ISKCON) meetings. It is indeed a very special event for him as he has been regularly attending it for many years!