The metropolis is set to witness the grand 53rd Rath Yatra festival organized by ISKCON on Sunday, inaugurated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This year’s Kolkata Rath Yatra marks the 53rd celebration by ISKCON, promising to be a grand event. During a press briefing, ISKCON Kolkata officials including Radharaman Das, Dayaram Das, Angmohan Das, and Vallabhbhai Chaitanya Das provided detailed information about the festival.

Event Inauguration

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will inaugurate the Rath Yatra from the ISKCON temple located at Albert Road at 2 pm on July 7. The reverse Rath Yatra is scheduled to take place on July 15, providing another opportunity for devotees and participants to engage in the festivities.

Rath Yatra Route

The Rath Yatra procession will follow a detailed route through various significant streets of Kolkata. The chariot will pass through:

• Hungerford Street
• AJC Bose Road
• Sarat Bose Road
• Hazra Road
• SPM Road
• ATM Road
• Chowringhee Road
• Exide Crossing
• Jawaharlal Nehru Road
• Outram Road
• Brigade Parade Ground

Reverse Rath Yatra Route

The reverse Rath Yatra will follow a different route on its return journey:

• Brigade Parade Ground
• Outram Road Left Turn
• Jawaharlal Nehru Road
• Dorina Crossing
• SN Banerjee Road
• Moulali Crossing
• CIT Road
• Suhrawardy Avenue
• Park Circus
• Seven Point Crossing
• Shakespeare Sarani
• Hungerford Street
• 3C Albert Road (ISKCON Temple)

Preparations in Full Swing

Preparations for the Rath Yatra are in full swing. Under the supervision of Ward 21 Councilor and CIC Ziaul Haq, the branches of trees hanging over the road leading to Chandni Ghat were trimmed and cleaned to ensure a smooth procession. This effort is part of the larger initiative by the Halishahar Municipality to prepare for the grand festival.

Ensuring a Smooth Procession

It is noteworthy that the chariot of Shri Shri Jagannath Prabhu Niladri Bihari Seva Samiti will traverse this route. CIC Ziaul Haq stated that, like every year, the Rath Yatra will be carried out with great pomp and ceremony. The trimming and cleaning of tree branches are essential to avoid any hindrance to the chariot’s passage, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.

The Rath Yatra festival is not just a religious event but a cultural celebration that brings together people from various walks of life. The efforts by ISKCON and the local authorities underscore their commitment to preserving the tradition and ensuring the safety and convenience of all devotees. As the city gears up for this significant event, the anticipation and excitement among the devotees continue to build.