“To care for those who once cared for us”- this is the theme of the 48^th Kolkata Rathyatra 2019 organized by ISKCON.

A press meet was organized to announce the various details about the upcoming Rathyatra in Kolkata. Radharamn Das, General Manager and others graced the press meet.

The 48^th Kolkata Rathyatra will throw light on these social issues during the seven days of the Rathyatra Mela that will be organized at Brigade Parade Ground. Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the Rathyatra. Nusrat Jahan Ruhi Jain and her husband will also grace the inauguration.

On 4^th July morning, the Rathyatra will begin from ISKCON Temple at Albert Road. From 10 am onward, dance performances by famous dance groups from India and abroad will be performed live in front of Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra Devi. Dona Ganguly and her dance troupe will also perform at the occasion.

On Ultarathyatra (12^th July), the yatra will begin from 12 noon from Outram Road and end at ISKCON Temple.

One of the interesting features of the Ratha of Lord Baladev is that it is collapsible. The height is 38 feet and 18 feet wide and 36 feet long. To move this ratha in the busy streets of Kolkata with so many overhead cables is a problem. Hence the ratha has been made in such a way so that the canopy can collapse with the push of a button and expand to its full size in a matter of minutes.

Subhadra Devi’s chariot is the smallest of the three rathas. The chariot can be collapsed from above as well as from both the sides.

Lord Jagannath’s chariot is bigger than Subhadra Devi’s but smaller than Lord Baladev’s. It is 17 feet wide and 30 feet long.

Free khichdi prasadam will be served to the devotees once the Ratha reaches the Brigade Parade Ground. This will be served from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm daily.

If you are interested, you can also offer puja between 4.30 pm to 9 pm at the Brigade Parade ground opposite to Park Street Metro Station.

Priyanka Dutta