ISKCON to host ‘Rath Yatra’ in Tirupati on July 20

International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has proposed to conduct ‘Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra’ for the first time in Tirupati on July 20.

The Tirupati unit of ISKCON formally made the announcement on Tuesday, while the posters were released by local MLA Arani Srinivasulu, in the presence of ISKCON temple president Revati Raman Prabhuji.

According to the schedule, the day-long spiritual celebrations will commence at 5.45 a.m. at PLR Convention Centre with ‘Suprabhata Mangala Harati Seva’, followed by devotional ‘bhajans’ and ‘kirtans’. The main chariot festival will be flagged off at 2 p.m., travelling along Annamayya Road up to MR Palli Circle before returning to the starting point.

A key highlight of the festival will be the distribution of 1,008 varieties of ‘Divine Maha Naivedhya Prasadam’ offered to Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra Devi.

Devotees will be provided free breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day, the ISKCON officials said.