Yesterday, ISKCON Bengaluru celebrated the 41st Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra on January 11, 2026. The celebration drew thousands of Hindu devotees. During the yatra, devotees sang soulful kirtans and joyfully pulled the chariot, filling the air with devotion and celebration. Scroll down to know more about this annual yatra!
Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra In Bengaluru
The Ratha Yatra is also known as the Festival of Chariots and has its roots in Jagannath Puri, Odisha. It was later introduced across the world by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON. In Bengaluru, the Sri Krishna Balarama Ratha Yatra began in 1985 at Bengaluru Palace Orchards, Sadashivanagar. And since then grown into one of the city’s most-awaited spiritual events.
In the initial years, Lord Krishna and Lord Balarama were placed on separate chariots. However, following unforeseen circumstances, both deities began riding together on a single chariot. Slowly, it became a tradition that continues to this day.
This year, the grand procession passed through the streets of Rajajinagar, Bengaluru. The Ratha Yatra drew thousands of devotees, including monks, volunteers, and Hindu devotees. As the massive Ratha moved forward, devotees joyfully pulled the chariot while chanting and singing kirtans. They also offered prayers and danced in devotion, filling the surroundings with spiritual energy. Along the entire route, prasadam was generously distributed.
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How Ratha Has Been Designed?
Blending tradition with modern engineering, the design of Ratha leaves us awestruck. The design of the ratha is advanced with many safety systems, air brakes, steering control, and an adjustable canopy rising to 26 feet. Long sturdy ropes on both sides allowed hundreds of Hindu devotees to pull the chariot at once.
The festival concluded as a joyful expression of devotion, with chanting, dancing, and shared prasadam creating an atmosphere of unity and spiritual celebration
It’s heartwarming to see people coming together for a spiritual ritual.
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Cover Image Courtesy: Website/ ISKCON Bangalore