Thousands witness reappearance of Lord Jagannath ahead of Rath Yatra

Devotees and residents of Vijayawada are in for a spiritual treat as the ISKCON Sri Sri Jagannath Mandir is set to host South India’s largest Rath Yatra Mahotsavam beginning June 27. The three-day spiritual extravaganza will commence at 1 p.m. at Sitara grounds, Bhavanipuram, and will feature grand processions, cultural performances, and devotional festivities.

ISKCON has extended an invitation to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu to inaugurate the Rath Yatra, which will see participation from thousands of devotees from across the State and abroad, said ISCKON Mandir president Chakradharidas.

At a press conference here on Thursday, he said that the festival will feature a majestic chariot procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Subhadra Devi, accompanied by ‘harinaam sankirtan’ by ISKCON devotees from countries like Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Brazil, U.S.A., Kazakhstan, and Italy. A highlight of the celebrations will be the darshan of the deities in a specially constructed Gundicha Mandir, designed by the globally renowned Bengal decorators, he said.