Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 5 (ANI): Preparations for the much-anticipated Rath Yatra festival at ISKCON Kolkata are in full swing as the city readies itself for the grand event which is scheduled to take place on July 7.
This year’s Rath Yatra marks the 53rd edition of the iconic chariot festival, celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada Maharaj.
The festival’s chariots, featuring Jagannath and Baladev, are 46 years old, with the latter standing at a height of 38 feet. The broken wheel of the chariot weighs 250 kg and has a diameter of 6 feet.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to inaugurate the Rath Yatra at the ISKCON temple located at 3C Albert Road, near Minto Park.
Radharaman Das, Vice President of ISKCON Kolkata, highlighted the significance of the event.
“After Puri, the Kolkata Rath Yatra is the largest in the world. Last year, more than 2 million people participated in the 9-day festival. The three chariots used in the procession are very special and have a unique design,” Das said.
Das mentioned that the Rath Yatra route stretches 6 to 7 kilometres from the ISKCON Kolkata temple, and the ‘Ulta Rath Yatra,’ or reverse procession, will follow on July 15.
“Every year, the number of participants increases by two to three lakhs, based on our experience. Since 20 lakh people attended last year, this year we are preparing for 2.3 to 2.4 million participants,” he added.
Das also expressed gratitude for the support from the administration and emphasized that the Chief Minister’s presence will greatly contribute to the festival’s success, particularly in terms of ensuring security.
“The administration provides great support every year, and the Chief Minister personally inaugurates the event. This year, too, if the Chief Minister inaugurates the Yatra, it will significantly aid the festival, especially in terms of security,” he said. (ANI)
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