West Bengal Chief Minister Launches ISKCON's 55th Annual Rath Yatra in Kolkata
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated the 55th annual Rath Yatra of ISKCON in Kolkata, participating in the sacred rituals and emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage. He praised ISKCON's contributions to health and education while expressing his pride in leading the event. The Rath Yatra, a significant religious festival, commenced on July 16 and will culminate on July 24, with the deities' return scheduled for July 27. This event draws thousands of devotees, showcasing the rich spiritual traditions of India.
| Jul 16, 2026, 16:37 IST
Inauguration of the Rath Yatra
On Thursday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari inaugurated the 55th annual Rath Yatra of ISKCON in Kolkata. He participated in the sacred 'Chhera Pahara' ritual and pulled the rope attached to Lord Jagannath's chariot. The Chief Minister arrived at the ISKCON temple located on Albert Road, where he first performed a heartfelt aarti for Radha Madhav. Following this, he engaged in the 'Chhera Pahara' ceremony, which involves sweeping the path of the chariot with a golden broom, and then, alongside hundreds of devotees, he pulled the rope tied to the chariot, symbolizing the commencement of the Lord's journey.
Significance of the Event
Adhikari expressed to a news agency that Srila Prabhupada played a crucial role in spreading the Rath Yatra and Indian cultural heritage across more than 100 countries. He stated, 'As a nationalist and a follower of Sanatan Dharma, I feel fortunate to commence this journey in Kolkata, which thousands of devotees have been eagerly awaiting, while performing the aarti for Radha Madhav. The house of Srila Prabhupada in Kolkata should be declared a heritage site.'
ISKCON's Contributions
The Chief Minister also praised the socio-economic contributions of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), noting that it significantly contributes to health, education, and nutrition. He mentioned, 'We will work together with them.' The Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of India's largest and most sacred religious festivals, celebrated annually in Puri, Odisha. During this festival, Lord Jagannath is transported from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple in grand chariots alongside his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. Millions of devotees gather to pull these massive chariots, believing that doing so brings divine blessings and spiritual merit.
Details of This Year's Rath Yatra
This year's Rath Yatra, marking the 149th celebration, commenced on July 16 and will continue for nine days, concluding with the 'Bahuda Yatra' on July 24. The formal return of the deities to the Jagannath Temple is scheduled for July 27.