Tag: Rath Yatra

With Ulta Rath Yatra Jagannath, Baladeva & Subhadra is back to the temple

The nine – day mega 54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra festival concluded yesterday, 5^th July 2025, with Ulta Rath Yatra.  Ulta Rath Yatra started from Gundicha Temple, Brigade ground, at around 1 pm and reached Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple at around 6 pm.

During Ulta Rath Yatra too thousands of devotees participated. Large number of devotees accompanied the procession and there were huge number of people standing on the street to welcome the Lord and pull the rope of the chariots of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra.

At many places devotees had made elaborate arrangements to offer 108 bhoga or 56 bhoga to the Lord.

During the procession, devotees were making beautiful rangolis to welcome the Lord.

When the procession was going through CIT road then people were showering flowers to greet the Lord.

Sankirtan during the procession

Throughout the procession, devotees were performing sankirtan.  Devotees were performing kirtan in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. Many people who were standing on the side of the road to see the Lord and pull the rope of the chariot were also singing the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu started this sankirtan movement around 500 years ago to connect people’s heart to Krishna. And today by the grace of Srila Prabhupada and his many followers the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra has spread far and wide.

 In Kali yuga, chanting is the yuga dharma. So, if anyone chants this mahamantra sincerely, he will surely get the grace of Krishna and will attain perfection.

Krishna’s devotees are always victorious

During the Ulta Rath Yatra procession, devotees were also distributing Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Back to Godhead magazines and other books of Srila Prabhupada. Many people were attentively looking through the contents of the book and magazines and were buying it too.

If we want to connect to Krishna, then it is imperative that we study Bhagavad Gita regularly. By reading this we will come to know what Krishna expects us to do. And if we live as per the teachings of Krishna as given in Gita then like Arjuna, we will always be victorious in the battles we have to fight in our life.

In the last verse of Bhagavad Gita it is said, “Wherever there is Kṛṣṇa, the master of all mystics, and wherever there is Arjuna, the supreme archer, there will also certainly be opulence, victory, extraordinary power, and morality. That is my opinion.” Bhagavad Gita 18.78

An opportunity to show our love to Jagannath

Krishna came 5000 years back to show us the right path. And as Jagannath every year he comes out on the street during Rath Yatra festival inviting us to take his shelter. Our never-ending struggle in life will end once we accept Jagannath’s invitation and dedicate our life to him.

Rath Yatra festival provides us an opportunity to show our love to Jagannath. By participating in it, by calling out the name of Jagannath, by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra we gradually get closer to the Lord.

The Ulta Rath Yatra procession lasted for 5 hours. Devotees continued pulling the ropes of the chariot and singing and dancing. By the time the chariots reached Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple, it was around 6 pm. Everyone was excited to see the Lord coming back to the temple.

Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra finally took their place on the altar in the temple and looked quite happy. From here they will give darshan to the devotees and different opportunities to serve them.

For everyone who had come for the Ulta Rath Yatra festival there was delicious khichdi, aloo dum and halwa prasadam. It was a wonderful way to conclude the grand festival.

Three Reflections

• Thousands of devotees participated in Ulta Rath Yatra festival.
• Throughout the procession, devotees were performing sankirtan in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi.
• Rath Yatra festival provides us an opportunity to show our love to Jagannath.

Ask Yourself

• Am I willing to take shelter of Lord Jagannath?

Action Item

• If yes, then quickly get connected to local Iskcon temple. You will get an opportunity to serve Jagannath.

Opportunity to serve Lord Jagannath at Gundicha Temple

I got an opportunity to serve Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi during the 54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra at the Gundicha temple. It was possible by the mercy of the Lord and his devotees. Lord Jagannath along with his brother and sister looks extremely beautiful at Gundicha temple. Devotees are daily coming in large numbers to take darshan of the Lord.

Devotees brought something for Jagannath

I got the deity service during weekdays (Thursday, 3^rd Jul and Friday, 4^th July) in the morning hours after darshan arati. As it was weekday so I thought not many will be there to see the Lord but since morning I saw devotees coming in large numbers to the temple. Anyone who were coming were carrying something to offer to the Lord – flowers, Tulasi leaves, sweets, fruits and some were offering money at the lotus feet of the Lord.

As a pujari I had the service to offer the bhoga which devotees were bringing for the Lord. Devotees were eager to have something from the lotus feet of Lord Jagannath – Tulasi or flower or fruits. I tried to satisfy the desire of the devotees but was not able to give it to all else nothing would have remained in front of the Lord. Devotees also brought 56 bhoga items to offer to the Lord. Many devotees were chanting in front of the Lord. They were also clicking pictures of the Lord and making videos.

Different days different dress

During his stay at Gundicha, Jagananth, Baladeva and Subhadra are dressed differently on different days.  The Lord is dressed as per the different pastimes he performs especially in Vrindavan.

On Thursday they were having Banabhoji Besha and on Friday the pastime of Lord Balarama slaying the demon Pralambāsura was depicted.

During Banabhoji Besha Lord Jagannath and Lord Baladeva were dressed as cowherd boys going for a picnic with his cowherd friends. On this day, many fruits were offered to the Lord. 

On Friday, Lord Balarama slaying the demon Pralambāsura in Vrindavan was shown.

Krishna enjoying with his cowherd friends in Vrindavan

In Srimad Bhagavatam, it is described in detail how the demon who had come to kill Balarama was easily eliminated by Balarama.

Krishna was performing so many wonderful pastimes with his friends in Vrindavan. Everyone was enjoying, there was not even a fraction of unhappiness. Vrindavan forest was covered with lush green trees, flowers, fruits. Cool and soothing breeze gave comfort to all. Summer appeared as spring.  In that serene ambience they were playing different sports, singing songs, dancing with Krishna, joking with each other, pulling each other’s legs and eating delicious prasadam.

The two brothers were enjoying with their cowherd friends in Vrindavan when this demon sneaked in disguising himself as a cowherd boy. He took the form of a cowherd boy who had stayed at home on that day. And this demon participated in a game which Krishna was playing with his dear friends.

Balarama slays Pralambāsura

In that game, the group was divided into two – one led by Krishna and the other led by Balarama. Pralamba was on the side of Krishna. As per the rule of the game, the group which got defeated had to carry the members of other group on their shoulders.

The group led by Balarama won and as a punishment the cowherd boys on the side of Krishna had to carry cowherd boys on the side of Balarama on their shoulders. We may wonder, how can Lord be defeated. Acharyas explain that Lord is defeated by the love of his devotees.

So, Krishna was carrying Śrīdāmā and Pralamba took Balarama on his shoulder thinking that he will kill him when the opportunity comes. But how can it be possible for anyone to harm Balarama who is an expansion of Krishna. Soon, Balarama understood who this person is. He swiftly slayed him by smashing his head with his fist.

Pralamba had disguished himself thinking that he will not be recognized. But in front of the Lord who we are is revealed. So, we should never think that we can deceive the Lord. Lord knows who we are and what is there in our heart.

Begging Lord Jagannath to purify our heart of all impurities

With folded hands we should stand in front of Lord Jagannath who is Lord Krishna with folded hands and beg him to free us from all impurities which is forcing us to not take his full shelter.

During Rath Yatra Lord is extremely merciful. So, we should again and again pray for his mercy and try to serve him as much as possible.

