ISKCON Bangalore will be celebrating the 39th annual Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra on 27 January 2024.
This festival, also known as the Festival of Chariots, has its origins in Jagannath Puri, Odisha, and was introduced worldwide by Srila Prabhupada, The Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.
History of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra
The first Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra in Bangalore was held in 1985 at Bangalore Palace Orchards, Sadashivanagar. In the initial years, there were separate chariots for Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama, but due to unexpected events, both deities rode on the same chariot. Since then, the festival has been celebrated annually with both Krishna and Balarama riding on a single chariot. The procession takes place through the streets of Rajajinagar, with thousands of devotees eagerly participating in the celebration by pulling the chariot. Hot and tasty prasadam is extensively distributed to people all along the procession route.
Features of the Ratha
The Ratha (chariot) is a blend of modern technology and ancient tradition, featuring state-of-the-art features such as air brakes and a steering wheel with a good suspension, making it feasible to travel long distances. The canopy of the Ratha can also be moved vertically upwards or downwards with the help of an electric motor, and its height is about 26 ft from the ground level when fully lifted. The chariot also has a 110 ft long sturdy rope on either side, allowing up to 500 people to pull it at a time.
The temple staff takes safety measures such as deploying a wheel protection team to ensure people stay safe and arranging a sound system to communicate and control the crowd, helping the easy progress of the Ratha. Prasadam, or sacred food, is distributed to all the devotees who participate in the Ratha Yatra. Devotees fill their buckets with prasadam and distribute it to even the onlookers, encouraging them to come and pull the chariot.
How you can participate in this festival?
Join us in a joyful celebration of Ratha Yatra! Pull the Ratha, offer your prayers, chant the Lord’s holy names, dance joyfully in kirtans, and savor sumptuous Prasadam.
Offer your Seva and receive the blessings of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama
Ratha Yatra dates at other centers: Hyderabad: December 9, 2023 | Mysore: January 6 2024 | Mangalore: February 10, 2024 | Chennai: February 24, 2024
Related Links: Puri Ratha Yatra | Ratha Yatra – The Festival of Chariots | Ratha Yatra celebrations across the globe | Understanding the Ratha Yatra | Reminiscing Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra | Down memory lane – ISKCON Bangalore’s Ratha Yatra | Srila Prabhupada’s very own childhood Ratha Yatra