Patna: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Patna, will organise its annual Jagannath Rath Yatra on July 16, with organisers expecting more than two lakh devotees to participate in one of the city’s largest religious processions.
Preparations for the event are underway, including the painting and decoration of the chariot, which this year will feature a 40-foot hydraulic mechanism designed to improve safety and mobility during the procession.
Hydraulic Chariot To Navigate Urban Obstacles
According to ISKCON Patna, the hydraulic system will allow the height of the chariot to be adjusted whenever necessary.
Organisers said the feature has been introduced to enable the procession to pass safely beneath overhead utility lines, tree branches and other obstacles along the route without disrupting the event.
Worship Before Procession
Special worship and Maha Aarti will be held at the ISKCON temple on Buddha Marg between 1 pm and 2 pm on July 16, after which the Rath Yatra will begin.
Devotional singing and bhajan-kirtan are scheduled to continue throughout the day, from 12 noon until 9 pm, both along the procession route and within the temple premises.
Route Through Central Patna
The procession will begin at the ISKCON temple on Buddha Marg before passing through several prominent landmarks in the city, including:
- Planetarium
- Income Tax Golambar
- High Court
- Bihar Museum
- Patna Women’s College
- Kotwali Police Station
- Dak Bungalow Crossing
- Maurya Lok
The procession will conclude at the ISKCON temple, where Mahaprasad will be distributed to devotees later in the evening.
Floral Decorations And Rangoli
Organisers said the route will be decorated with floral arrangements and elaborate rangoli designs created by artists from Patna as well as other parts of India and abroad.
Flower petals will also be showered on the chariot and devotees during the procession.
Appeal To Devotees
ISKCON Temple Management Committee co-chairmen Raman Manohar Das and Adikarta Das appealed to devotees to participate in large numbers.
They said 108 varieties of bhog would be offered to Lord Jagannath during the celebrations, with the offerings to be presented using a crane as part of the ceremonial rituals.
The organisers said participating in the Rath Yatra, including pulling the chariot, is regarded by devotees as an act of religious merit and invited the public to join the annual celebration.