While doing the deity service, I saw several devotees constantly bowing in front of the Lord, raising their both hands while chanting Jai Jagannath and were constantly chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra on their beads.

I am extremely grateful to Lord Jagannath for giving me an opportunity to serve him at Gundicha Temple. Hope next year too I get an opportunity to serve Jagannath, Baladeva, Subhadra during Rath Yatra festival in the Gundicha temple.

Three References

• On Thursday the Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra were having Banabhoji Besha and on Friday the pastime of Lord Balarama slaying the demon Pralambāsura was depicted.
• Like Pralambāsura, we should never think that we can deceive the Lord. Lord knows who we are and what is there in our heart.
• We should stand in front of Lord Jagannath with folded hands and beg him to free us from all impurities which is forcing us to not take his full shelter.

Ask Yourself

• Is there something in my heart which I am hiding from the Lord?

Action Item

• Reveal your heart to the Lord and beg him to purify all the impurities which is keeping us away from him.

Thousands of devotees participate in 54th Kolkata Rath Yatra festival of Iskcon

Hundreds and thousands of devotees enthusiastically came out on the streets of Kolkata to welcome Lord Jagannath during 54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra festival organized by Iskcon. The Rath Yatra procession began at around 2 pm but devotees in large numbers were there many hours before to take a glimpse of Jagannath who was happily sitting on a beautiful and huge chariot. 

Lord Baladeva and sister Subhadra too were there on their chariots. Lord Baladeva was in front, sister Subhadra in the middle and Lord Jagannath at the last. Prabhupada’s deity was on the chariot of Lord Baladeva.

The program started with Pahundi, when Lord Jagannath was taken from the altar to the chariot along with his brother and sister. After the Lord ascended the chariot, his arati was performed and for the pleasure of the Lord there were traditional musical and dance performances in front of the chariot.

Meanwhile arrangements were made for all who had come for the Rath Yatra festival to take delicious prasadam.

Colourful Rath Yatra Procession

As soon as the procession started from Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple at Minto Park, devotees thronged near the chariot to pull the rope of the chariot. Rath Yatra procession was huge. In the beginning of the procession devotees were doing ecstatic kirtan.

There were ladies who were carrying arati plates, some were carrying flags, some devotees during the entire procession were performing folk and traditional dance, there were children dressed as Radh, Krishna, gopas, gopis. There were kirtan parties in front of the chariot of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra.

Everyone was chanting Jai Jagannath and were singing the Hare Krishna Kirtan. And while singing devotees were joyfully dancing too.  There were devotees cleaning the road with brooms.  The roads were decorated with colourful rangolis.

While the procession was going on thousands of people were standing on the street to welcome the Lord. As soon as they saw the Lords on the chariot, their faces lit up. They immediately offered their respects to the Lord; some even bowed down on the road to pay their obeisances.

After doing so, they immediately rushed towards the chariot to pull the ropes. People working in the offices wearing their ID cards too came out to pull the ropes.

While they were eagerly pulling the chariot, they were also helping and encouraging others to pull the chariot. At one place when one old lady was facing difficulty in pulling the chariot, then people came forward to help her. There were small children too who got to pull the rope of the chariot.

Some thought that it won’t be possible for them to walk with the Lord for hours till the Lord reaches Gundicha temple. They thought that they will take darshan of the Lord and after pulling the chariot will immediately leave. But as they started marching with the Lord Jagannath, they forgot their fear and fatigue and remained till the end of the Rath Yatra.

Some were not well so had decided not to come but when they saw the procession live on You Tube and heard from their friends that how they are celebrating the festival they immediately took a cab and joined the Rath Yatra procession.

Old men and women who had difficulty in walking were seen welcoming the Lord from their balconies.

At different places arati of Jagannath, Baladeva and Shubhadra was performed. And after arati, bhoga was offered to the Lord. Prasadam of the Lord like different varieties of sweets and fruits were abundantly distributed.

Also, at different places people were freely offering water, fruit juices, lassi to those who were in the Rath Yatra procession. They were quite eager to serve the devotees.

The weather too was good. Neither it was too hot nor it rained.

Jagannath is everyone’s Lord

In the Rath Yatra festival, everyone was there – men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Hindus and non-Hindus, Indians and non-Indians.

And it is natural too; Lord Jagannath is everyone’s Lord. He is not just the Lord of the Hindus, but he is the Lord of all the people of the world. He is not an Indian Lord, but he is the Lord of the entire Universe.

Lord Jagannath resides in everyone’s heart and everyone belongs to him. Some know about it and unfortunately some do not know about it. But by the grace of Jagannath’s devotees like Srila Prabhupada, today people all over the world are understanding this truth and so thousands of people all over the world forgetting their material identities are happily getting connected to Jagannath.

9-day Rath Yatra festival

The Ratra festival finally reached Brigade Ground Parade around 7 pm. Here a makeshift Gundicha temple has been built. The Lord will remain here till the day of Ulta Rath Yatra which is on 5^th July.

Huge pandal has been set up here. During this period there will be different programs, cultural events, talks by senior sannyasis, daily Bhagavatam class, arati in the morning, afternoon and evening, kirtan, dance performances and so on.

In the pandal, there are various attractive stalls for youths and children. Khicdi prasadam will be distributed free to all. There will be prasadam counters from where devotees can buy and enjoy Jagannath’s delicious prasadam.

54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra organized by Iskcon is a 9-day festival, and it is expected that daily thousands of devotees will visit the pandal to seek blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Shubdra Devi.

If you are in Kolkata, then do visit the Gundicha temple at Brigade ground. If not in Kolkata, then wherever you are do visit the temple of Lord Jagannath and make your life divine.

Three Reflections

• Thousands of devotees joyfully participated in 54^th Kolkata Rath Yatra of Iskcon.
• During Rath Yatra, everyone came out on the street to pull the chariot of the Lord – men, women, young, old, Hindus, non-Hindus, Indians, non – Indians – because Jagannath is everyone’s Lord.
• We should forget our material identities and get connect to Jagannath and make our life divine.

Ask Yourself

• Am I planning to visit Gundicha temple to take darshan of the Lord?

Action Item

• If not, then plan to visit the Gundicha temple and seek blessings of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Shundra Devi.
• Chant few rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra in front of Jagannath.

If you welcome Jagannath during Rath Yatra, then next life you will be in the spiritual world

Scriptures say that if we participate in Jagannath Rath Yatra festival and welcome the Lord riding on the majestic chariot then in next life we will go back to the spiritual world.

Lord provides us a great opportunity to free ourselves from this uncertain pain giving material world and return back to the eternal spiritual world.

Lord Krishna who is the creator of both the spiritual and material universe lives happily in his spiritual world with his associates.  Lord’s associates love the Lord unconditionally.  Seeing his devotees love for him, the Lord too tries his best to reciprocate with their love. 

In this way, the Lord and his devotees, enjoy great pleasure in the spiritual world. But in spite of never-ending happiness in his eternal abode, the Lord misses someone there. He misses us.

Krishna, the Supreme Father of all living entities, wants everyone to be with him in his kingodm. But some of us decided to live away from him thinking that away from him we will be happier, just like a child thinks that he will be carefree and independent to enjoy on his terms when he is away from home.

