54th Kolkata Rathayatra Aims to Establish Peace

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Kolkata is getting ready to deliver a strong message: "Let Peace Prevail" amid a world full of stress and the imminent possibility of World War 3. ISKCON Kolkata is organising the city's magnificent 54th Annual Rathayatra, which should be more than just a religious celebration but also a sincere appeal for world peace. Kolkata's Rathayatra is a giant spiritual festival that comes second only to Puri. Last year, it witnessed Russian and Ukrainian pilgrims dancing together before Lord Jagannath's rathyatra, reflecting peace. This year, the chariot, which has used Boeing 747 tires since 1977, will move on to new Sukhoi-30 fighter jet tires, reflecting power and submission to peace. The festival, led by ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada from his Kolkata lineage worldwide, attracts more than 2 million people. Rathayatra 2025: Friday,

June 27, 1 PM onwards, commencing from ISKCON Temple, Albert Road, via 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 to Outram Road/Brigade Parade Ground. Ultarathayatra: Saturday, July 5, 12 Noon onwards, from Outram Road opposite Park Street Metro, through Brigade Parade Ground, 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 to ISKCON Temple. The chariots, Lord Jagannath's (38 ft, Sukhoi tyres), Subhadra Devi's (smallest, iron wheels), and Lord Baladev's (36 ft, iron wheels), blend tradition with technology. The processions will include South Indian street art with natural gulal, global kirtaniyas, children's tableaux, and extensive prasadam distribution, making it a kaleidoscopic spiritual carnival.

Pic - Krishnendu Kundu