ISKCON Los Angeles – New Dvaraka held its 48th Annual Rathayatra (Festival of Chariots) procession on Sunday, August 4th. The popular festival parade was preceded by inaugural celebrations and a Saturday Kirtan Mela held at the New Dvaraka Temple.

Devotees from LA County, California, the US, and countries from around the world gather to volunteer and participate in the event, joyfully pulling the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra along the two-hour route. “This Rathayatra was more vibrant, colorful, and ecstatic than ever before,” said Dvarakarani Devi Dasi from New Dvaraka. “Their Lordships reciprocated by spreading smiles and mercy on all the conditioned souls from Santa Monica to Venice.” 

Following the transcendental parade, devotees continued the festivities at the Venice Beach Windward Plaza for seven hours, offering kirtan, cultural performances, delicious vegetarian food, Srila Prabhupada’s books, a marketplace showcasing Indian arts and crafts, and many opportunities to learn about Bhakti yoga, including the busy Q&A booth.

The Santa Monica Daily Press and other local media outlets covered the festival which the area community anticipates every year. For an online gallery of the event, click here. Photos courtesy New Dvaraka Temple.