Krishna never fails to show his mercy

But after living here for unlimited lifetimes, we know how much happy we are here! Fear and anxiety have become our constant companion. And while struggling for living in this world, we have almost forgotten our relationship with our Supreme father, Krishna. 

Although we do not remember him, but he never forgets us nor leaves us. He says in Bhagavad Gita 15.15, sarvasya cāhaṁ hṛdi sanniviṣṭo, “I am seated in everyone’s heart.”

He not just resides in our heart but from time to time even appears in this world for our sake. Krishna comes to tell us not to suffer in this world which is full of miseries but instead return back to his kingdom which is eternal and full of bliss.

He does not like to see us suffer, so, in Bhagavad Gita 18.66 he says, “Just come to me and I will free you from all the sins and sufferings.”  We can see how much love he has for us. But in spite of Krishna’s open invitation, many of us still show reluctance to accept it. However, the Lord does not fail to show his mercy upon such stubborn souls too.

Welcome Lord Jagannath during Rath Yatra

So, the Supreme Lord Krishna as Lord Jagannath decides to go out in the streets searching for those who are not willing to come to him. On the day of rath yatra, he comes out of his temple on a majestic chariot to shower his mercy upon all.  If you closely look at the face of Jagannath, you will see that he has a big smile. It is because he is happy to see us all because we all are his part and parcel. Sitting on the chariot, he extends his beautiful arm to embrace us and to invite us to his eternal kingdom where we can live with him happily forever.  

And if we enthusiastically welcome the Lord during the rath yatra festival, pull the rope of the chariot and joyfully chant “Jai Jagannath” and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra then our life will become successful.  Srila Prabhupada says, “..rathe ca vāmanaṁ dṛṣṭvā punar janma na vidyate . . . if you kindly see these Jagannātha deities riding on these carts and in procession..in your next life you’ll go…, back to home, back to Godhead.” Lecture Festival Ratha-yatra and Press Conference – San Francisco, July 04, 1970.

Three Reflections

1. While struggling for living in this world, we have almost forgotten our relationship with our Supreme father, Krishna. 
2. Krishna says, “Just come to me and I will free you from all the sins and sufferings.” Bhagavad Gita 18.66
3. If we welcome Jagannath during Rath Yatra, then next life we will be in the spiritual world.

Ask Yourself?

• Am I ready to go to the spiritual world?

Action Items

• If yes, then this year do participate in the Rath Yatra festival and welcome the Lord who sits majestically on the chariot.

Lord Jagannath comes to shower his mercy and takes us back to his spiritual abode

Lord Jagannath who is none other than Krishna has appeared in this world to shower his mercy upon us and take us back to his spiritual abode.

With every rising and setting of the sun, our life span reduces by a day. The invisible death constantly follows us like a shadow. We are slowly but surely marching towards the graveyard. But like an ostrich we refuse to accept this reality.

So, Krishna comes to this world again and again to jog our memory that we are not eternally condemned to again and again die in this world in different bodily suits. He says, rather emphatically, that we should return back to his kingdom where we do not have to die and can live forever free from all physical and mental sufferings. 

“From the highest planet in the material world down to the lowest, all are places of misery wherein repeated birth and death take place. But one who attains to My abode, O son of Kuntī, never takes birth again.” Bhagavad Gita 8.16

Lord Jagannath is merciful to even the stubborn souls

But we the stubborn souls of this world like crooked Duryodhana laugh at his sagely advice. Nevertheless, Krishna does not give up. Although we resist his advances, he keeps trying.

Although we forcibly refuse to reciprocate with his benevolence, he is unwilling to leave us. So that we do not remain deprived of his grace, he appears in this world as deity in the temple. And he gives us an opportunity to associate with him because the deity of Krishna is non-different from Krishna. 

But still there are obstinate souls who refuse to reciprocate with this mercy of Krishna. They won’t visit temple either because they do not believe in God or are indifferent to him. But the merciful Lord, does not leave them to languish in this world.

Definition of Rath Yatra?

For such reluctant souls, he comes out of his temple once in every year to shower his blessings upon them.  Krishna coming out of his own abode as Lord Jagannath to bless the unfortunate souls and shower mercy is celebrated as Rath Yatra festival throughout the world.

In Jagannath Puri Dham, the famous Rath Yatra festival is celebrated and by the great grace of Jagannath’s dear devotee, Srila Prabhupada, today the Rath Yatra festival is celebrated throughout the world. 

So, now not only the fortunate residents of Puri get the mercy of Lord Jagannath but people all over the world has become blessed because Jagannath’s mercy is showering upon them.  

Having forgotten our relationship with Lord Jagannath we suffer

Having been living away from the Lord for uncountable number of years, we have got disconnected from the Lord who always desire to be with us.

Lord Jagannath comes under the blue sky once a year looking for the wandering souls on the path of self-destruction.  The only hope for a person struggling for existence in the marshy land is to tightly hold a rope thrown to him and without offering any resistance, allowing himself to be pulled out from there.

We are also stuck in this world and are being dragged into an ocean of misery. Although, we try hard to rescue ourselves from insurmountable sufferings but fail again and again. In fact, the more we try to solve our problems through material means the more we get caught up in this material world.

This material energy not just punishes us but also puts us in ignorance. And so, although we suffer here, many times we fail to understand that we are suffering.

Indra as a hog refuses to become the king of heaven

Once Indra, the king of heaven, was cursed by his spiritual master, Brihaspati, to become a hog in this material world. So, he became a hog here. But soon he got attached to the hog body and began thinking that he is a happy hog.

So, when Brahma came to take him back to heaven, he refused to go. He said, “Why should I go somewhere else? I am enjoying my life here. I have a beautiful wife, lovely children and yellow food is always available for all of us.” Brahma was flabbergasted. He forcibly took him back. 

Our condition is not much different. Although we wear the suit made of blood, mucus, urine and stool, we do not feel disgusted. Instead, we explore all avenue to be happy here. 

In a prison, even the best prisoner is a prisoner and is governed by prison laws. Similarly, in this world the best materialist is also a prisoner in this material world and is bound by the laws of material nature. And we all the prisoners are condemned to suffer and die here again and again. 

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says, “The conditioned soul, however, is always covered by ignorance and embarrassed by the threefold miseries of life. Thus he is a treasure-house of all kinds of tribulations”: Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, 18.114

Lord Jagannath’s mystical rope is there to rescue us

Lord Jagannath, the Universal father, knows our pathetic condition. He feels pain when he sees us in pain. So, he comes riding his majestic chariot and with his broad eyes desperately looks for us. Lord Jagannath is so keen to shower his mercy upon each one of us.

Seeing us stuck in the material ocean, he throws his mystical gigantic ropes amongst us inviting us to hold it tightly.  He invites everyone. There is no discrimination.

As a son does not need any material qualification to get the love of his father. Similarly, to get the mercy of Lord Jagannath there is no material qualification or designation required. Men, women, children, rich, poor, black, white, Hindus, non-Hindus, Indians, non-Indians all are welcomed.   

One can easily notice the big smile which Jagannath has on his face as soon as one holds the rope which is tied to the gigantic chariot. The Lord assures us that holding the rope and chanting his names we can cross over the ocean of material existence.

As we pull the mystical rope, the distance between Lord Jagannath and us gradually starts decreasing.  And if we continue holding the rope with faith, with love and keep on calling his name again and again then the distance disappears, and the beautiful Lord appears in our heart.

