Rath Yatra festival begins Friday

The second-largest Rath Yatra in the world is set to begin in Dhaka on Friday (June 27), drawing thousands of devotees and marking the start of a nine-day celebration of devotion, tradition, and cultural heritage.

Organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Bangladesh, the annual Rath Yatra festival will commence from the historic Swamibag ISKCON Temple in the capital and continue until July 5, culminating in a return procession from Dhakeshwari National Temple.

On the opening day, the festival will begin at 8:00am with 108 Agnihotra Yagya for world peace. A spiritual discourse will follow at noon, delivered by ISKCON General Secretary Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari.

The grand chariot procession will be inaugurated at 2:30pm, with the Rath Yatra departing at 3:00pm, parading through central Dhaka via key landmarks such as Shapla Chattar, Baitul Mukarram, the High Court, Doel Chattar, and Jagannath Hall before reaching its destination.

Devotees will carry images of Lord Jagannath, Balaram, and Subhadra on a ceremonial chariot, following a centuries-old Vaishnav tradition that symbolizes spiritual liberation and the cycle of rebirth. ISKCON leaders emphasized the universal nature of the festival, inviting people of all faiths to participate.

"Rath Yatra has evolved into a universal festival that transcends religious boundaries," said Charu Chandra Das Brahmachari at a press briefing on Thursday. "This year, more than 128 Rath Yatras are being organized by ISKCON across Bangladesh, which is unprecedented in the country’s history."

Daily religious and cultural events will run from 8:00am to 9:00pm, including recitations of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, Jagannath Leelamrit, thematic discussions, evening aarti, devotional music, and Vedic dramas. Each night will feature performances and dance dramas at the Swamibag Temple from 8:00pm onwards.

The concluding day of the festival, July 5, will feature the "Ulto Rath Yatra" (Return Chariot Procession), as the deities are brought back to the Swamibag Temple from Dhakeshwari. Notable events on the final day will include a Padavali Kirtan by Dr. Tapsi Ghosh and a discussion meeting.

Security measures have been heightened ahead of the event. In addition to the national police force, ISKCON will deploy trained volunteer teams to ensure safety and maintain order along the procession route.

The Rath Yatra is expected to attract thousands of participants, including international visitors, and will be accompanied by fairs and cultural gatherings in various parts of the country.

ISKCON leaders expressed gratitude for government support and law enforcement cooperation. "The government has assured full security, and we are working closely with the authorities to ensure a peaceful and vibrant celebration," said Brahmachari.

Senior ISKCON officials including Treasurer Jyotishwar Gaur Das Brahmachari, Bimala Prasad Das, Rishikesh Gauranga Das, Nandan Acharya Das, Shuvo Nitai Das, and Joy Mahaprabhu Das were also present at the briefing.