(June / July)

The festival of the chariots

History

Ratha Yatra originates in Puri, a large town on the east coast of India. This celebration has been held for thousands of years, and is one of the largest annual festivals in India, attracting millions of pilgrims. During the festival three large colorfully decorated chariots carrying the main temple's three large deities pass along a parade route accompanied by musicians.

Puri is considered by many Hindus to be one of their four main holy places. The temple there is one of the main temples of India and is so ancient that there is no accurate record of how long it has been open. The present temple structure was built in the 12th century, replacing an earlier structure which probably dated back to the 10th century. According to tradition the original temple was constructed thousands of years ago.

ISKCON Ratha Yatras

Since 1967 Ratha Yatra festivals have been held by ISKCON in cities around the world. The nearest Ratha Yatras to Radhadesh are in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam.

To download the 2012 Vaishnava calendar, please click here.