The central message of the 55th Kolkata Rath Yatra is a sincere prayer that every heart may be filled with joy, fulfillment, brotherhood, and the light of peace in today’s turbulent and uncertain world. This historic celebration, which is organized by ISKCON Kolkata, moves the chariot forward with prayers for global well-being, human prosperity, harmony, peace, and happiness.

With the divine blessings of Lord Shri Shri Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Devi Subhadra, this Rath Yatra invites people to unite in a magnificent celebration of unity and brotherhood that transcends all boundaries of caste, creed, religion, and language.

Thanks to the unceasing efforts of ISKCON’s founder-acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Rath Yatra is observed in more than 150 countries and 4,000 locations worldwide. Seeing the Rath Yatra in Kolkata’s Burrabazar as a child gave him the idea to spread this holy celebration throughout the globe.

The inaugural international Rath Yatra took place in San Francisco, USA, on July 9, 1967. In his vision, Lord Jagannath’s chariot would pass through every city on earth, uniting people in the bonds of peace and devotion.

Every year, the Kolkata Rath Yatra, which is thought to be the biggest after Puri, draws close to two million participants and turns the entire city into a colorful celebration full of joy, devotion, and celebration.

The Honorable Chief Minister Shri Suvendu Adhikari’s gracious attendance at this year’s 55th Kolkata Rath Yatra will be one of its main highlights. He will start the Lord Shri Shri Jagannath Rath Yatra Mahotsav.

He will use a golden broom to sweep the path in front of the Lord’s chariot as part of the traditional Indian custom known as Chera Pahara, or sweeping of the chariot path. He will then pull the chariot’s first rope to officially kick off the 55th Kolkata Rath Yatra.

The route of the Rath Yatra is as follows:

Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026

Inauguration Time: From 12:00 PM onwards
Starting Point: ISKCON Kolkata Temple, 3G, Albert Road, Kolkata

Route:
ISKCON Kolkata Temple → Hungerford Street → A.J.C. Bose Road → Sarat Bose Road → Hazra Road → Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (S.P. Mukherjee) Road →  Exide Crossing → Jawaharlal Nehru (J.L. Nehru) Road → Outram Road → Brigade Parade Ground

Ulta Rath (Bahuda Yatra)

Date: Friday, 24 July 2026
Time: From 12:00 PM onwards
Starting Point: Brigade Parade Ground (Outram Road, near Park Street Metro Station)

Route:
Brigade Parade Ground → Outram Road → Jawaharlal Nehru (J.L. Nehru) Road → Esplanade Crossing → A.J.C. Bose Road → Moulali Crossing → Philips Crossing → Ananda Palit Road → Park Circus Seven Point Crossing → Syed Amir Ali Avenue → Hungerford Street → ISKCON Kolkata Temple

Brigade Parade Ground, which is across from Park Street Metro Station in Kolkata, will host a lavish Sri Sri Jagannath Mahamela.

Some of the attractions at Sri Sri Jagannath Mahamela are:

• Every day from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM, all guests will be served delectable Khichuri Mahaprasad.
• Every evening, there will be captivating cultural events, such as performances by well-known dance companies from various regions of India.
• Performances by a number of Padma Shri award-winning artists and Dona Ganguly’s dance company.
• Touching theatrical performances of devotion.
• Energetic Harinam Sankirtan.
• Inspiring philosophical and spiritual conversations.

A stunning replica of the Gundicha Temple, built in the architectural style influenced by the renowned Sri Balaji Temple of Tirupati, will be one of the main attractions of this year’s Mahamela. One of the Mahamela’s primary attractions, this artistic and spiritual building will offer guests a singular experience.

Lord Sri Sri Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Devi Subhadra will stay at Brigade Parade Ground for this seven-day Mahamela, bestowing divine darshan on devotees and guests.

Kolkata will once again reverberate with the divine message of Lord Shri Shri Jagannath—a message of compassion, peace, and the welfare of all humanity—in the presence of innumerable devotees, eminent citizens, and tourists from both India and overseas.

Priyanka Dutta