As soon as we get shelter of Jagannath who is the saviour of the suffering souls, we get freedom from all miseries including the misery of repeated cycle of birth and death.  

Lord Jagannath’s earnest invitation

Lord Jagannath loves us. He cares for us. So, he tries his best to save us from the painful material life.

In this world, no matter how best we try but we cannot be happy because the laws of material nature are not just stringent but also cruel. She will never allow us to be peaceful here. In this world, there is danger at every step.

Miseries enter into our life without any invitation. So, we should unhesitatingly accept Lord Jagannath’s invitation. Lord Jagannath comes out of his sanctum sanctorum to shower his mercy upon us and earnestly invite us to join him in his spiritual abode.

Story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival

What is the story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra which draws lakhs of devotees every year to Jagannath Puri? Why once in a year Lord Jagannath with his brother Baladeva and little sister Subhadra come out of the temple and ride on the massive chariots?  

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj has beautifully explained the story behind the world-famous Rath Yatra festival in one of his lectures. Below is what he said:

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj tells Rath Yatra Story

For hundred years, Krishna was away from Vrindavan. Krishna gave the assurance; I will come back quickly. Don’t worry. The gopis were trying to stop him from leaving Vrindavan.

They were desperate to stop. Some gopis were holding the reins of the chariot’s horses and some gopis were pulling the chariot, “we won’t let you go.”

Some gopis laid down in front of the wheels of the chariot and some gopis were beating up Akrura, “You want to take Krishna, we will never let you do that.” So, the gopis were in desperate situation.

So, Krishna assured them, “Don’t worry., I am just going there with a mission. The king has invited me, so I have do go. So, don’t worry I will come back.”  

Krishna breaks his promise

Krishna that way has many wonderful qualities. One of his qualities is he breaks his vows. His words sometimes don’t have any values. That’s why when Krishna wants to make some promise and reassure fully, he makes the commitment through his devotees because his words may fail but his devotees’ words will never fail.

Therefore, he says, “kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati, Bhagavad Gita 9.31. Arjuna you declare, I won’t say it. If I say it, then people may think it’s just another bluff. So, you say it that my devotees will never vanquish.”  

Gopis & Krishna come to Kurukshetra

So, for hundred years Krishna didn’t go back. On the occasion of Solar eclipse, Surya Grahan, it’s a custom that seekers of piety go to Samanta panchak in Kurukshetra to take bath. So, many people went to Kurukshetra on the occasion of solar eclipse to take bath and the gopis also went.

The residents of Vrindavan also went to take bath and Krishna also went. They took bath. Next day they were about to leave and then the residents of Vrindavan got the news that Krishna and Balarama were there. They immediately ran to meet Krishna and Balarama.

Radharani is unhappy to see Krishna

By the time Krishna was already on his chariot. He was also about to leave. So, they arrived there. And everyone was naturally very excited, very happy. But Radharani was not. Radharani’s mood was, this is not Nandalala.

Nandalala, my Krishna, wears a peacock feather on his head, but this person is wearing a crown. My Krishna wears a yellow garment, and this person is wearing royal robes, royal dress.

My Krishna wears flower garland made of forest flowers. And this personality is wearing necklaces made of most precious gems and jewels. My Krishna carries a flute and this one is carrying a bow and arrow and sword.

I meet him in the solitary place on the bank of Yamuna but this place is full of so many people, so much noise, so many horses, so many elephants. The elephants are trumpeting, horses are whining, people are clamoring, so much noise.

This is not where I wanted to see him and this is not the way I wanted to see my Krishna.

Vrajbasis begin to pull Krishna’s chariot

So, residence of Vrindavan, Radharani’s devotees, could understand Radharani’s mood. So, what did they do? They caught hold of Krishna’s chariot. The horses were already harnessed, so along with the horses they started to pull Krishna’s chariot.

Balarama was also there; he was also their friend. Balarama’s chariot was also being dragged and the sister cannot be left alone, so take her also. But where? To Vrindavan. So that is the Rath Yatra festival.

From Kurukshetra, Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are being dragged towards Vrindavan where he will meet Srimati Radharani. So Gundicha temple is actually Vrindavan. So that is the Rath Yatra festival.”

HH Bhakti Charu Swamu Maharaj has very beautifully explained the story behind the Rath Yatra festival and its great significance.

Assisting Radharani in pulling the chariot of Krishna

So, during the Rath Yatra festival when we are pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath then it means that we are assisting Srimati Radharani in pulling the chariot of Krishna to Vrindavan. We are participating in the pastime of helping Radharani meet his beloved Krishna.

Lord Krishna as Lord Jagannath is very excited to go to Vrindavan and meet Radharani. Radharani is excited too. So, if we are participating in the Rath Yatra festival and pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath then we are actually assisting in uniting Krishna with his beloved Radharani.

When Krishna and Radharani meets then the bliss is unlimited. Seeing the divine couple together gives great bliss to the devotees. And this is the ultimate perfection of our life.

Significance of Rath Yatra for Gaudiya Vaishnavism

For the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Rath Yatra holds a special significance. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, so it is also called Chaitanya Vaishnavism.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu after taking sannyasa resided in Jagannath Puri and every day he visited the temple to took darshan of Lord Jagannath. Mahaprabhu would participate in Rath Yatra festival with great enthusiasm.

Hundreds of prominent followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would come to Jagannath Puri during the Rath Yatra festival. Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta elaborately explains how Mahaprabhu along with several of his disciples took part in the Rath Yatra festival. 

Rath Yatra festival has spread all over the world

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is extremely merciful, he wanted everyone to get mercy of Lord Jagannath.

Srila Prabhupada, a great Vaisnava saint and scholar, knew the heart of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, so he introduced Rath Yatra festival all over the world. Srila Prabhupada also wanted that everyone should get mercy of Lord Jagannath.

So, today by the grace of Srila Prabhupada, Rath Yatra festival is not just celebrated in Jagannath Puri but also in different cities of India and of the world. Tens and thousands of people participate in Rath Yatra procession and come to pull the ropes of the chariots.  

Just by seeing Lord Jagannath on the chariot people’s life become auspicious. And if with joy they participate in the Rath Yatra procession and pull the chariots then their life become successful.  

51st Kolkata Rath Yatra by Iskcon

Iskcon celebrated 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra on 1^st July 2022.  For last two years because of Covid, Rath Yatra was not celebrated in such a grand scale. So, this time devotees of Jagannath, were eager to participate in the Kolkata Rath Yatra festival which was started by Srila Prabhupada in 1972.  Thousands of devotees accompanied the Rath Yatra procession.

On the streets thousands of people stood to pull the chariots of the Lords. Some people especially elderly who could not come on the street watched the massive Rath Yatra procession from their house’s balconies and window.

Seeing the three massive chariots rolling through the streets of Kolkata amidst the loud chanting of Jay Jagannath and Hare Krishna Mahamantra gave great joy to everyone.

Inauguration of 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra started from Iskcon’s Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple at 3C Albert Road, Minto Park and culminated at TAI Brigade Ground where a beautiful Gundicha temple has been built.

51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra was inaugurated by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, His Holiness Subhag Swami Maharaj and HH Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narasimha Swami Maharaja.

