“Ratha-yatra” means “chariot festival.” Held annually for centuries in Jagannatha Puri, Orissa, on India’s east coast, this celebration features three huge chariots carrying the Deity forms of Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra. These chariots are pulled by hand through the city streets, accompanied by loud musical performances, drawing millions of pilgrims. Jagannatha is a special and very merciful form of Krishna.
Ratha-yatra is the largest street festival sponsored by ISKCON and concludes with a delicious, sanctified vegetarian feast. Celebrated by Lord Krishna devotees worldwide, it was introduced to the West by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1967 in San Francisco. The biggest Ratha-yatra festival in the UK takes place in London.
The London procession starts from Hyde Park Corner, moves through Park Lane, Piccadilly, and Haymarket, and finally arrives at Trafalgar Square, where festivities continue until night. Highlights include drama, dance, philosophy, and a feast. The London Ratha-yatra will take place on Sunday, 21 July 2024. Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra will arrive from ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple for Snana Yatra at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Grand celebration of the Rath Yatra in Southall
The Shree Jagannatha Society UK (SJSUK) organised a grand celebration of the Rath Yatra in Southall, London on Sunday, 7th July 2024. Held on the auspicious Ashadha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya Tithi, the event saw hundreds of enthusiastic devotees from across the UK. The Rath Yatra, symbolising the journey of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra to their Aunt's abode in Gundicha Mandir, was meticulously organised at The Featherstone High School, Southall. The festival provided a platform for participants to immerse in Jagannatha tradition, fostering community and spiritual connection. Over 600 devotees, from young children to those in their 80s, joyously participated, chanting, dancing, and pulling the resplendent Chariot (Ratha).
The festivities began with the preparation of a hand-constructed, painted, and adorned Chariot by dedicated volunteers. The deities were ceremonially adorned and carried to the chariot in a grand Pahandi Yatra from Shri Ram Mandir, Southall. Shri Manoj Panda, Shri Ajay Thakur, and Padma Shri Dr. Krishna Mohan Pathi performed the Chhera Pahanra (ceremonial sweeping) of the chariot. Shri Veerendra Sharma and Shri Jai Sharma also graced the celebrations. The atmosphere was filled with the sounds of cymbals and conches as devotees pulled the chariot, chanting and dancing in worship.
A highlight was the joyous bhajan satsang led by young children, showing the strong Jagannatha and Sanatani culture among the UK-born younger generation. Devotees had the opportunity to offer puja and archana to the deities, seeking divine blessings and receiving Sukhila Bhog (dry prasad). The day culminated with the offering of Chhappan Bhog Prasad, comprising 56 special delicacies, to the deities and devotees. The Adharapana Niti and Niladri Bije Niti were performed as the deities were carried into the Temple, concluding with Aarati.
Dr. Sahadev Swain, Chairperson of SJSUK, expressed gratitude to participants and volunteers, emphasising the organisation's commitment to constructing a Shree Jagannatha Mandir in London. Shri Bhakta Batshal Panda invited devotees to celebrate Bahuda Yatra on 15th July 2024 at Shree Ram Mandir Southall and support the temple's construction.
SJSUK has been actively engaged in humanitarian, social, educational, and spiritual initiatives, including Covid-19 relief efforts, supporting rural schools and orphanages in Odisha, reforestation programs, blood donation drives, and promoting mental and physical wellness. This year, SJSUK partnered with Mohanji Foundation for Maha Prasad Seva, distributing free meals and bottled water to pilgrims visiting Puri for Rath Yatra. Volunteers from Mohanji Foundation, Ammucare Charitable Trust, and Chhattis Nijog, led by Pattajoshi Janardana Mahapatra, served thousands, embodying the spirit of selfless service and devotion.
Odisha Fest celebrates Lord Jagannatha
London's socio-cultural calendar is rich with diverse events. Although Rath Yatra was not widely recognised in England initially, the social group Billet Bangle has worked tirelessly to bring this festive event to life, showcasing the rich culture of Orissa for the last three years. This year, the community celebrated with fervour, starting with a sacred puja performed by a priest, followed by Anjali, a dedicated bhog to Lord Jagannath enriching the event's significance.
The highlight was children and adults pulling the Jagannath chariot, a traditional spectacle that captivated the 200 attendees.
Bilete Bangali infused the event with cultural vibrancy, featuring dances, songs and plays spanning traditional, classical, and modern genres. Dancers showcased Orissa's folk art, adorned in traditional Odissi sarees woven by village women supported by British Women in sarees Performances reflected Orissa's rich cultural heritage.
A small mela, echoing Bengal's festive spirit, added to the charm with numerous stalls, including delicious food stalls, for visitors to enjoy. Despite the heavy rain, a typical feature of Rath Yatra, the enthusiasm remained undamped, making the event a memorable celebration of culture and community.
