In a vibrant and spiritually charged atmosphere, ISKCON Vijayawada on Friday organised the Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra with pomp and devotion. The event began with a ceremonial Ratha Puja at Sitara grounds here, followed by the grand chariot procession. The yatra saw enthusiastic participation from devotees in good numbers, artistes’ troupes and devotees from various Indian States and foreign countries.

The chariot, carrying the divine trio — Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra —proceeded through the city’s main streets, including Sivalayam Centre, Swathi Theatre, and Kummaripalem, finally reaching the specially prepared Gundicha Mandir near Seethamma Vari Paadalu.

Covering a distance of nearly 6 kilometres, the chariot was received by the devotees with an overwhelming devotion. Citizens decorated the streets with rangoli and traditional motifs, welcoming the deities at every step. Prominent political leaders, industrialists and cultural figures were seen sweeping the streets with golden brooms and showering flower petals as an act of humility and devotion.

Many shopkeepers and households along the route performed harati as the chariot passed by. Throughout the yatra, prasadam distribution continued uninterrupted, with ISKCON president Sriman Chakradhari Das and Laila Group CEO Sri Gokaraju Gangaraju overseeing the service directly from the chariot, which became a special highlight of the event.

The Rath Yatra evoked memories of the world-famous Puri Rath Yatra, with locals remarking that the Vijayawada version brought that divine atmosphere closer to home. Vijayawada West MLA Sujana Chowdary led the rituals by offering the first harati and performing the traditional Chera Pahara Seva—symbolically sweeping before the Lord’s chariot with a golden broom.

Sriman Revati Raman Prabhuji, industrialist Thondepu Hanumantha Rao and others were present.