Chief Minister of West Bengal participates in Rath Yatra

Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee also participated in the 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra. CM Mamata Banerjee along with TMC MP, Nusrat Jahan, first visited Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple and did arati of Radha Govinda. Then she also did arati of Lord Jagannath who was seated on the chariot. She also participated in pulling the Rath of Lord Jagannath.

Rath Yatra was to start at around 1 pm IST but was little delayed.  Devotees were eager to pull the chariot. They were desperately waiting for the Rath Yatra to start.  Many devotees were holding the ropes of the chariot and sitting on the street. Just like a mother holds her baby on her lap or close to her chest, devotees had put the rope on their laps, some close to their chest.

Rath Yatra management team had announced that when they will show green flag then devotees can pull the chariot and when they will show red flag then devotees should stop and not pull the chariot.

Eagerness of the devotees to pull the chariot

On few occasions, it happened that the devotees thought that the procession is about to start, so they got up holding the ropes with great enthusiasm hoping to pull the chariot of the Lord. But the rath yatra management would politely ask them to wait for some more time. 

The wait was little longer. I was also desperately waiting for the Rath Yatra to begin. One elderly devotee was sitting beside me. He spoke pure Bengali language. I am not able to understand Bengali completely, I can understand it in bits and pieces. And am not able to speak. The elderly devotee also did not speak Hindi/English. But still we conversed and tried to understand each other.

The elderly devotee was saying that he has been practicing Bhakti since last 36 years. He was around 70 years old. He said that he is a disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. From the conversation, I could sense that he had great respect for Maharaj.

For him the wait was little more difficult, especially because of his age. So, he was little upset. We had been waiting for hours. I was also losing patience thinking that why it is not starting. Some said that because the CM has not arrived, so Rath Yatra has not started. Some gave other reasons.

Lord Jagannath moves as per his own will.

All the material reasons for the delay could be true, it could be justified too. But one thought came to my mind.

In Chaitanya-Charitamrita Madhya 13.28, describing the Rath Yatra procession of Jagannath Puri, Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī writes, “Sometimes the car would stand still and not move, even though it was pulled very vigorously. The chariot therefore moved by the will of the Lord, not by the strength of any ordinary person.”

Lord Jagannath moves as per his own supreme will. He is independent Lord, whenever he decides, he moves.

So, putting aside all my logic, arguments, analysis, frustration, impatience, I prayed to Lord Jagannath to give us an opportunity to participate in the festival of pulling his chariot.

While all of us were wating for the procession to start, devotees were doing kirtan, doing arati and were offering bhoga to the Lord.

Rath Yatra procession finally begins

Finally, Lord Jagannath decided to move. Rath Yatra management devotees announced that we are now going to pull the chariot of the Lord. They showed the green flag. It was celebration time. Devotees who were holding the ropes of the chariot for hours and siting on the road, immediately got up and with the loud chant of Jay Jagannath, they pulled the ropes. Hundreds of devotees who were standing on the sides of the road joined them to pull the chariot.

Rath Yatra procession started at around 3:30 pm IST. Lord Jagannath Rath started at 3:51 pm IST. 

Once the Rath Yatra started, there was no delay. The three massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi rolled through the streets of Kolkata. In front of each chariot devotees were doing kirtan.

The three chariots

Lord Jagannath chariot is called Nandighosa. This chariot has 16 wheels. It’s charioteer is Daruka.

Lord Baladeva’s chariot is called Taladhwaja. It has 14 wheels and Matali is the charioteer.

Subhadra’s chariot is known as Devadalana/Darpadalana/Padmadhwaja. This chariot has 12 wheels and Arjuna is the Charioteer.

People’s eagerness to pull the chariot

At different places bhoga was offered to the Lord. At some places 108 food items were offered to the Lord, at some places 51 items. Lord Jagannath prasadam were distributed along the way. Many people were eager to serve the devotees participating in the Rath Yatra procession, So, at many places they were serving water, juices and refreshment to the devotees.

I saw few devotees carrying broom with them to sweep the street from where the Lord will pass. People were falling flat on the street to pay obeisances to the Lord.

Because of Rath Yatra procession, commuters had to wait for long time at traffic signals. But no one looked upset. They too were enjoying Rath Yatra procession. Many people got down from buses and their vehicles to pull the chariot.

Many were peeping from inside the buses and vehicles to see the Lord. They were also raising their hands to welcome the Lord and offer their respects to the Lord. 

Although we say that because of Kaliyuga people are not showing much interest bhakti but still I saw that there were thousands of people at different spots eagerly waiting to pull the chariot of the Lord. Young and old, men and women, rich and poor everyone came to pull the rath. And while pulling they all were chanting Jay Jagannath or were singing Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

It is because of Srila Prabhupada’s mercy that so many people in Kolkata are getting mercy of Lord Jagannath. If you would have looked at the face of Lord Jagannath, he looked happy.

Wonderful Rath Yatra experience  

A day before Rath Yatra I was not feeling enthusiastic to participate in Rath yatra. On the Rath Yatra day too in the morning, the feeling remained the same. But I did not want to miss Rath Yatra. I thought that I will be there for couple of hours and then return back. But after being there with the Lord and his sincere devotees, I could not think of coming after attending only for couple of hours.

I had wonderful experience.  I pulled all the three chariots – of Lord Jagannath, of Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. After pulling the three chariots, I came in front of Lord Jagannath’s chariot. I saw their one of my friends HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu who is a celibate monk in Iskcon temple and other devotees. I decided to be with them.

Devotees in front of Lord Jagannath chariot were doing kirtan and were dancing for the pleasure of the Lord. Because of their inspiration I too participated in the kirtan. It was a great experience.

Poison in beginning, nectar at end

In Bhagavad Gita 18.37, Lord Krishna says, “That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.”

I realized that because of my laziness and impurities I was not feeling motivated to participate in Rath Yatra but once I participated and took the association of the devotees, I felt really nice. One lesson I learnt is that I should not listen to my mind but should follow the guidelines of the scriptures and footsteps of sincere vaisnavas.

As many devotees were there trying to pull the chariot, it was naturally that they will step over each other. So, while pulling the chariots many devotees stamped over my feet. I have blisters on my feet. But it is ok. Its sweet pain.

Rath finally reached Gundicha temple

Rath Yatra finally reached Gundicha temple at TAI Brigade ground, at around 9 pm i.e. almost after five and half hours. Here Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi will stay in Gundicha temple for 9 days i.e. till the day of Ulta Rath Yatra which is on 9^th July.

At Gundicha temple venue, various attractive stalls have been put for people to visit and get inspired to practice Krishna Consciousness.  For kids there is special kids corner where they can come, have fun and see a glimpse of Krishna Conscious life. For nine days, various programs will be there at Gundicha temple throughout the day.

After we reached Gundicha temple we had delicious khichdi and halwa prasadam.  It was a wonderful and memorable Rath Yatra experience.

The happiness which Lord Jagannath bestows upon all who participate in his Rath Yatra celebration cannot be described in words.

ISKCON & A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s contribution in spreading Jagannath worship & Rath Yatra all over the world

Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon, has played a significant role in spreading Jagannath Rath Yatra and Jagannath worship all over the world. Let us explore some interesting facts about the Rath Yatra festival and how Prabhupada helped to spread it across the globe.

