Amidst the roaring kirtan, a huge procession is carried out on the roads of Ajmer. Devotees sing the sacred mahamantra and dance in ecstasy. The Rath of the Lords is pulled by thousands of devotees to get the mercy. It is a mesmerizing sight and a blissful experience.

This year, ISKCON Ajmer is getting ready to celebrate its grand annual festival Jagannath Rath Yatra on June 25, 2023.

Lord's Rath or chariot is a perfect fusion of modern technology and ancient tradition. A special chariot equipped with hydraulic system has been prepared from Bhilwara for Jagannath Rath Yatra. During the journey, where there is open space in the city, the chariot will be seen in full height, while where there is an electric wire or any other obstacle, the height of the chariot will be reduced by the hydraulic system. In spite of its traditional looks, it has several state-of-the-art features like air brakes and a steering wheel having a very good suspension which makes it feasible to traverse even over long distances by just replacing its wheels with tyres.

The canopy of this Rath is another unique feature, which, with the help of an electric motor can be moved vertically upwards or downwards.

The temple staff takes adequate safety measures like deploying a wheel protection team (who ensure that people don’t come close to the wheels) and arranging a sound system to communicate and control the surging devotees which in turn would help in the easy progress of the Rath.

The preparations for the Rath Yatra are being done vigorously by the devotees connected to ISKCON Ajmer. Devotees from many districts of the state and also from other cities like Kishangarh, Jaipur and Baroda are reaching Ajmer especially for this Rath Yatra.

Sri Sri Jagannath, Baldeva and Subhadra would be seated in the chariot. Flowers are being brought from other states including Bengal for the decoration of the chariot and for the decoration of the Lord. The chariot will be pulled with ropes with the labour of hands and love of heart of Krishna Conscious devotees in the spirit of pulling it from Kurukshetra to Vrindavan.

Devotees are urged to follow the following dress code for the grand event:

Women: Yellow saree or salwar-suit Men: White dhoti-kurta or Sky blue kurta with white pajama

And join the Rath Yatra with family to earn religious benefits. The Rath Yatra will start from Nagar Nigam at 3.30 PM on June 25 and proceeding via Naya Bazar, Bajrang Garh Chauraha, Vaishali Nagar will reach Pearl Paradise located near Seven Wonders, where the mahaprasad will be distributed systematically.

Along with the chariot, the devotees will carry golden brooms and move ahead while cleaning. Mangala Aarti will be held at ISKCON Ajmer at 4.30 AM on this day as usual. There will be Darshan Aarti and Guru Puja at 7.30 AM at Vaishali Centre. There will be a story of Lord Jagannath at 8 AM. Welcome gates will be made at different places throughout the procession path to welcome the Rath Yatra. This Rath Yatra will be welcomed by showering flowers and perfume.