When we think of Rath Yatra, the Jagannath Rath Yatra is usually the first one that comes to mind. It is one of the most important festivals in India, celebrated every year. Rath Yatra, or Jatra, honors Lord Jagannath, who is considered the Lord of the Universe, and marks his journey to visit his aunt. Although it is connected to Hindu traditions, this festival includes various elements from different faiths, such as Vaishnavism, Saivism, Shaktism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The Jagannath Rath Yatra has a rich history, dating back over five thousand years. What is truly special is that it has maintained the same rituals since its inception. While the main celebration occurs in Puri, Odisha, many other Rath Yatras happen in India with equal enthusiasm, including the ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kolkata.
The ISKCON Rath Yatra held in Kolkata spans an entire week and is a vibrant celebration in West Bengal.
Devotees gather to pull long ropes called ‘Roshi’ that are attached to the sacred chariots of Lord Jagannath, along with his siblings Balarama and Subhadra.
In Hindu tradition, participating in this act of pulling the ropes is seen as a significant blessing, drawing many faithful followers who wish to partake in this magnificent event.
Date Of Kolkata Rath Yatra 2025
This year, the Kolkata Rath Yatra 2025 will take place on June 27, 2025. It is celebrated in Kidderpore, Kolkata, on the second day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadh.
During the ISKCON Rath Yatra 2025 Kolkata, the main deities – Lord Jagannath, Lord Balarama, and Goddess Subhadra along with the celestial wheel Sudarshana chakra, are taken out of the temple in a grand ceremony to their chariots.
These large, beautifully decorated chariots are then pulled by many devotees.
Kolkata’s Rath Yatra marks the initial grand celebration of the Monsoon season, typically taking place in late June or early July. This festival pays tribute to Jagannath, a form of the deity Vishnu.
What Are The Main Highlights Of Rath Yatra In Kolkata
On this day, the idols of Jagannath are popular and much sought after. Children decorate their chariots with flowers and place clay images of Jagannath and his siblings inside them.
The Rath Yatra in Kolkata also marks the start of the harvest season, making it a very significant time in villages and towns.
The Rath Yatra in Kolkata showcases traditional art forms, including dance and music, originating from Odisha. Following a special ritual known as Chhera Pahara, numerous devotees join together to pull the chariot while chanting.
The deities are housed on the chariot for a duration of nine days.
Route For ISKCON Rath Yatra In Kolkata
The ISKCON Rath Yatra in Kolkata for 2025 is expected to attract around 50,000 devotees from India and abroad. The main event will take place on Friday, June 27, with rituals beginning at 2:00 PM, followed by the procession starting at 3:30 PM.
The route will stretch from the ISKCON Gangasagar Temple to Chayer Gheri, concluding around 7:00 PM.
What Is Special For Rath Yatra In Kolkata In 2025
This year’s Rath Yatra in Kolkata promises to be special as the chariot of Lord Jagannath will be equipped with tyres originally made for Sukhoi fighter jets, specifically those used in Operation Sindoor.
ISKCON Kolkata has led the effort to replace the old tyres, which have been in use since 1977 and were originally from a Boeing aircraft.
With Dunlop no longer in operation, a search for new tyres took several years. In 2024, MRF provided suitable tyres after extensive testing to ensure they could handle the chariot’s weight and navigate Kolkata’s streets. This year’s event symbolizes faith and resilience.
How Was Rath Yatra In Kolkata Celebrated In 2024
Last year, on July 7th, ISKCON Kolkata celebrated its 53rd Rath Yatra, making it the second-largest Rath Yatra in the world after Puri.
The beautifully decorated chariots carrying Lord Jagannath, Balarama, and Subhadra were pulled through the streets by thousands of devoted participants, creating a spiritual atmosphere
