Hyderabad witnesses colourful Jagannatha Ratha Yatra

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

Thousands of devotees participated in the grand Sri Jagannatha Ratha Yatra organised by the Hare Krishna Movement, Hyderabad, at Kokapet on Sunday, celebrating devotion, tradition and cultural harmony.

The beautifully decorated chariot carrying the deities of Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra began its journey from Trilight, Golden Mile Layout Road, Kokapet, after the ceremonial first pull by ISKCON Founder Acharya Srila Prabhupada. The procession passed through Rajapushpa Atria and Golden Mile Road before reaching the Hare Krishna Heritage Tower, Narsingi.

Devotees from different communities pulled the Rath amid Sankirtans and prayers. More than 500 devotees participated in pulling the chariot, supported by volunteers, announcement teams and safety personnel. Residents along the route offered prayers, flowers, coconuts and other sacred items as the procession moved through their neighbourhoods.

The celebrations began with Puja, Prathama Arati and the traditional brooming ceremony performed by dignitaries. Justice Sri Suddala Chalapathi Rao of Telangana High Court, MLA Prakash Goud, Advocate General Sri Sudarshan Reddy and TPCC spokesperson Sri Mungi Jaipal Reddy attended the event. The programme was led by Sriman Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, President of Hare Krishna Movement, Hyderabad, and Regional President of The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

Cultural performances by Basil Woods School students, rangoli displays and kolatam dances added colour to the celebrations. Over 20,000 devotees were served Donna Prasadam, while Vedic literature was distributed.

Addressing the gathering, Sriman Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji highlighted the spiritual significance of Ratha Yatra, linking it with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Sankirtana movement and Srila Prabhupada’s mission of spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide.

The event concluded with Mega Kirtans, Pravachan, final Arati and dinner prasadam. Prabhuji thanked devotees, volunteers, police personnel, media and government authorities for their support.