Maher youths welcoming Lord Jagannath, Baldev and Subhadra devi at the start of the Rathayatra festival procession in Leicester.
Maher Dandia Rass team performed in front of thousands of people and received a fantastic reception from the crowd.
Rath Yatra
A 40ft chariot made its way through Leicester on Sunday 30 June 2024 as part of one of the biggest processions of its kind in the Midlands. Rathayatra, also known as the Hare Krishna Festival of the Chariots, saw thousands of people out and about in the city.
Festival-goers from all over the country pulled the 40ft chariot carrying the Deities of Lord Jagannath (Shree Krishna), his sister Subhadra, and Lord Balaram through Leicester city centre, accompanied by music, singing, and dancing. The procession, with spiritual sounds and instruments from all over the globe, travelled from the city centre, along the Golden Mile (Belgrave Road), and into Cossington Park.
At Cossington Park, there were experiences for families, including a stage show, mantra meditation, children’s activities, and a free vegetarian meal for everyone. The inauguration commenced at 11.30am in the presence of the Lord Mayor Councillor Bhupen Dave and City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, Councillor Nagarjun Agath and other community leaders after an earlier welcome ceremony.
The procession was accompanied by music, singing, and dancing
Thousands of people were out and about in the city for the celebration.