Preparations are in full swing for the highly anticipated Rath Yatra festival at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Kolkata, scheduled to take place on July 7th. This year’s celebration holds special significance as it marks the 53rd edition of the iconic chariot festival, coinciding with the 150th Birth Anniversary of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada Maharaj, as reported by ANI. The city is abuzz with excitement, ready to host a grand event that promises vibrant processions featuring ornate chariots carrying the deities of Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra through the bustling streets, accompanied by fervent chants and devotional fervor.
The ISKCON Visakhapatnam is also set to organize the ‘Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra’ on the ‘Aashada Shukla Dvitiya Tithi’, mirroring the revered Puri Jagannath Rath Yatra tradition. The event will feature three distinct chariots for Sri Jagannath, Baladev, and Subhadra, each adorned with mechanized collapsible canopies. Beginning at 4 p.m. from VUDA Park on Beach Road, the procession will make its way through the city, passing by RK Beach, Kali Mandir, Ramakrishna Mission, and All India Radio (AIR), finally concluding at Gurajada Kalakshetram in Siripuram.
Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “After Puri, the Kolkata Rath Yatra is the largest in the world. Last year, more than 2 million people participated in the 9-day festival. The three chariots used in the procession are very special and have a unique design.” Das told ANI that the Rath Yatra route stretches 6 to 7 kilometers from the ISKCON Kolkata temple, and the ‘Ulta Rath Yatra,’ or reverse procession, will follow on July 15th. He further added that the number of participants has been increasing each year, with an estimated 2.3 to 2.4 million attendees expected this year.
The administration is providing significant support for the event, and the Chief Minister is expected to inaugurate the festival. The presence of the Chief Minister is anticipated to enhance the security measures for the event, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The Kolkata Rath Yatra festival is a testament to the deep cultural and religious significance of this tradition, drawing millions of devotees from across the globe to participate in this grand celebration.
