Watford Rathayatra
July 18 @ 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Free
Saturday 18 July 2026 – Watford
Procession in the Park | Kirtan, Music, Dance, Bouncy Castle for Kids, Stalls
The Festival of Chariots, also known as ‘Ratha Yatra’ is an ancient tradition of procession that takes place around the world, originating in India. Filled with singing, dancing, colour, and spirituality, it is a joyous occasion for all that attend.
Free and with something for everyone – Fun for the family, philosophy for the spiritual-seeker, singing & dancing for the expressive soul, and a free delicious vegetarian meal for all the public.
Start point – 11am: Watford High Street (by the pond), followed by procession into Cassiobury Park
End point: Cassiobury Park Bandstand
Free vegetarian feast served at 2pm
Frequently asked questions
‘Ratha Yatra’ literally translates as ‘Chariot Festival’. It is an extraordinary festival that originates in Jagannatha Puri on the east coast of India and dates back over 2,000 years.
Krishna, in His most merciful form as Lord Jagannatha, is pulled along on a large wooden cart. Lord Jagannatha is present along with His brother, Baladeva and sister, Subhadra.
At the end of the procession, there is a big gathering of devotees with feasting, stalls and spiritual entertainment.
Lord Jagannatha, known as the Lord of the Universe, is a wooden form of Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Primarily the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra will be sung:
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
The mantra is most commonly translated as, “O Lord, O Energy of the Lord, please engage me in Your service.” It was popularized in the sixteenth century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and spread worldwide in the late twentieth century by Srila Prabhupada and his followers in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Yes, this is free and open to everyone. Tell a friend, bring your family, or come on your own.