In a world fraught with tension, where the looming threat of World War 3 hangs heavy, Kolkata prepares to send out a resounding message “Let Peace Prevail”. The city’s grand 54th Annual Rathayatra, organized by ISKCON Kolkata, promises to be not just a religious festival, but a heartfelt call for global unity.
Last year, a remarkable moment unfolded when devotees from both Russia and Ukraine, nations embroiled in conflict, danced shoulder-to-shoulder before Lord Jagannath’s chariot on the streets of Kolkata. The Lord of the Universe, who transcends all man-made boundaries, continues to remind us that peace is possible when we come together in devotion.
Adding another symbolic layer to this year’s Rathayatra is a unique engineering marvel. For over four decades, Lord Jagannath’s chariot rolled on tyres from a Boeing 747 aircraft, symbolizing strength and resilience. However, after faithfully serving since 1977, those tyres had aged and were recently replaced with brand new tyres from India’s frontline Sukhoi-30 fighter aircraft.
These tyres, designed to endure extreme conditions and high-speed aerial maneuvers, now carry the Lord through the heart of Kolkata a powerful reminder that while the world builds machines of war, true strength lies in surrendering to the Lord and spreading peace.
A Global Festival with Roots in the City of Joy
Rathayatras are now celebrated in over 4,000 places across 150 countries, thanks to the tireless efforts of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON’s founder-acharya. Inspired by his childhood Rathayatra celebrations in Kolkata’s Burrabazar, Srila Prabhupada introduced the festival to the West, with the first Rathayatra held in San Francisco on July 9, 1967. His dream was to see the chariots of Lord Jagannath roll through every major city, inspiring spiritual awakening and unity.
Kolkata’s Rathayatra, second only to Puri’s, draws over 2 million participants, turning the city into a sea of devotion and celebration.
Rathayatra 2025 Details:
Rathayatra: Friday, 27th June 2025 | 1 PM onwards
Start: ISKCON Temple, 3C Albert Road
Route: Hungerford Street A.J.C. Bose Road Road A.T.M. Road Chowringhee Road Outram Road Brigade Parade Ground Sarat Bose Road Exide Crossing Hazra Road S.P.M. J.L. Nehru Road.
Ultarathayatra: Saturday, 5th July 2025 | 12 Noon onwards Start: Outram Road near Park Street Metro
Route: Brigade Parade Ground Outram Road 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 → ISKCON Temple.
The Chariots: Where Tradition Meets Technology
1. Lord Jagannath’s Ratha: Standing tall at 38 feet, with a collapsible canopy to navigate Kolkata’s complex streets, now fitted with Sukhoi-30 fighter jet tyres, replacing the historic Boeing 747 tyres used since 1977.
2. Subhadra Devi’s Ratha: The smallest of the three, with a collapsible design and sturdy iron wheels.
3. Lord Baladev’s Ratha: Robust and graceful, standing 36 feet high with four six-and-a-
half-foot iron wheels.
Ahead of the chariots, South Indian artists will create stunning street art using organic gulal, while internationally renowned kirtaniyas, accompanied by dozens of mridangas and kartals, will lead thunderous kirtans. Children’s tableaux depicting divine pastimes, prasadam distribution buses, and the joyous participation of lakhs of devotees will transform Kolkata into a spiritual carnival.
Brigade Parade Ground Grand Mela: 25th June 4th July 2025
From 25th June to 4th July, the Brigade Parade Ground opposite Park Street Metro Station will host the Lord and His divine siblings, along with a vibrant mela. Daily khichadi prasadam will be served from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Cultural performances by renowned artists, including Dona Ganguly’s dance troupe and Padma Shri awardees, will uplift the crowds with dance, drama, kirtans, and spiritual discourses.
Hon’ble Chief Minister to Offer Prayers
The festival will also be graced by the presence of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Sushri Mamata Banerjee, who will visit Lord Jagannath at the Brigade Parade Ground on 3rd July 2025 and perform aarati, joining millions in praying for peace and prosperity for the state, the country, and the world.
A Festival, A Prayer Let Peace Prevail
As world tensions escalate, ISKCON Kolkata humbly invites all regardless of nationality, faith, or background to pull the Lord’s chariots, experience divine joy, and collectively pray for peace. Let us remember:
“Rathe ca vamanam drstva punar janma na vidyate”
“Simply by seeing the Lord on the chariot, one makes advancement toward liberation.”
In these troubled times, may Lord Jagannath’s chariot roll forward powered by fighter jet tyres, propelled by faith, and carrying humanity’s deepest hope: that peace prevails.