The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) organized the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra festival today, with thousands of enthusiastic participants joining the event.
ISKCON holds the Rath Yatra procession every year on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha, here in the capital city. According to Rupeshwar Gauravdas, Secretary of ISKCON, this tradition dates back to 1977 in Nepal, inspired by the Gopinis who transported Lord Krishna from Dwarka to Vrindavan during the Dwapara Yuga. He mentioned that similar processions were simultaneously being held in 165 countries today.
The procession began from Kamaladi, passing through Putalisadak, Brikutimandap, Sahid Gate, Nepal Airlines Corporation, and Naya Road, culminating at Tundikhel, where the festivities concluded with the distribution of prasad. Thousands of people actively participated in the Rath Yatra, showcasing immense enthusiasm and devotion.
ISKCON conducts Jagannath Rath Yatra at eleven different locations across Nepal on various days throughout the year, including Boudhha, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Dharan, Itahari, Rajbiraj, Janakpur, and Birgunj, among others.
Earlier today, amidst a special ceremony organized at the Nepal Prajna Pratisthan premises in Kamaladi, President Ramchandra Poudel inaugurated the festival. President Poudel also performed the worship and aarti of Lord Jagannath during the auspicious commencement of the Rath Yatra festival.
