In a heartfelt gesture, the Festival of Chariots in Leicester, England, began with a minute of silence to honour the victims of the recent Air India crash. Also known as the Rath Yatra of Leicester, the event took place on Sunday, June 22. It paid a silent tribute to the victims before starting the procession and the celebrations.
The Leicester Rath Yatra Began By Paying Tribute To The Crash Victims
Rath Yatra, a major Hindu festival celebrated with great devotion in India, also holds a special place in Leicester’s culture and community. But this year’s celebration began on an emotional note. Before the procession started, the crowd gathered at Gallowtree Gate and paused at 11:30 am to honour the lives lost in the tragic Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. According to the Leicester Mercury, the moment brought an emotional silence over the crowd. In the post shared by @iskconleicester on Instagram, you can see the celebrations, but it all started after observing a moment of silence for the crash victims.
Also Read: Ahmedabad Rath Yatra 2025: Date, Route, Significance; All About This Procession Of Lord Jagannath
Rajesh Patel, one of the attendees, shared with Leicester Mercury how the silence made people reflect deeply. He stated that it was a moment of emotional release for the whole community. Soon after, the festival came alive with vibrant dance performances, music and prayers. Women and children participated in traditional dances, and devotional chants were also heard in the crowd. Apart from that, other attendees also stated that the festival gave people a chance to come together, pray, dance, and celebrate. As per the Leicester Mercury reports, they also mentioned that this is one occasion where everyone can connect as one.
A Celebration Among The Community
At the centre of the procession stood a beautifully decorated 40-foot chariot carrying the deities: Lord Jagannatha, his sister Subhadra, and Lord Balarama. The chariot began its journey from the city centre, moved along the Golden Mile, and reached its destination in Cossington Park, with crowds singing and dancing all along the way.
Dharmesh, a 57-year-old resident, shared that this year’s Rath Yatra felt both celebratory and meaningful. He stated that it is not just a festival, but also important to remember the lost souls of the crash. He also added that everyone present was praying for peace and well-being for all, according to Leicester Mercury’s reports.
For those uninitiated, Leicester’s Festival of Chariots is organised by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Inspired by the famous Rath Yatra in Puri, India, this Leicester festival has become one of the most important Hindu festivals in the UK. Rath Yatra in Leicester, England, attracts many devotees each year, letting people celebrate their culture away from their homeland.
Also Read: Puri Rath Yatra 2025 To Proceed Without COVID Curbs; Devotees Advised To Take Health Precautions
This year, the silence observed for the Air India victims gave the festival a deeper meaning, reminding everyone that prayers and faith can help to heal and unite.
Cover Image Courtesy: iskconleicester/ Instagram