ISKCON Gurugram is organizing the Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra in 11 different locations across the city in as many days starting from 6th July. This is in commemoration of the famous event held annually in Puri, Odisha. The festival's theme, "Promoting Culture through Festival," is aimed at highlighting cultural and religious harmony and inclusion. This has been an integral characteristic of the festival in Puri since centuries. People of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds have been welcome to participate in the festival.
Rambhadra Das, President of ISKCON Gurugram, emphasized, "Conducting the festival at 11 locations in Gurugram spread over 11 days was to provide Gurugram residents a glimpse into India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage." The festival will have several cultural performances of dance & music which everyone from young kids to adults will be taking part. The festival is synonymous with joy, dance, music and celebration and is a part of about 500 Rath Yatras conducted by ISKCON across the globe in major cities.
Several participants were seen dressed in saree & dhoti-kurta, anointed with jagganath tillak on their forehead.
Also all through the each day of the festival, free food will be distributed to everyone, including the needy people.
The first Rath Yatra commenced on Saturday, July 6th, at Sector-67, followed by a grand procession on Sunday at Sector-45. Subsequent Rath Yatras will take place at following locations : Sohna, Ireo Skyon (Sector-60), Essel Tower (Sector-9), Salcon Verandas (Sector-54), JMD Garden, M3M Golf Estate, TATA Primanti (Sector-31), and Manesar.