London Rathayatra

About this event

Sunday 24 May 2026 “Ratha-yatra” means “chariot festival”. This celebration has been held every year for hundreds of years at Jagannatha Puri, in Orissa on India’s east coast. There, three huge chariots, carrying the Deity forms of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra, are pulled by hand through the city streets amid loud musical performances. Millions of pilgrims come to the festival in Orissa. Jagannatha is a special and very merciful form of Krishna. Ratha-yatra is the biggest street festival sponsored by ISKCON – and ends with a delicious, sanctified vegetarian feast. It is celebrated by devotees of Lord Krishna all over the world and was introduced to the West by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1967 in San Franscisco. The Ratha-yatra festivals are held at several different places across the country, the biggest in London. The London procession starts from Park Lane and goes through Piccadilly and Haymarket and finally arrives at Trafalgar Square, where festivities continue till the evening. Drama, dance, philosophy and a feast are the highlights. London Rathayatra will take place on Sunday 24 May 2026 (www.rathayatra.co.uk) Schedule 12pm – Ratha-yatra parade starts at Park Lane junction with Piccadilly, heading for Trafalgar Square 2-5pm – Trafalgar Square – Kirtan, Dance, Prasad Frequently asked questions How do I get there? Coming by Train & Tube From any of the main London railway stations come on the Piccadilly Line and get off at Hyde...

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