Friar Odoric was a Franciscan missionary. In early 14th century he visited India. In India, he saw a huge deity of Lord Jagannath on an enormous chariot in the streets of Puri. Thousands of people were pulling the chariot with a rope. He carried the story of Jagannath deity riding on a huge chariot to Europe. The story spread throughout Europe. By 19th century Europeans started using the word juggernaut, although they meant Jagannath.  Any enormous object which had crushing capability was called juggernaut.

Little did the Europeans knew that the same massive chariots whose story had fascinated them would one day ride through the streets of Europe. Name any major cities of the world and you will see it celebrating Rath Yatra festival. The festival is celebrated in the same way as it is traditionally celebrated in Puri, India.  The massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi travels majestically and is pulled by hundreds of people.

Hundreds of men and women watch in amazement and even participate in pulling the ropes. Men and women, young and old, rich and poor, Hindus and non-Hindus, black and white all participate. Caste, colour, race, gender discrimination ceases to exist when everyone come together to pull the chariot of Jagannath.

Srila Prabhupada’s love for Jagannath

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder acharya of Iskcon, established the worship of Jagannath outside India in a prominent way and made Rath Yatra global. He was fondly called “Srila Prabhupada.” He would say that Jagannath is Lord (nath) of the Universe (jagat), so why not give everyone, irrespective of caste, creed, religion and nationality, the opportunity to worship Jagannath.  Srila Prabhupada was one of the most influential spiritual leaders of India post- independence. He played a crucial role in spreading Vaisnavism throughout the world. And he has made Jagannath Rath Yatra hugely popular.  

Prabhupada was attracted to Jagannath since his childhood days. He was born in Kolkata in 1896. His parents, Gour Mohan De and Rajani De, gave him the name Abhay.  Abhay means one who is fearless having taken shelter of the Lord.   As a child he was fascinated by Rath Yatra festival. He always wanted to visit Puri to take darshan of Jagannath and participate in Rath Yatra.  He would constantly look the train timetable to find out the trains for Puri. Especially he wanted to go during the Rath Yatra period and wanted to pull Jagannath’s chariot. But for little Abhay, it was not possible to go to Puri alone.

So, once he thought why not have my own Rath Yatra at home. His father bought him a small cart. He beautifully decorated it and invited his sisters and neighbourhood kids to join him in the Rath Yatra procession.  Small deities of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra was placed on the chariot. Seeing the enthusiasm of Abhay, his parents and neighbourhood elders too decided to participate. His mother cooked nice food items to offer to Lord. And on the Rath Yatra day little Abhay with his little friends organized a successful Rath Yatra. Everyone enjoyed the festival.

Prabhupada meets his spiritual master

When Abhay was a young man. He met Srila Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Thakura, a renowned Vaisnav saint, scholar and founder of Gaudiya Math. The first meeting itself transformed Abhya’s life.   

“You are an English educated young man. Why don’t you use your intellect and talent in enlightening the western world with the teachings of Krishna and Chaitanya? Indians are blindly imitating the west. They are forgetting their culture. So, if people in the west starts appreciating Indian wisdom and culture then the Indians will start valuing them too.”

These words of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura deeply touched Abhay.  He decided to follow the sagely advice and requested Srila Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Thakura to accept him his disciple. Srila Bhaktisidhanta Saraswati Thakura accepted him and initiated him in 1932 in Gaudiya-Vaishnava tradition.

Preaching in the western world

Prabhupada was working hard to fulfil the order of his guru. He took sannyasa, renounced order of life, in 1959 to dedicate his life completely in preaching Krishna Consciousness. Prabhupada wrote several books and tried his best to preach. He was also looking for an opportunity to go to west.   Finally, he got the chance in 1965 to go to USA. Although he was 69 years old by that time but still he had burning desire to carry the message of Lord Krishna and Lord Chaitanya to the western world.

During his initial months in USA, he struggled hard to preach. But he did not give up. Slowly young American boys and girls started getting influenced by his preaching. His sincerity, simplicity and deep devotion to Krishna started attracting people. And slowly many started taking up devotion to Krishna. They became disciples of Prabhupada. Prabhupada engaged them in chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra and also taught them how to worship the deity of Radha and Krishna.

In 1967 in San Francisco, Jagannath deity miraculously came to Prabhupada. And Prabhupada decided to establish the worship of Jagannath in Iskcon and planned to celebrate Rath yatra festival in different countries of the world.

Lord Jagannath appears in San Francisco

One day Malati, a female disciple of Srila Prabhupada, brought a unique looking wooden doll. She placed it in front of Srila Prabhupada. As soon as Prabhupada saw the wooden doll, he immediately folded his hands in reverence and paid obeisances. All the assembled students were amazed. What is so special about this doll? They wanted to know. They looked at Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada had a big smile on his face. He looked so happy. It seemed that he was meeting his age-old friend after a long time. Prabhupada looked towards his young curious American disciples and said, “This is Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. He looks different but he is Krishna.”  

His American students had just begun learning about the Indian Vedic culture. They had started chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra on beads. They had begun donning Indian dress. Men would wear dhoti and kurta and women saris. Just like the devotees of Krishna in India, they would apply sandalwood tilak on their body. On the forehead they would put tilak in the shape of Krishna’s lotus feet and make a Tulasi leaf from the paste on the upper part of their nose touching Krishna’s feet. They looked perfect Vaishnavs. But still they had to know a lot about Indian culture, Indian tradition and the way the Indians worshipped the deities.

Devotees excited to know about Jagannath

Srila Prabhupada was their friend, philosopher, and guide. He would always encourage his disciples to go deep in spiritual life.  He thanked Malati for bringing Jagannath. She had never thought that this wooden doll would please her spiritual master to such an extent.  Everyone except Srila Prabhupada had heard the name “Jagannath” for the first time. In fact, majority of the Americans would not have known about Jagannath.  Srila Prabhupada explained them in detail about the worship of Jagannath in India especially in Puri. He spoke about the grand rath yatra festival at Puri. When he said that thousands of people irrespective of caste, creed and gender come to pull the ropes of the chariot, everyone was mesmerised.  

Srila Prabhupada explained them that Jagannath is none other than Krishna. He is worshipped along with his brother, Balarama, and little sister, Subhadra. Malati excitedly said that two similar looking dolls were also there in the shop.

“From where did you get this?” Prabhupada asked.

“From an import store at Cost Plus,” Malati said.

“Why don’t you get the other two dolls as well – of Balarama and Subhadra.” Prabhupada asked.  

Installing the deity of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra in San Francisco

She hurried back to the store with her husband, Syamasundara, and brought Balarama and Subhadra.  Prabhupada was eagerly waiting for them. As soon as Balarama and Subhadra arrived, Prabhupada properly placed them – Jagannath to the right, little Subhadra in the centre and Balarama to the left. Srila Prabhupada loved Jagannath.  Seeing him, he got a desire to start the worship of Jagannath in the western country in a grand way.   

He wanted to spread the worship of Jagannath all over the world.  Lord Jagannath had appeared in San Francisco by his own will.  He wanted to establish the worship of Jagannath in San Francisco. For this to happen, a big wooden deity of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra had to be built.  He expressed his desire. His disciples were always eager to fulfil their guru’s wish. Syamasundara knew carpentry. He took the responsibility of carving the deities from the wood.

