ISKCON Kolkata is organizing the city’s magnificent 54th Annual Rathayatra, which is expected to be more than just a religious celebration but also a sincere appeal for world peace.

Lord Jagannath’s chariot rolled on tires from a Boeing 747 plane for more than 40 years, signifying fortitude and tenacity. But those tires had aged after serving faithfully since 1977, and they were recently swapped out for brand-new tires from India’s Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft.

The Lord is now carried through the center of Kolkata by these tires, which were made to withstand harsh weather and fast flying maneuvers. This serves as a potent reminder that, even though the world creates war machines, real strength comes from submitting to the Lord and promoting peace.

Over 2 million people participate in Kolkata’s Rathayatra, which is second only to Puri’s and transforms the city into a sea of celebration and devotion.

Routes of Rathyatra

 Friday, 27th June 2025 | 1 PM onwards📍 Start: ISKCON Temple, 3C Albert Road

Route: Hungerford Street → A.J.C. Bose Road → Sarat Bose Road → Hazra Road → S.P.M. Road → A.T.M. Road → Chowringhee Road → Exide Crossing → J.L. Nehru Road → Outram Road → Brigade Parade Ground

Ultarathayatra:

Saturday, 5th July 2025 | 12 Noon onwards📍 Start: Outram Road near Park Street Metro

Route: Brigade Parade Ground → Outram Road → J.L. Nehru Road → Dorina Crossing → S.N. Banerjee Road → Moulali Crossing → C.I.T. Road → Suhrawardy Avenue → Park Circus 7-point Crossing → Shakespeare Sarani → Hungerford Street → ISKCON Temple

Internationally famous kirtaniyas will lead kirtans alongside dozens of mridangas and kartals, while South Indian artists will create beautiful street art using organic gulal in front of the chariots. Kolkata will become a spiritual carnival with the joyful participation of lakhs of devotees, prasadam distribution buses, and children’s tableaux portraying divine pastimes.

The Lord and His divine siblings will be present at the Brigade Parade Ground across from Park Street Metro Station from June 25 to July 4, along with a colorful mela. From 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM, khichadi prasadam will be served every day. Dance, drama, kirtans, and spiritual talks will be featured in cultural performances by well-known performers, such as Dona Ganguly’s dance company and Padma Shri honorees.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Sushri Mamata Banerjee, will also grace the festival by performing aarati and visiting Lord Jagannath at the Brigade Parade Ground on July 3, 2025, joining millions of people in praying for peace and prosperity for the state, the nation, and the world.

Priyanka Dutta