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ISKCON Chicago holds 52nd annual Ratha Yatra
Thousands attended ISKCON Chicago's 52nd annual Ratha Yatra, which featured a chariot procession, cultural performances and free vegetarian meals.
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Staff Reporter - Fri, 26, Jun 2026
- 06:13 EDT
- 57
Devotees pull the chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra (Balaram) and Lady Subhadra during ISKCON Chicago's 52nd annual Ratha Yatra in Chicago. / Asian Media USA
ISKCON Chicago recently held its 52nd annual Ratha Yatra, bringing together devotees and visitors for a procession, cultural performances and community activities on Chicago's North Side.
The procession began in Rogers Park and proceeded to Loyola Beach Park with three chariots carrying the deities Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra (Balaram) and Lady Subhadra. Participants chanted the Hare Krishna maha mantra and accompanied the procession with traditional musical instruments.
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According to organizers, attendees traveled from across the Chicago metropolitan area as well as neighboring states, including Wisconsin and Indiana.
The procession was led by ISKCON spiritual leaders Candramauli Swami and Bhakti Marg Swami. Organizers said the Chicago Police Department assisted with traffic management and public safety.
The festival at Loyola Beach Park included devotional music, Odissi dance, theatrical performances based on Hindu scriptures, children's activities and food stalls. Organizers also served free vegetarian prasadam meals to attendees.
Programs continued despite rain later in the day.
Ratha Yatra originated in Puri, Odisha, and commemorates the annual procession of Lord Jagannath. The festival was introduced to the United States by ISKCON founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1967 and is now held in cities around the world.
Organizers said the annual event is intended to introduce the broader community to Hindu traditions and devotional practices.
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