Srila Prabhupada explained him the shape, size, width and height of the deities. He took a pen and paper and wrote down all the details. He further said, “Jagannath should be painted black, Baladeva should be white, and Subhadra should be yellow.” Syamasundara began his work.

Jagannath deity was installed on Gaura Purnima

March 26 was Gaura Purnima, the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya. Prabhupada decided to install the deity of Lord Jagannath on that auspicious day. Lord Chaitanya had played a crucial role in spreading sankirtana – devotion to Krishna by congregational chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra – in India in 15^th century.  

After taking sannyasa, renounced order of life, Lord Chaitanya lived in Puri near the famous Jagannath temple. He visited the temple daily for darshan and stood for hours in front of Jagannath.  Srila Prabhupada had gone to west to spread the teachings of Lord Chaitanya. So, the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya was the perfect day to install the deity of Lord Jagannath.   A beautiful wooden altar from the redwood tree was built for the deities.

The deity installation day

On the installation day, which was also the Gaur Purnima day, Prabhupada said that entire day they all will read about Lord Chaitanya and his teachings, chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and sing kirtana.  Everybody will fast the entire day. The much-awaited installation ceremony will be in the evening followed by big feast.  Throughout the day devotees absorbed themselves in chanting the names of Krishna and hearing the pastimes of Chaitanya. Some of the devotees were also busy making arrangements for the evening.  In the evening the temple room was full. Many people from the neighbourhood also came to see the installation ceremony.

Newly carved wooden deities of Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra were placed on the beautifully decorated wooden altar. A yellow canopy gave the altar a majestic look.  Prabhupada led the kirtan and the disciples and assembled guests began offering lamp to the three deities. Blue, red and yellow lights on the altar glittered when devotees were offering the lamp. The deities looked beautiful and colourful. It was a festive atmosphere. Lamp offering was followed by big feast. 

The installation ceremony was simple but devotional. Everyone present felt attracted to Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra.  Prabhupada taught them the prayer which they should chant for Jagannath – jagannathaḥ svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me, O Lord of the Universe, please be visible to me. Prabhupada said that Jagannath has chosen to appear in San Francisco, so, let us call San Francisco as “New Jagannath Puri.”

Jagannath goes to Golden Gate Park

Devotees were happy. Next day some of the devotees took the deity of Jagannath from the altar to the nearby Golden Gate Park. They would often go out to do kirtan. So, they decided to even take Jagannath with them.  Hundreds of Americans were excited to see Jagannath in the park. Devotees chanted the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and danced around Jagannath for several hours.

Meanwhile when Prabhupada saw the deity missing from the altar he was upset. Jagannath deity does not leave the altar except on one especially day. And that is called Rath Yatra.  He said, “If you all really want to take the deities outside then organize a Rath Yatra festival.” His young American disciples got excited to hear this. Prabhupada said, “Let us have Rath Yatra in San Francisco.” Everyone agreed.

First Rath Yatra celebration in San Francisco on 9^th July 1967

Prabhupada wanted to celebrate Rath Yatra festival the way it is celebrated in Jagannath Puri. Three different chariots for the three deities and devotees pulling the chariots with ropes. But he knew that it was not possible to arrange such big chariots in America. His disciples were not trained to build chariots. And to get it in a foreign land where Rath Yatra would be celebrated for the first time was not possible.  

So, it was decided that a flatbed truck would be converted into a chariot. And in future devotees can plan for big chariots. They choose a yellow flatbed truck and decorated it in a way so that it looks like a chariot. Devotees made five-foot columns on the truck and a colourful cloth canopy. On the day of Rath Yatra they took the deities from the altar and placed it on the chariot under the canopy. Jagannath faced towards the right side of the truck, Baladeva towards the left and Subhadra towards the rear.

First Jagannath Rath year begins

The three deities rode on the streets of San Francisco on the yellow chariot. People on the road were amazed and excited to see this. The chariot moved slowly. Devotees sang the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and danced in front of Lord Jagannath. Hundreds of people participated in the procession.  Police tried to finish the procession quickly. But so many people were in front of the chariot that they could not do anything. In fact, they too liked the devotional spirit.

Meanwhile devotees were distributing prasadam – oranges, apples and bananas were being given. From the chariot they were throwing flowers on the crowds, and people loved it. They were also releasing dozens of Rath Yatra ballons. It was a festive atmosphere. Devotees enjoyed their first Rath Yatra festival. Those who participated in the procession too loved it. Prabhupada was immensely pleased and satisfied. He had taken an arduous journey in his old age to the west to spread Krishna Consciousness. And it seemed he was succeeding.

Jagannath worship and Rath Yatra festival has spread all over the world

Today Jagannath worship and Rath Yatra celebration takes place in almost all the major countries of the world like USA, UK, Canada, Russia, Germany South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia and even in Islamic countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.  One can see massive Rath Yatra chariots rolling through the streets of San Francisco, New York, Washington, London, Berlin, Moscow, Johannesburg, Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur, Dhaka.  In India Iskcon organizes Rath Yatra in all the major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Guwahati, Mayapur, Vrindavan and many more.

Iskcon organizes world’s first virtual Rath Yatra during Covid

During Covid Pandemic it was not possible to celebrate Rath Yatra on streets. So, Iskcon organized world’s first digital Rath Yatra which covered six continents. The festival was named as “Mercy on Wheels.” There were 108 rathas (chariots) and thousands of people from all over the world participated virtually.

References:

• Srīla Prabhupada-lilamrta Volume 1, Chapter TWENTY-FOUR, New Jagannātha Purī

Link: https://vedabase.io/en/library/spl/1/24/

• Srīla Prabhupada-lilamrta Volume 1, CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX, Swamiji’s Departure

Link: https://vedabase.io/en/library/spl/1/26/

• Definition of juggernaut: Merriam Webster

Link: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/juggernaut

• ISKCON plans world’s first virtual Rath Yatra across 6 continents amid Covid-19 pandemic: Hindustan Times

Link: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/iskcon-plans-world-s-first-virtual-rath-yatra-across-six-continents-during-covid-19-pandemic/story-FC3iY13U9xUpgxsdbOUEfO.html

When was the first Rath Yatra festival celebrated?

Rath Yatra is one of the most important festivals of India. It is being celebrated since hundreds of years. But when was the first Rath Yatra festival celebrated?Where was it first celebrated? Who all participated in the first Rath Yatra festival?  

We all have experienced that when Lord Jagannath with his elder brother Balarama and little sister Subhadra enthrone the beautifully decorated majestic chariots on the Rath Yatra day then the hearts of lakhs of people dance in joy.  

Lord Jagannath takes Lakshmi Devi’s permission to ride the chariot

After snana yatra, Lord Jagannath remains confined in a secluded place for 15 days. During this period, he performs his pastimes with Lakshmi Devi, the goddess of fortune. He then takes permission from her and come to ride on the chariot to give pleasure to the devotees.  And the devotees without any delay enthusiastically start pulling the ropes of the mammoth chariots to invite the Lord to reside in their hearts.

The chariots sometimes move very fast, sometimes very slow and sometimes just stand still even though it is pulled vigorously. It is said that the chariots move by the desire of the Lord and not by the efforts of an ordinary person.

