Kolkata rathyatra: Lord Baldev's chariot will be 38 feet high, iron wheels made for Subhadra; CM Mamta will inaugurate on June 20

Kolkata is gearing up for the annual Rath Yatra, a grand procession of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldev, and Goddess Subhadra, scheduled to take place on June 20. The preparations for this auspicious event have been meticulously completed, with special attention given to the magnificent chariots of the deities.

The highlight of the Rath Yatra is Lord Baldev's chariot, which stands tall at a height of 38 feet. It is the largest among the three chariots and has been a part of the Rath Yatra for the past 45 years. Made primarily of iron, the chariot has become an iconic symbol of the procession. Lord Jagannath's chariot, although smaller than Baldev's, still impresses with a height of 36 feet. It measures approximately 30 feet in length and 17 feet in width. The chariot is equipped with solid iron wheels to support its substantial structure. In contrast, Subhadra Devi's chariot is the smallest among the three and is distinguished by its iron wheels. The previous chariot of Subhadra Devi was stolen, necessitating the acquisition of a new one in 2002.

ISKCON Vice President Radharaman Das announced that the honorable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, will inaugurate the Rath Yatra at 1 pm on June 20. The procession will commence from the ISKCON Temple located at 3C, Albert Road, near Minto Park in Kolkata. As part of the festivities, there will be a captivating dance performance by Dona Ganguly, a well-known dancer, and her troupe.

The Kolkata Rath Yatra, initiated by ISKCON founder-Acharya Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1972, has grown to become the world's second-largest Rath Yatra after the renowned Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. Drawing a massive crowd of around 15 to 16 lakh people, the Rath Yatra has become a significant cultural event in the city. It serves as a platform for spreading spiritual knowledge and fostering peace of mind among the masses.

In addition to the chariots, the Rath Yatra will feature three trolleys depicting various pastimes of the deities, as well as four mini vans showcasing the Lord's activities performed by children. Devotee artists will create street art and engage in kirtans (devotional chants) accompanied by hundreds of drums and cymbals.

The theme of this year's Rath Yatra in Kolkata is "peace of mind." Given the increasing number of people suffering from mental illness worldwide, ISKCON aims to educate the public on maintaining inner peace amidst challenging circumstances. Through spiritual knowledge and enlightenment, ISKCON seeks to dispel ignorance and guide individuals towards tranquility.

Following the Rath Yatra on June 20, a week-long celebration will take place at Brigade Parade Ground (Opposite Park Street Metro Station) from June 21 to June 27, 2023. The festivities will be held daily from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, offering devotees and visitors an extended opportunity to partake in the joyous celebration of spirituality and devotion.