On Sunday, September 29th, Nottingham’s Market Square witnessed its first-ever Rathayatra festival. Around 1,500 people gathered to take part in this joyous celebration, during which Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva, and Lady Subhadra came to bless the city. The chariot, brought from London by Parasuram Das, was beautifully decorated by devotees from ISKCON Nottingham Nama-hatta and Leicester.

The festival began with welcoming speeches and a graceful Odissi dance performed to honor Their Lordships. The deities, accompanied by ecstatic kirtan, then made Their way around the Market Square. People of all ages and backgrounds took turns pulling the ropes, offering their service to the Lord, and welcoming Him to the city. It was a moment of great joy as the Lord mercifully gave His darshan to everyone. 

After the procession, a cultural program followed, with more kirtan, Bharatanatyam, and Kathak dances and over 1,000 plates of prasadam served. 

The devotees felt deep gratitude to Srila Prabhupada, who first introduced Rathayatra to the West. With his blessings, this wonderful tradition has now begun in Nottingham, giving people the chance to experience the mercy of Lord Jagannath. Although the initial idea was to keep the Rathayatra on a smaller scale, the Lord had grander plans. The devotees are eagerly looking forward to the next Rathayatra, praying that it continues for many years to come, spreading love and peace throughout the city.

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