ISKCON to Hold Grand Rath Yatra in Vijayawada on July 16
Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in ISKCON Vijayawada's Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra.
ISKCON Vijayawada will organise the Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026 on July 16, with thousands of devotees expected to participate in what has been recognised by the Indian Book of Records as South India's largest chariot festival.
The procession will begin at 1 pm on Thursday. Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer will attend the event as the chief guest and perform the inaugural prayers and the traditional ceremonial clearance of the chariot route.
The procession, carrying the deities Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Maharani, will commence from Sithara Grounds in Bhavanipuram and pass through Swathi Theatre Road, Kanaka Durga Temple Road and Ratham Centre before concluding at Sitammavari Padalu.
The celebrations will feature cultural programmes, including Kuchipudi performances, theatrical productions and Harinam Sankirtans by artistes and devotees from India and countries including Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Brazil, Kazakhstan and the United States.
A special 'Sumangali Subhadra' programme will be held on July 18, during which Subhadra Maharani will be ceremonially offered sarees brought on four decorated bullock carts sponsored by devotees from Vijayawada, Guntur and neighbouring districts.
A three-day Rath Mela will also be organised from July 16 to 18 between 5 pm and 9.30 pm each day. The fair will feature sand art, spiritual book stalls, an anti-addiction awareness campaign and a children's corner.
Organisers said free mahaprasadam (annadanam) would be served to nearly one lakh devotees during the festival and invited people from all communities to participate in the celebrations.
