More than 10,000 participants—including festival goers, pilgrims, and religious leaders from across the globe—gathered along Park Lane in London to pull three impressive, 40-foot-tall chariots. These brightly decorated vehicles carried the revered deities Lord Jagannatha, Devi Subhadra, and Lord Balarama all the way to Trafalgar Square.
Even with soaring temperatures, central London was alive with vivid hues, the sound of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, exuberant dancing, and festive energy as Europe’s largest Rathayatra procession journeyed through the heart of the city. Rathayatra, also known as the Festival of Chariots, originated over 5,000 years ago in Jagannatha Puri, Orissa, India, and is often considered the oldest street festival in the world. Many devotees view pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath’s chariot as a meaningful act of devotion that brings blessings. The festival was brought to Western audiences by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada , who founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The first Rathayatra outside India took place in San Francisco in 1967, followed by London’s first procession in 1969. Now celebrating its 57th year in London, the festival continues to bring together people from different backgrounds through shared faith, culture, and joyful festivities. A celebration for all At Trafalgar Square, visitors enjoyed a cultural festival, including kirtan (mantra meditation) classical Odissi dance performances, educational exhibitions and literature displays. Over 16,000 plates of free vegetarian food (prashad) were distributed.
The Indian High Commissioner to the UK, His Excellency Kumaran Periasamy , attended the festival. He offered flowers to the murti of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, had darshan of Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra, and addressed the crowd.
Titikshu Das , Co-ordinator of London Rathayatra Festival of Chariots said, “Rathayatra is a gift for the people of London from the Hare Krishna movement. Despite the hot weather, thousands of people attended from all over the UK and Europe. a joyous street party, which will be held all over the UK throughout the Summer.”
Praghosa Das , Governing Body Commissioner, ISKCON UK, said, “From Park Lane to Trafalgar Square, Lord Jagannath’s festival goers rode a wave of spiritual ecstacy unique to Ratha Yatra.
“It was an incredible day of singing, dancing and feasting under the clear blue skies of London, where smiles were in abundance and joy unparalleled. As the Rath carts began to roll away to rest until they appear again in Nottingham in a couple of week’s time, the unanimous view of the participants was — roll on next year for another London blockbuster!”