The forms of the three deities are quite unique. They have big round eyes, have a huge smile on their faces but have no hands and feet.

What happened when Lord Krishna left Vrindavan?

Krishna was the darling of braja but when he left them then all the brajvasis were devastated. Every moment they would remember Krishna, would always talk about Krishna and would hope that one day their Krishna will return back to Vrindavan. 

Krishna although had left Vrindavan but he too always remembered his cowherd friends, his mother, Yashoda, his father, Nanada Maharaja, and of course the love of his life, Srimati Radharani.

Brajvasis come to Kurushetra during solar eclipse

Once there was a solar eclipse and Krishna along with his brother Balarama and sister Subhdra travelled on a chariot to Kurushetra to observe the Vedic custom of taking bath in a sacred place during solar eclipse. The residents of Vrindavan too had come to the holy city.

Brajvasis meet Krishna after several years of separation

And here after several years Krishna and brajvasis saw each other. Their hearts danced in joy; eyes were filled with tears.

Overwhelmed with love and with broken words they complained as why did he betray them?

Why he did not keep his promise of returning to Vrindavan? Krishna was speechless, how could he make them understand that although physically he may not be with them, but his heart was always in Vrindavan.

Brajvasis pull the chariot of Krishna to Vrindavan  

Krishna was now the king of Dwarka, he was dressed gorgeously and was on a beautiful chariot. He was accompanied by beautiful queens and hundreds of soldiers. 

The residents of Vrindavan did not like the opulence of Krishna. For the gopis Krishna was their paramour, for gopas he was their friend with whom they joked and played and for Nanda and Yasoda he was their naughty little child. Such simple, selfless and pure love can be experienced only in Vrindavan.

They wanted him to come to Vrindavan and so all the brajvasis started pulling Krishna’s chariot to Vrindavan.

To commemorate this beautiful pastime Rath Yatra is celebrated.  

So, the chariot festival began around 5000 years ago when Lord Krishna met brajvasis in Kurushetra after several decades of separation.

Lord Krishna as Lord Jagannath along with his brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra Devi rides on the chariot during the Rath Yatra festival. Jagannath Puri is the abode of Lord Jagannath. The Lord permanently resides in Puri along with his brother and sister. In Puri, this pastime of the Lord is celebrated every year.

The Rath Yatra festival of Puri is immensely popular and draws millions of people every year from all over the world.  On the day of Rath Yatra millions of people come together to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath.

Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi’s deities are taken out from the temple and put on three different chariots. 

The devotees enthusiastically chant the names of Lord Jagannath and pull towards the Gundicha temple.

Lord Jagannath’s temple is said to be Dwarka and Gundicha temple is said to be Vrindavan.

So, the devotees like the brajvasis pull the chariot of Lord Krishna or Lord Jagannath from Dwarka and plead him to come and reside in Vrindavan. 

The glorious Ratha Yatra festival spreads all over the world

Several hundred years have passed but this tradition is continuing in Jagannath Puri.  Hundreds of devotees daily come to the temple and thousands of devotees throng the temple city on the occasion of Rath Yatra.

Today Rath Yatra is not just confined to Puri but have spread all over the world.

In fact, it is now common to see Lord Jagannath’s chariots rolling through the streets of London, New York, Los Angeles, Moscow, Paris and other cities of the world.

It is because of Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of Iskcon, that the chariot festival is being celebrated in almost all the parts of the world.

Conclusion

When was the first Rath Yatra festival celebrated?

Around 5000 years ago

Where was it first celebrated?

In Kurushetra

Who all participated in the first Rath Yatra festival?  

Brajvasis, the residents of Vrindavan participated

Why did Lord Jagannath’s chariot stop for Salabega, his Muslim devotee?

There are innumerable pastimes associated with Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra festival. One of the most famous pastimes is when Lord Jagannath’s chariot stopped for Salabega,a Muslim devotee. This pastime took place around 400 years ago in 17th century.

But who was Salabega? Why did Lord Jagannath’s chariot stop for him? Why he was not there during Rath Yatra?

The chariot did not move even by an inch

Millions of people from far of places had come to welcome Lord Jagannath. Meditating on the Supreme Lord’s wonderful qualities they were pulling the ropes of the majestic chariot on which Lord Jagannath was seated. Brother Baladeva and little sister Subhadra were also on their respective chariots.

But suddenly Lord Jagannath’s chariot had stopped. Thousands of people were trying their best to pull the ropes of the chariot. But the chariot did not move even by an inch. The Lord was not willing to move ahead. No one could understand what has happened. What could be the reason? Everyone wondered. Just few moments back Jagannath’s chariot was swiftly dancing through the streets.

But now the Lord was not in a mood to budge. Is He upset? Why would He be upset? The broad smile on His face was conveying that He isn’t unhappy. But His big eyes were anxiously looking for someone today, so he stood still. Who was that fortunate soul for whom Jagannath was waiting?

Meanwhile Salabega was running towards Puri with a hope to see the Lord.

Who was Salabega?

Salabega was Muslim by birth and was the son of a Mughal subedar. Once he got severely ill but got miraculously cured when he started chanting Jagannath’s names. He thus became a devotee of Lord Jagannath. Once with a desire to see Lord Jagannth, he went to the Jagannath temple. But he was not allowed to enter the temple because he was a non-Hindu. Salabega immediately left for Vrindavan to perform his devotion. While in Vrindavan, he came to know about the Rath Yatra festival and with a desire to see Lord Jagannath he left for Puri.

Salabega falls sick on his way to Puri

But on the way, he fell sick. He thought that he would not be able to reach Puri in time and will not be able to see the Lord. He felt helpless and desperately prayed to Lord Jagannath to wait for him until he reaches Puri – satasa pacasha kosha cali na parai/moha jivajaen nandighose thiva rahi. “It is very difficult to walk the 750 kosas (distance between Vrindavan and Puri) to see You. Please remain on Nandighosha (Jagannath’s chariot) until then.”

Jagannath‘s chariot stopped for Salabega

And today Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, to fulfill the wish of his dear devotee was waiting for him anxiously. Salabega reached and saw the beautiful Lord, with tears in his eyes he offered prayers.  Lord was happy, Salabega was satisfied and now when the devotees pulled the ropes Jagannath’s chariot started rolling again. 

How does the chariot move?

The chariot does not move by the efforts of the devotees. It moves because of the love of the devotees. The Lord gives all of us an opportunity to pull his chariot. When he sees devotion in our hearts then he allows himself to be pulled by us and the chariot begins to move.

Countless such pastimes are associated with Rath Yatra festival. The festival is unique and massive. It is one of the most important festivals of India. The history of Rath Yatra festival is too old to be dated.  

Lord Jagannath is the Lord of the universe. He is the Lord of all – Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jews, rich, poor, black, white, brown, men, women, young and old.  

He is Supreme Father of all the living entities. He loves us all. He is an ocean of mercy.

On the Rath Yatra day, he comes out of his temple to shower his mercy upon all his children. For him, everyone of us are dear to him. The Lord waited for Salabega, the Supremely Merciful Lord is waiting for us too. With His open arms, He is welcoming us. Let us let go all our worldly attachments and embrace the Lord in our hearts. 

To celebrate Salabega’s devotion, every year the chariot of Jaganntah stops briefly near his samadhi.

Also Read:

Reason behind Lord Jagannath’s unique form