Ratha Yatra, the Festival of The Chariots, originates in Jagannatha Puri in Orissa on the North Eastern coast of India where it is still observed by the entire population.

The main event is the enthronement of three large deities — Jagannatha (Krishna), His brother Balarama and Their sister Subhadra — each onto Their own wooden chariot. These three huge chariots are then hauled by ropes held by hundreds of Their devotees along a parade route lined by admirers, worshippers and spectators.

The carved and colourfully-painted chariots, liberally bedecked with flowers and garlands, are accompanied by enthusiastic kirtana (congregational chanting) sung by tens of thousands of devotees. After the procession there is, as at all Vaisnava festivals, a large feast of Krishna prasadam for all participants. The deities who grace the chariots are kept throughout the year within temples where They are worshipped daily in a regulative way. But once a year They emerge in order that the public may see Them. Krishna thus presents Himself as Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe (from which we get the English word "Juggernaut" meaning a large truck or chariot).

Over the last thirty years Ratha Yatra has been introduced into many cities around the world such as New York, London and Sydney by ISKCON’s founder, Srila Prabhupada, and his followers. As an outdoor street festival it never fails to attract the attention of the public and media and has become a much loved and appreciated event in many urban calendars to the delight of members of ISKCON.

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